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Ultimate guide to Skopelos

 

Meet Skopelos, the idyllic island famed for being the main filming location of Mamma Mia! We’re lucky enough to have it as one of our fresh-faced Greek destinations…

If gorgeous Greek getaways are your thing, you can bet on stunning Skopelos being one you’ll want on your to-visit list. This dreamy isle is fabled for its lush landscapes and brilliant beaches, so it’s hardly surprising that the creators behind the magical marvel, Mamma Mia!, chose it as their chief filming location.

Like what you hear so far? Follow us on a whistle-stop tour of the island, which you can reach when you fly to Skiathos. You’ll soon see why Skopelos holidays are a winner.

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Beautiful beaches

Around Skopelos Town and Stafylos, the island has a smorgasbord of brilliant beaches to laze on. You’ll suddenly feel inspired to unwind when you clap eyes on Kastani Beach in particular. With its blend of sand and shingle shoreline, backed by a stretch of couldn’t-be-greener trees blanketing the hillside, it epitomises the Skopelos holiday. And the Mamma Mia! filmmakers were sold by this dreamy scene. Many of the famous ABBA tracks were belted out here by Amanda Seyfried and co.

You’ll also be bowled over by just how idyllic Cape Amarandos is. It was another spot where the cameras rolled, but nowadays has an appeal for holidaymakers keen to mix relaxation with exploration. Why not pack a picnic and make a long lunch of it? We promise it’ll be hard to peel yourself away from the aquamarine waters.

If that’s not enough, there’s the pretty Panormos Beach, which offers stripy sunloungers to hire, and a medley of traditional tavernas line the pebbles.

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Super sights

Arguably the place to see for Mamma Mia! fans, the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri would’ve retained its original charm as a hidden treasure had it not drawn the eye of the producers. To reach the church itself, you’ll have more than 200 steps to clamber up, but wow – the panoramas from the top will more than validate your efforts. It’s ruggedly charming, and then some. You’ll soon be imagining yourself as Donna or Sophie here, those timeless songs playing in the background.

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Fab food and drink

No Skopelos holiday would be complete without regularly wining and dining. Whether you’re all about the veg or simply must eat meat, there’s plenty for avid foodies to sink their teeth into. And cheese fiends will be in their element as well.

Grilled sardines, octopus salad, fritto misto – the list is almost endless for seafood-seekers. But you’ll find yourself drawn to the Greek classics, such as lamb kleftiko, chicken souvlaki and aubergine-filled moussaka. With taste bud-tantalising halloumi topped with honey, stuffed courgettes and meze platters finished with bowls of tzatziki and taramasalata dips, consider your palate well and truly pleased.

To round it all off, you’ll find plenty of cocktail and wine bars around the island, so order something refreshing and prepare to watch the setting sun melt across the sky. You’ll have a choice of chic drinking venues and more traditional, rustic watering holes at your fingertips.

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How can you resist it?

It’s true – there’s so much to see on a Skopelos holiday that you’ll be the winner that takes it all… Beyond the Mamma Mia!must-visits, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to try and learn about the local exports. Sure, we’re talking about olives and the rich oil made from these juicy treats, but Skopelos is also known for its plums. Enjoy them as fruit, their dried counterparts, prunes, or even as a jam spread across some fresh bread. Honey’s another favourite on toast here too.

You’ll also discover that cheese pies and almonds go down well on the island. If you’d rather buy a souvenir that isn’t perishable, how about soap? It’s made with local oil and serves as the ideal way to keep your skin soft.

If all that’s got you in touch with your inner Meryl Streep, or you’ve been in the market to find a new Greek destination with the wow factor, you’ll agree that Skopelos is just the ticket. Ready for a getaway to remember? Put this sizzling summer destination on your map and get planning now.

Posted: 14th Feb 2020. Updated: 17th May 2023.

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