Things to Do in Skopelos: Mamma Mia Locations, Churches, and Pine Forests
Skopelos is the most forested island in the Sporades — a rugged, densely wooded hill rising from the Aegean between Skiathos and Alonissos. Its fame internationally rests largely on the Mamma Mia film (2008), but the island was already well regarded among Greek summer visitors for its traditional architecture, clear water, and the absence of the overdevelopment that has claimed much of Skiathos. Prices listed are approximate as of 2026.
Climb to the Agios Ioannis Chapel
The chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri is on a sheer promontory on the island’s northwest coast, reached by approximately 100 stone steps carved directly into the rock face. Built in the 18th century, it is dedicated to St John the Baptist and was a place of pilgrimage long before the Mamma Mia wedding sequence made it the island’s most-photographed site.
The climb takes 10–15 minutes and is steep. The chapel is small and usually open; services are held on saint’s days. The view from the top — out over the Aegean towards Skiathos, with the forested Skopelos coastline curving below — is among the best on the island.
Getting there requires a car or scooter (approximately 35 minutes from Skopelos Town on the coast road) or a boat trip from Skopelos Town (water taxis in summer). Kastani beach, the Mamma Mia beach used in the film, sits at the base of the rock — accessible from the road before the chapel steps.
Walk the Streets of Skopelos Town
Skopelos Town (also called Chora) is one of the best-preserved traditional towns in the Sporades — a dense cluster of white-painted stone houses with wooden balconies and terracotta roofs climbing the hill above the horseshoe harbour. The town has 123 churches by some counts, ranging from large post-Byzantine churches to tiny whitewashed chapels at every alley turn.
The main lane through the old town climbs from the harbour to the ruined Venetian kastro at the summit. The kastro itself offers the best view over the harbour and the Aegean beyond. Below the kastro, the lanes of the old town are car-free and genuinely atmospheric in the early morning before the day-visitors arrive from Skiathos.
The Archaeological Museum of Skopelos near the waterfront covers the island’s history from Minoan-era finds through the Byzantine period. Entry approximately €2. The Folklore Museum in the old town houses local costume, pottery, and craft collections.
Explore Glossa Village
Glossa is the island’s second village — a traditional settlement on a hillside above the northern port of Loutraki, about 26km from Skopelos Town by road. The village is largely untouched by tourism, with a central square, kafeneions, and the church of Agios Reginos (patron saint of Skopelos). The atmosphere is noticeably quieter and more local than Skopelos Town.
The views from Glossa over the strait towards Alonissos are excellent. Taverna lunch in Glossa costs roughly half the price of the Skopelos Town harbour restaurants — a worthwhile side trip if you have a car.
Hike the Pine Forests
Skopelos is the most densely forested island in the Sporades and the hiking through the pine and olive forests is qualitatively different from the bare hillside walks of the Cyclades. The island has marked trails, though signage can be inconsistent in places.
Key routes:
- Glossa to Loutraki: A marked path descends from Glossa village to the northern port through old olive terraces and pine forest, approximately 45 minutes downhill.
- Old town to Kastro: The stepped lane through the old town to the summit ruins takes about 20–30 minutes and passes the highest concentration of small churches on the island.
- Coastal paths near Panormos: Several tracks through pine forest lead to the beaches around Panormos bay on the west coast.
The pine forest burns periodically (most recently in 2017, though large sections remain intact) and recovery adds texture to the landscape. Carry water on any hike — shade is good but summer temperatures still build.
Visit the Monasteries
Skopelos has eight monasteries on the island, several accessible by road and worth visiting for their settings as much as their religious significance.
Monastery of Evangelistria: A 17th-century monastery on a hillside above Skopelos Town, with a small museum of ecclesiastical artifacts and good views over the town. Walk up in about 30 minutes from the town centre.
Monastery of Metamorphosis: The highest monastery on the island, with the best panoramic views. Visible from the road that crosses the island’s central ridge. The setting on a rocky peak with views to both coasts in clear conditions is exceptional.
All monasteries have varying visiting hours and dress code requirements (covered shoulders and knees). No entry fees; donations welcome.
Skopelos Town Harbour at Dusk
The harbour in Skopelos Town is at its best in the late afternoon and early evening — when the day-trip boats have returned to Skiathos and the light changes from harsh summer glare to warm gold. The fishing boats come back in, the waterfront tavernas fill up, and the town’s residents reclaim the harbour front that was crowded with visitors a few hours earlier.
The promenade along the harbour is the social centre of the island in summer. Several good cafes and bars face the water, making the evening stroll and aperitivo hour here an easy and enjoyable activity in itself.
For the complete island guide including where to stay, getting there, and the beaches, see our Skopelos travel guide. For beaches including Stafylos, Limnonari, Milia, and Kastani (the Mamma Mia beach), see best beaches in Skopelos. For where to eat in Skopelos Town and Glossa, see restaurants in Skopelos.
Book Skopelos tours and boat trips with GetYourGuide. Pick up a Greece eSIM before you travel.
See Also
- Skopelos Travel Guide — full island overview with where to stay and getting there
- Best Beaches in Skopelos — Stafylos, Limnonari, Milia, Kastani, and Glysteri
- Restaurants in Skopelos — Skopelos Town waterfront dining, Glossa tavernas, local prune dishes
- Greek Island Ferry Guide — Volos and Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos crossings
- Greek Island Hopping Guide — placing Skopelos in a Sporades island route
Book an experience
Island Guide in the area
Best price guaranteed · Instant confirmation · Free cancellation on most bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
- Was Mamma Mia really filmed in Skopelos?
- Most of the outdoor scenes were filmed on Skopelos, particularly the chapel of Agios Ioannis on a 100-step rock above Kastani beach, which stood in for the wedding chapel. The village scenes used both Skopelos Town and neighbouring Skiathos. The film brought significant tourism to the island and the Agios Ioannis chapel remains a major draw.
- How do you climb to the Agios Ioannis chapel?
- The chapel sits atop a sheer rock accessed by approximately 100 stone steps cut into the cliff face. The climb takes about 10 minutes and is manageable for most adults in reasonable fitness, though the steps are steep and there is no handrail at the top. The reward is a view out over the Aegean and the forested Skopelos coast that is exceptional on clear days.
- How do you get to Skopelos from Athens?
- From Athens, take the train or bus to Volos or Agios Konstantinos, then ferry to Skopelos Town (Skopelos Hora) or the northern port of Glossa/Loutraki. The ferry from Volos takes approximately 3–3.5 hours; from Agios Konstantinos approximately 2.5 hours on fast ferries. There are no flights to Skopelos — the nearest airport is Skiathos, 30 minutes by boat.
- Is Skopelos good for walking and hiking?
- Skopelos has well-marked hiking trails through dense pine and olive forests — the pine coverage is notably more extensive than most Greek islands. The old kalderimi path from Glossa village down to the coast passes through forest with sea views. The island rewards slower travel on foot.