Kastani beach on Skopelos

Skopelos · Beaches

The beaches of Skopelos

Skopelos is the island where the pine forest comes down to the sea. Its beaches are on the sheltered south and west coasts, strung along the one main road from Skopelos town to Glossa: coves of sand and fine white pebbles under the trees, with water of an almost unreal green-blue. The north coast is steep and wild and catches the summer northerly, so on a windy day head south-west. Most beaches have a taverna or a beach bar, and the bus stops at the top of the road down to many of them.

Our favourites

Start with these

The bay of Stafylos and its clear water below the pines

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Stafylos

The nearest good beach to town, a small bay of sand and pebbles below a pine-covered hill, where the legend says the ships of the Cretan prince Staphylos landed. The rocky headland at one end is where his tomb was found in 1936.

  • Families
  • Easy access
  • History

About 4 km from Skopelos town by road or bus, then a short walk down

It is small and fills up by late morning in August. Walk on over the headland to Velanio for more space.

Stafylos & the south coastStay in Stafylos & Velanio

The bay of Agnontas with its fishing boats

Fine pebblesEasy-going

Agnontas

A small, deep bay with a pebble beach, fishing boats and three fish tavernas with their tables at the water's edge, where the pines grow almost into the sea.

  • Long lunches
  • Families
  • Easy access

Road or bus from Skopelos town, about 8 km

Swim before lunch, then stay at a taverna table until the afternoon.

Stafylos & the south coastStay in Agnontas

Pick your kind of day

Every other beach worth the drive

Organised
Sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Easy with children.
Easy-going
A taverna or a few umbrellas, plenty of room for your towel.
Wild
Nothing but the sea. Bring water, shade and snacks.

Sand & pebblesWild

Velanio

A long, quiet beach of sand and pebbles just east of Stafylos, under pines and cliffs, with clear water and no buildings. It has been the island's official nudist beach since 2011.

  • Nudist-friendly
  • Quiet
  • Snorkelling

A 10–15 minute path over the headland from Stafylos beach

There is nothing here: bring water, food and shade, and wear shoes for the path.

Stafylos & the south coastStay in Stafylos & Velanio

The sandy cove of Limnonari

SandEasy-going

Limnonari

One of the best beaches on the island: a cove of golden sand closed in by steep wooded hills, so calm it looks like a lake, which is what its name suggests. A beach bar and a taverna are on the sand.

  • Families
  • Shallow water
  • Sand

About 2 km by road from Agnontas, or a path of about 20 minutes from the hairpin bend on the main road

The road down is narrow and steep. If you come by bus, get off at Agnontas and walk.

Stafylos & the south coastStay in Agnontas

The bay of Panormos

PebblesOrganised

Panormos

A wide, sheltered bay on the west coast, with a long pebble beach, a little harbour for yachts, tavernas, rooms and a view of the pine-covered islets in the bay. The busiest resort on the island, and still small.

  • Families
  • Sunbeds
  • Long lunches

Road or bus from Skopelos town, about 15 km

Panormos & the west coastStay in Panormos

The long white pebble beach of Milia

Fine pebblesOrganised

Milia

A long beach of fine white pebbles backed by pines, a few minutes north of Panormos, facing the islet of Dasia. It is often called the most beautiful beach on Skopelos, with a beach bar, sunbeds and a couple of tavernas.

  • Swimming
  • Sunset
  • Sunbeds

Road or bus, then a short drive down through the pines

Stay for the sunset over Skiathos and Evia.

Panormos & the west coastStay in Panormos

The sandy cove of Kastani under its pines

SandOrganised

Kastani

A small sandy cove under the pines just north of Milia, and the main filming location of Mamma Mia! in 2007. Today it has a beach bar, music in the afternoon and some of the clearest water on the island.

  • Mamma Mia!
  • Sand
  • Beach bar

A short road off the main road, north of Milia

Go in the morning if you want it quiet. The beach bar livens up after lunch.

Panormos & the west coastStay in Panormos

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Hovolo

A beach of sand and white pebbles below pale cliffs, a short walk from Neo Klima, with very clear, turquoise water and a beach bar.

  • Swimming
  • Photography
  • Easy access

Road from Neo Klima, then a few steps down

Neo Klima & HovoloStay in Neo Klima (Elios)

PebblesWild

Armenopetra

A small pebble beach just south of Hovolo, named after the tall rock that stands in the water like a sail. Quiet, with deep, clear water.

  • Snorkelling
  • Quiet
  • Photography

A short dirt road from the main road near Neo Klima

Bring shade and water: there is nothing on the beach.

Neo Klima & HovoloStay in Neo Klima (Elios)

The chapel of Agios Ioannis on its rock above the sea

Sand & pebblesWild

Agios Ioannis sto Kastri

Small coves of sand and pebbles at the foot of the rock of the Mamma Mia! chapel, on the wild north coast. Swim after climbing the steps.

  • Mamma Mia!
  • Photography
  • Quiet

A narrow road east from Glossa, then a path down from the chapel steps

The north coast catches the summer northerly. Come on a calm day.

Glossa & the north-westStay in Agios Ioannis sto Kastri

PebblesEasy-going

Glysteri

A small pebble cove under the pines on the north-east coast, the nearest wild-feeling swim to town, with a beach bar.

  • Easy access
  • Quiet
  • Shade

About 4 km by road north-east of Skopelos town

Open to the north: on windy days the south coast is calmer.

Skopelos town & PaloukiStay in Skopelos town

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Skopelos town beach

The long beach along the bay east of the harbour, a short walk from the waterfront, with sunbeds and cafes. Handy for a swim between boats or before dinner.

  • Easy access
  • A quick swim
  • Sunbeds

A 5–10 minute walk from the harbour

Skopelos town & PaloukiStay in Skopelos town

Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.

Wake up near the water

Find a room a short walk from Skopelos's best beaches.

Where to stay

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