A beautiful Greek island, which begs stunning beaches, crystal clear water luxurious accommodation, traditional Pelion architecture and delicious food, was made famous over 15 years ago thanks to the 2008 film.
However, the island of Skopelos still receives far fewer visitors than some of its better-known neighbours, despite being larger.
The island, and its neighbour, feature heavily in the Mamma Mia! film. Glysteri Beach is where Sophie and her three fathers jump off the rocks after their sailing trip, while the Chapel of Agios Ioannis is the location of the wedding and where Meryl Streep sang her famous solo.
The film was shot on the island of Skopelos, one of several Greek islands in the west Aegean Sea, which comprise the North Sporades island group. Its neighbour, Skiathos, was also used for several scenes. While some locals have cashed in on this, launching boats and guided tours, this has not overpowered the island and turned it into a tourist hotspot like Santorini or Mykonos.
The island’s ancient Greek name was Peparithos, son of Dionysus and Ariadne, who is believed to have been the island’s first inhabitant, while its name today was given in Ptolemaios texts in the second century AD.
Indeed, Skopelos is larger than those islands, at just over 37 square miles. In comparison, Santorini is just 28 square miles, but welcomes vastly more tourists each year, with 743,000 last year, according to Statista.
Skopelos offers about 42 miles of coastline, and while much of this is inaccessible due to the island’s rugged landscape, several beaches are accessible by road, including Staphylos, Limnonari and the nudist beach Velanion.
For those wishing to partake in activities beyond sunbathing and swimming, the island is also known for its hiking and cycling trails, as well as kayaking and diving. There is a well-equipped, professional dive centre, which reviewers on Tripadvisor described as “the best teachers and mentors any of us had ever had”.
Due to the irregular landscape, there is no airport on the island. However, there is an international airport on Skiathos, which has daily flights all over Europe. Direct ferries from Thessaloniki can be taken, which take about four hours, or sea taxis from Skiathos take just half an hour.
The island is full of traditional Pelion architecture, much of which was built during the Turkish occupation in the 18th-century. In-keeping with the traditional theme, one can also enjoy traditional Greek dishes, including strifti – twisted phyllo dough – and cheese pie.
There is also plenty of older architecture to discover. This includes the 13th-century venetian medieval castle, strategically built on a rocky cliff overlooking the north of the island. The picturesque white chapel of Panagista of Pyrgos is also a must-see, also known as the Church of Holy Mary, found just at the end of the old port. Finally, the ancient Roman Sendoukia Graves are one of the most magnificent sites, found on the slope of Mount Delfi.
Visitors on Tripadvisor described the island in general as one “unspoilt Greek Island worth visiting,” and if “you want a quiet holiday then the north end of the island is perfect…”