Where to Stay in Skopelos

Greece › Skopelos Best Places to Stay
By Santorini Dave

Ideal for a relaxing vacation, Evlalia Studios & Villa is set on a hillside just outside of the island’s capital – it takes just 15 minutes to walk down to the restaurants, shops, and other attractions in Skopelos Town.

Skopelos is an irresistibly charming island in the Sporades group in the northern Aegean Sea, with densely forested hills, sapphire-colored coves, and many beautiful white-pebble beaches that provide a wonderful contrast to the turquoise waters. The capital of Skopelos is Skopelos Town (or Chora), set on a hillside above its handsome east coast harbor. The 2nd largest village on the island is Glossa, located on the NW coast with its own harbor and ferry port.

Attractive Skopelos Town (Chora) boasts a pretty harbor with whitewashed houses topped in terra cotta tiles that cover the town’s hillside.

The island of Skopelos is small, attractive, and very clean, with highways that are in excellent condition and easy to navigate through pristine pine covered hills. Skopelos offers great swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, mountain biking (including e-biking), and hiking. The greenest island in the Sporades, Skopelos was also the primary filming location for the hit Hollywood film, Mamma Mia!

The island’s best beaches are on its sheltered south coast: Stafylos Beach, Agnontas Beach, and Limnonari Beach, and along the west coast — Kastani Beach, Milia Beach, and Panormos Beach. If you are looking for a golden sandy beach, try Agnontas Beach or Limnonari Beach.

When to go to Skopelos: June through early October, the summer months of July and August are busier and the temperatures higher. Crowds thin out in early and late season (May, June, September).

Pretty Skopelos Town harbor.

Getting to and Around Skopelos

• Skopelos has three ferry ports: the main eastern port in Skopelos Town, Glossa on the western side of the island (in Loutraki), and Agnontas on the south coast. (Agnontas is the least used port of the three).
• There is no airport on Skopelos. The closest airport is on the island of Skiathos, which is a 30 to 60-minute ferry ride, depending which port you arrive at on Skopelos: 30 minutes to Glossa port on Skopelos’ west coast, 60 minutes to Skopelos Town (Chora) port on the east coast.
• Driving on the island of Skopelos is easy; highways are paved and in excellent condition, and the island is relatively small at 21 km long and 8 km wide.
• The public bus offers frequent service, in the summertime, throughout the day to the best beaches and several villages.
• Boat rentals and tours allow access to remote and secluded beaches and caves that are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Best Places to Stay in Skopelos

Fantastic Adrina Beach Hotel features its own private beach and is located very near Panormos Village.

• Best Luxury Hotels on Skopelos
  Adrina Beach Hotel (Panormos) • Evlalia Studios & Villa (Skopelos Town)
• Best Boutique Hotels on Skopelos
  Skopelos Village Hotel (Skopelos Town) • Panormos Beach Hotel (Panormos) • Aegean Wave (Loutraki)
• Best Beach Resort on Skopelos
  Adrina Beach Hotel (Adrina Beach)
• Best Midrange/Budget Hotels on Skopelos
  Amalia Hotel (Skopelos Town) • Aperitton Hotel (Skopelos Town) • Ionia Hotel (Skopelos Town) • Thea Home Hotel (Skopelos Town)
• Best Hotel near Skopelos Town ferry port:
  Amalia Hotel

Best Places on Skopelos for…

• Where to Stay on Skopelos for First-Timers: Skopelos Town
  Skopelos Town (Chora) is the main town and a great base for first-timers to explore the island. It’s the hub of activity and offers a wide range of accommodations. The town is charming, a tangle of cobblestone alleyways lined with tavernas, shops, car & scooter rentals, and the island’s main ferry port. The Folklore Museum is home to the island’s exhibits over the last two hundred years and is in the center of town.

  Accommodations that are perched on the hillsides of Skopelos Town, like the Aperitton Hotel, have sea views and easy access (10-minute walk) to town along delightful alleyways.

  

  A traditional Greek taverna in Skopelos Town

• Where to Stay on Skopelos for Couples or Honeymooners: Stafylos
  Stafylos is serene and very scenic, set on a hillside with a smattering of 3-star hotels and apartments. Pine trees line the shores of two adjacent beaches, Stafylos Beach and Velanio Beach, with an excellent taverna just up the hill. For other services and attractions, nearby Skopelos Town (4 km away) has shopping, museums, tavernas, and the ferry port.
• Where to Stay on Skopelos for Water Activities: Milia Beach
  The best beaches for water activities on Skopelos are Milia Beach (15 km from Skopelos Town, with the closest accommodations in Panormos) and Stafylos Beach (5 km from Skopelos Town). Milia Beach rents water skis, jet skis, waterboarding, inflatable rides, kayaks, and SUPs; lessons are also available. Stafylos Beach rents kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. At Adrina Beach near Panormos, the Adrina Beach Hotel offers scuba diving lessons and equipment rentals.
  

  Scuba Lesson at Adrina Beach Hotel

• Where to Stay on Skopelos for Families: Panormos
  Panormos is a quiet and family-friendly area with some great hotels, and a handful of traditional tavernas on the calm turquoise shores of Panormos Beach. Panormos Beach has great sunsets, plus water activities like kayaks, paddle boards, and pedalo rentals. Boat rentals too. Panormos is the on the west coast, halfway between Skopelos Town and the village of Glossa and close to other great beaches like Kastani Beach (2 km) or Limnonari Beach (9 km).
• Where to Stay on Skopelos without a Car: Skopelos Town
  Skopelos Town is the largest town with handsome white-washed houses, narrow cobblestoned streets, a wide selection of eateries, cafes, coffee shops, and bars, and the island’s main ferry port. A variety of stores sell natural and organic products, the island’s famous cheese pies, jewelry, sandals, pottery, and clothing. Staying in Skopelos Town makes it easy to access the island’s best beaches and many of its quaint villages, either by renting a car or taking the public bus, which has frequent service throughout the day in the summertime.

Sunset at the waterfront Aeolos Hotel in Skopelos Town.

Skopelos vs Skiathos

• Skopelos is more laid-back and less commercially developed than the island of Skiathos.
• Skopelos Town has some small bars, both modern and traditional, while Skiathos Town has a vibrant nightlife with a mix of bars, pubs, and some clubs on “bar street” just beyond the yacht marina.
• Skopelos beaches generally have a bed of fine pebbles/rocks, rather than the fine golden-sanded beaches of Skiathos.
• Skopelos has no airport. Skiathos has an international airport which is close (2 km) to the island’s bustling main town, Skiathos Town.

The 6 Best Areas on Skopelos for Tourists

1. Skopelos Town

The island’s capital, Skopelos Town, is brimming with delightful cafes and shops along its harborfront, tangled stone alleyways, and white-washed houses adorned with colorful flowers. The town offers a variety of stores including cafes, ice cream shops, and small boutiques selling jewelry and pottery. Tavernas spill out onto its charming cobble-stoned streets, and the town’s quaint promenade is a wonderful spot for an evening stroll along the harbor.

Cultural attractions include the Folklore Museum in the center of town, showcasing cultural exhibits that span the last 200 years; and the 17th-century Panagitsa of Pyrgos church, built on a cliff above the town’s harbor. Past the church, and 200 m along the walking route – all up hill – is the remnants of the Venetian Castle of Skopelos.

• Best Hotels in Skopelos Town
  Evlalia Studios & Villa • Skopelos Village Hotel • Amalia Hotel • Aeolos Hotel • Aperitton Hotel • Ionia Hotel • Thea Home Hotel

2. Panormos

This quaint and picturesque coastal village boasts a beautiful beach with clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Panormos has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a handful of charming tavernas and small to medium-sized hotels that are popular with both couples and families.

• Best Hotels in Panormos
  Adrina Beach Hotel • Panormos Beach Hotel • Afroditi

3. Glossa

Glossa is traditional village perched on a hill with views of the sea. Its sleepy and quiet atmosphere is both charming and relaxing. Winding alleyways, traditional stone houses, and a few tavernas provide a more authentic experience. From its hillside there are views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Skiathos. Loutraki is the port town just below the hillside village of Glossa.

• Best Hotel in Glossa
  There are no hotels in Glossa, but many good guesthouses and villas to rent. The nearest hotel is Aegean Wave Hotel in Loutraki, 1.5 km away.

4. Stafylos

Located a short drive from Skopelos Town, Stafylos is one of the closest beaches to town, as well as one of the best beaches on the island. Stafylos Beach is a mix of pebbles and sand is somewhat narrow, well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bar. The surrounding hillside offers a range of accommodation options from small hotels to self-catering apartments. Beyond Stafylos Beach, walk to the far end of the beach and over the headland to find the hidden and semi-secluded Velanio Beach, scenic and peaceful with good snorkeling – and clothing optional.

• Best Hotel in Stafylos
  Mando Beachfront • Poseidon

5. Agnontas

Nestled in a sheltered bay, this quaint fishing harbor features a roadside beach that’s easy to access and offers occasional ferry service. The pebble/sand beach with turquoise water boasts several good beachside tavernas that serve fresh seafood. Across the road from the beach are options for lodging. Agnontas is an easy drive to other great beaches such as Limnonari (1.5 km) and Panormos (9 km).

• Best Hotel in Agnontas
  Althea Accommodation • Lithanemon

6. Loutraki

Loutraki is a tiny village on the island’s northwest coast and is the sea/ferry port of Glossa. Many ferries to Skopelos stop at both ports: Glossa and Skopelos Town. Loutraki has a quiet, quaint, and relaxed vibe with a few tavernas and cafes. Loutraki was once the ancient town of Selinounda, and there are ruins of this ancient city’s walls and roman baths dating back to 400 BC. The steep and winding 3 km road from seal-level Loutraki up the hillside to Glossa can be a challenge even for seasoned walkers.

• Best Hotels in Loutraki
  Aegean Wave Hotel • Hotel Selenunda

The 12 Best Hotels in Skopelos

The poolside breakfast area at Evlalia Studios & Villas has views across Skopelos Town and the sea.

1. Adrina Beach Hotel

Incredibly scenic beachfront hotel nestled in a gorgeous turquoise-colored cove with its own private beach, 13 km from Skopelos Town. Saltwater swimming pool + pool bar. Guest rooms are attractive with beachy décor and private balconies boasting exquisite sea views. Great options for families with large two-bedroom loft suites that include a sitting area. Hotel has a fantastic seaside restaurant. Perk: onsite dive school for snorkel and scuba diving. Canoes and paddleboards available too.

2. Aegean Wave Hotel

Located high above the tiny village of Loutraki on the island’s northwest coast, this cozy hotel sits in a quiet area and boasts terrific views. Rooms are comfortable with kitchenettes, rainfall showers or jetted bathtubs, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, and blackout curtains. Suites add full kitchen and sitting area. Guest rooms and restaurant have fabulous views of the countryside, harbor, and the island of Skiathos. Homemade breakfast provided. One of the closest hotels to the famous wedding chapel in the film, Mamma Mia!, perched atop a 300-foot cliff. Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the port of Glossa (1 km) and the village of Lourtraki. Open from April to October.

3. Aeolos Hotel

Good location along the waterfront, close to the main harbor, restaurants, and shops in Skopelos Town. This 4-star hotel is basic and clean, and guest rooms are comfortable with old-fashioned furnishings and 1970s-style décor. Double twin rooms feature mini-fridges, desk, lots of storage, satellite TV, and single stand-up showers, with an option to add a cot. Rooms have verandas/balconies with either sea, garden, or town views. Sea view rooms on the higher floors recommended. Outdoor pool, private parking, and complimentary breakfast. Town center and ferry port are a short walk away, less than 10 minutes.

4. Afroditi

Older budget-friendly hotel located in the village of Panormos, 12 km from Skopelos Town. Close to the beach, several tavernas, and the bus stop is150 m. Rooms are simple, clean, and air-conditioned. Small outdoor pool and breakfast provided. Located halfway between the island’s two main ferry ports–Skopelos Town and Glossa (20 min drive).

5. Evlalia Studios & Villas

Set on a hillside in a beautiful olive grove, property boasts a modern infinity pool with sea views, and luxe double-sized sun beds with canopies, picnic/BBQ area, and pool bar. Greek-styled rooms and suites offer kitchenettes, contemporary décor, and private balconies. Deluxe family suites located on ground-level (patio) and first-level (balcony) have small kitchenettes, and can sleep 4. Away from the town’s center, the location is quiet and peaceful. Ferry port in Skopelos Town is 1 km, 15-minute walk.

6. Amalia Hotel

Newly renovated hotel in an excellent central location in town, steps to ferry port, quaint tavernas, and ice cream shops along the promenade in Skopelos Town. Lovely pool with a separate children’s pool, and their new poolside bar serves food. Guest rooms and two-bedroom suites have mini-fridges, Nespresso coffee machines, and furnished balconies. Hotel is across the street from a grocery store, bakery, and coffee bar. Rooms at back of hotel are quieter and overlook a garden.

7. Aperitton Hotel

Renovated and clean family-run hotel set on the town’s hillside offers light and airy guest rooms with ceramic-tiled floors and French-styled doors that lead to private or shared balconies, some with sea views. Double and triple rooms can accommodate 3. Junior Suites can sleep 4. Ten-minute walk to ferry port, and Skopelos Town’s harborfront with its charming seaside tavernas. Swimming pool with sun loungers, umbrellas, and pool bar. No restaurant, breakfast is provided.

8. Alkistis Hotel

All-suite traditional hotel has 25 rooms available in either studios or one-bedroom apartments that are housed in three buildings, all with kitchenettes featuring mini-oven, cooking rings, mini-fridges, and coffee machines. Apartments add living rooms with sofa beds. Hotel is set in a scenic olive grove and has a nice pool, swim-up pool bar, and a casual onsite restaurant. Located 2 km from Skopelos Town and 2.8 km to Stafylos Beach. Complimentary shuttle van service into town.

9. Ionia Hotel

Great hotel for families with guest rooms that surround the swimming pool and leafy courtyard giving a sense of privacy whilst in the middle of Skopelos Town. Guest rooms have simple furnishings and colorful wall murals. Double rooms have pool view, triple rooms either pool or town view. Convenient to shops, eateries, and short walk to the port in less than 10 mins along charming cobble-stoned laneways.

10. Panormos Beach Hotel

Excellent hotel close to beautiful Panormos Beach, is nestled below a hillside of lush pines and is a quiet retreat. Immaculate and spotlessly clean property boasting an infinity pool and poolside snack bar. Well-appointed rooms have been renovated with soundproof doors and key card locks, smart TVs, and glass-door showers. Guest rooms have slate floors, silent mini-fridges, and either mountain view, sea view, or pool view. Hotel is walkable to several cafes, tavernas, and the bus stop to other fabulous beaches, or Skopelos Town. Hotel is 120 m to Panormos Beach.

11. Skopelos Village Hotel

Beautiful boutique hotel in a quiet location, 10-minute walk along the waterfront into town. Hotel features lush gardens, bright and airy rooms and suites with contemporary amenities including mini fridges, desks, tiled bathrooms, and room service. Larger suites offer two bedrooms and spacious living room with either sea or pool/garden views–can sleep 5. Onsite restaurant/bar. Two beautiful swimming pools. Small fitness room. Breakfast provided.

12. Thea Home Hotel

Great value at this property that features simple colorful guest rooms located in the hills over Skopelos Town offering great views of the island’s main town and harbor. Rooms have country-styled furnishings and private covered balconies. Family rooms add separate bedroom, full-sized fridge, and laundry machine. 12-minute walk to the town’s tavernas along the promenade, boutique shops, and ferry port.

Summary: My Favorite Hotels in Skopelos

My Favorite Skopelos Hotels

Luxury: Adrina Beach

Boutique: Skopelos Village

Budget: Thea Home

Couples: Panormos Beach

With pool (families): Alkistis

Relaxation: Evlalia

Beachfront: Adrina Beach

Skopelos Town: Aperitton

Panormos: Panormos Beach

Skopelos Town Port: Amalia

Glossa/Loutraki Port: Aegean Wave