Setting foot on Skopelos for the first time is an adventure in itself, and figuring out where to stay? Well, that’s part of the excitement. Skopelos isn’t your average Greek island; it breaks the mold with its dual harbors and a collection of picturesque villages that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Deciding on the perfect spot to call home during your island getaway in Skopelos can vary wildly depending on what you’re aiming to get out of your vacation.
Our guide is here to shine a spotlight on the prime locations and top-notch hotels that should be on your radar as you plan your trip. Trust me, Skopelos has corners that will steal your heart.
If you are in a hurry..
- Skopelos (Chora) – The best place to stay in the island if you’re planning to delve into as much of the island’s charm as possible and are looking for a spot that’s a hub of activity, with convenient transport links, tourist facilities, and a smorgasbord of dining options.
- Panormos – Imagine a seaside village where pebbled beaches meet the horizon, lined with taverns that serve up the kind of meals stories are made of.
- Glossa – Perched on the northwest side of the island, this village is a maze of narrow alleys and cobblestone squares, dripping with charm.
- Agnontas – This picturesque little spot is just a stroll away from some of the island’s finest beaches. It’s quaint, beautiful, and feels like a well-kept secret.
- Stafylos – A small village that boasts an incredible bay and beaches that will have you pinching yourself to make sure they’re real.
- Raches – Nestled above the town of Skopelos, this rural, hilly area offers breathtaking views that you won’t believe until you see them for yourself.
1. Skopelos (Chora), best area to stay in Skopelos
Skopelos Town, or Chora, is not just the heart but the capital of the island, where around 2,000 souls call home. This is a bit over half of the island’s total population of 5,000.
It’s been designated as a traditional settlement, and honestly, every corner looks like it’s straight out of a travel brochure.
The town is a maze of cobblestone alleyways, lined with artisan shops that make for a delightful exploration. And the quaint squares? They’re perfect for savoring local delicacies under the cool shade of ancient plane trees.
While the town’s beach might not win any awards, the real jackpot of staying here is the convenience. With buses regularly setting off from the harbor area in the summer months, connecting you to all the major villages and beaches, you’re in the perfect spot.
And let’s talk about the dining scene—restaurants, bars, and cafes are dotted along the waterfront, offering up delicious meals with a view.
Best Hotels in Skopelos (Chora)
- (€€€) Skopelos Village Hotel: a 5-star hotel with swimming pools and spa, restaurant and bar, 600m from the port
- (€€) Rigas Hotel Skopelos: a 3-star hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and bar, 400m from Skopelos port
- (€) Sea View Studios: studios with well-equipped kitchenette, 1km from Skopelos port
2. Panormos, best area to stay in Skopelos for families and kids
Panormos Beach is literally the stuff of dreams. Nestled on the west coast of Skopelos, a mere 15 kilometers from the bustling town, it’s a haven of tranquility with the kind of sunsets that look like they’ve been hand-painted just for you.
The calm, the facilities that make everything a breeze, it’s no wonder this spot is a visitor magnet. The crystal-clear deep waters edged by a lush pine forest are just the cherry on top.
Dotting the shoreline, you’ll find an array of taverns that serve up deliciousness with a view. The family-run Vasiliki Tavern has won hearts far and wide, beloved by both locals and wanderers alike.
And if you’re in the mood for a little variety, a short drive will take you to the equally enchanting beaches of Kastani and Milia. Trust me, these places are the perfect spots to add a little extra sparkle to your beach-hopping adventures.
Best Hotels in Panormos
- (€€€) Adrina Resort & Spa: a 5-star beachfront hotel with wellness centre and 2 swimming pools, 2 restaurants and bar
- (€€) Adrina Beach Hotel: a 4-star hotel with swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar, 500m from the beach
- (€) Panormos Beach Hotel Skopelos: a beachfront hotel with swimming pool, breakfast and bar
3. Glossa, a charming village in Skopelos with amazing view
Glossa is a serene village perched in the northwest of the island, where even at the height of summer, the streets remain as peaceful as a whisper, rarely bustling with more than a handful of souls.
Glossa boasts its very own port, Loutraki, where, on occasion, the ferry lines dock and depart. This quaint harbor adds to the charm of the village, providing a gateway to the serene beauty of Glossa for visitors and locals alike.
On a clear day, the view stretches across the sea all the way to Skiathos town and the Pelion peninsula, earning Glossa the nickname “the balcony of the Aegean.”
Dotted throughout Glossa, you’ll find a selection of restaurants and cafes where dining comes with a panoramic vista.
The only hiccup with making Glossa your base is the distance from Skopelos’ most celebrated beaches like Limnonari, Milia, Stafylos, Panormos, and Amarantos.
Best Hotels in Glossa
- (€€) Aegean Wave – Faros Hotel: elegant apartments with a well-fitted kitchen, breakfast and bar, in Loutraki
- (€€) Hotel Selenunda: traditional apartments with a kitchenette and free parking, 1km from Loutraki beach
- (€) Notos Sea Front Apartment: a modern apartment with balcony, 400m from Loutraki beach
4. Agnontas, best area to stay in Skopelos for food and nature
Agnontas, a tranquil seaside hamlet, is home to fewer than 80 year-round residents, transforming into a near ghost town during the winter months. However, come summer on Skopelos, its few operating restaurants rank among the island’s culinary gems.
Make a beeline for the Mouria fish tavern for delectable seafood dishes fresh from the surrounding waters, and kick off your day with coffee and pancakes at M Coffeehouse.
While Agnontas isn’t bustling with shops or services, it’s a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s pristine beaches and natural beauty.
From Agnontas, a leisurely walk will take you to the stunning Limnonari Beach. And in just 25 minutes, you can discover the secluded coves of Cape Amarantos, marked by two iconic pine trees perched atop a rock.
Plus, the small bus stop at the end of Agnontas’ port offers convenient connections to Chora and other villages and beaches, making exploration a breeze.
Best Hotels in Agnontas
- (€€€€) Agnontas Luxury Villas: beachfront villas with swimming pool and balcony
- (€€) Althea Accommodation: studios and apartments, 100m from Agnontas beach
- (€) Kallisti Seaside Studios: apartments for families, a few steps from Agnontas beach
5. Stafylos, a place with a beautiful beach in Skopelos
Stafylos is a quaint settlement on the eastern coast of Skopelos, just a short 4-kilometer hop from the town. The star attraction here is its namesake, Stafylos Beach, drawing visitors with its shimmering waters and inviting sand.
Just as enchanting is Velanio Beach, the island’s sole nudist-friendly shore. A simple trek along the edge of Stafylos Beach and down a forested path leads you to this secluded paradise.
Here, the businesses and eateries are seasonal, springing to life during the summer months to offer some of the best dining experiences on the island.
Best Hotels in Stafylos
- (€€€) Stafylos Suites & Boutique Hotel: a 3-star hotel with swimming pool, breakfast and bar, 600m from Stafylos beach
- (€€) Irida Apartments: apartments with fully equipped kitchen, 300m from Stafylos beach
- (€€) Mando Beachfront: elegant rooms with garden, close to Stafylos beach
6. Raches, where to stay in Skopelos for a luxury accommodation
Raches is cradled by the sweet fragrance of olive groves, orchards dotted with lemon trees, and the renowned plum trees of Skopelos. In these lush hills, farmers tend to their sheep, painting a scene straight out of a pastoral dream.
This area is a hotspot for luxurious villas in Skopelos, offering an unmatched experience of the island’s serene beauty.
Just 4 kilometers from the harbor, Raches is accessible via a scenic hiking trail that meanders through olive groves to the town center.
Best Hotels in Raches
- (€€€€) Villa Glafki: a villa for 7 people, with swimming pool, 2.9km from Skopelos town
- (€€€) Villa Fotini Kalivi: a villa with swimming pool for 2 people, 3.2km from Skopelos port
- (€€€) Olive Mill Cottage: a traditional house for 5 people, 3km from Skopelos port