Best Beaches in Skopelos | Oliver's Travels

The rugged beauty of Skopelos streams through to its beaches, most of which are pebble and shingle stretches, backed by dense pines and cragged cliffs. The southern beaches tend to be the most popular, thanks to ease of access from Skopelos Town. However, the most picturesque stretches for a Skopelos holiday can be found to the west, and the further north you head up the coastline, the more secluded and deserted the beach. But to go off grid, you need to head east or rent a boat to find those off-the-beaten-path beaches only accessible by foot or sea. Here are the 10 best beaches in Skopelos.

Best for film fans: Kastani Beach

You may recognise Kastani Beach from Skopelos’ Mamma Mia, the 2008 film adaptation of Abba musical. This picturesque bay, with its turquoise waters and lush pine forest, provided a backdrop to many of the dance scenes in the movie – think Does Your Mother Know and Lay All Your Love On Me. Shimmy across the sands to the waterfront bar, but be warned, this beach is the one of the few spots on the island that does get overcrowded.

Best for swimming: Armenopetra Beach

For more secluded swims, head to isolated Armenopetra, around halfway up the west coast. Here, two white-pebble beaches, kissed by limpid waters, meet at a rocky promontory. Armenopetra means “sailing rock” in Greek – a nod to the bulbous landmark that guided sailors to shore. If it’s too breezy, continue on foot to the second, more sheltered beach, Kalives – one of the quieter beaches in Skopelos.

Best for convenience: Glisteri Beach

The closest beach to Skopelos Town, Glisteri is tucked away at the end of a narrow inlet. Reached by an olive tree-lined road that weaves through an oleander-scented valley, this pebbly beach has a taverna and popular beach bar, where you can rub shoulders with locals over a glass of ouzo.

Best for toes-in-the sand days: Limnonari Beach

Limnonari is the closest to a sandy beach you’ll find on Skopelos. Biting into the west coast, the horseshoe-shaped bay is filled with crystalline waters, overlooked by a couple of excellent tavernas. Access is via a steep, winding track – best tackled by car, or on foot along the coastal path from Agnondas Beach.

Best for sunset watching: Panormos Beach

One of the most popular beaches, Panormos is a long, undulating shingle-and-pebble stretch on the west coast. Backed by a wall of lush green foliage, this is one of the best beaches in Skopelos for sunset-gazing – get there early to find a spot.

Best for off-grid relaxation: Hovolo Beach

Further up the coast, the cliff-flanked beach of Hovolo is one of the island’s most secluded. It can only be reached by sea – but that’s the beauty of it. Rent a boat from Panormos, and head north to this fine-shingle arc, where you’re unlikely to bump into another soul.

Best for unplugging from modern life: Aggeletu Beach

If you really want to get off the beaten track, venture east to Aggeletu Beach, accessible only on foot. This wild, untamed shingle crescent is backed by wind-sculpted cliffs and cragged rocks. There aren’t any bars, taverns or hire equipment, but that’s the point – you’ll have the whole beach to yourself.

Best for families: Stafilos Beach

At the southern tip of the island, Stafilos is a fine-shingle beach lapped by crystal-clear waters. It’s easy to reach by car from Skopelos Town, and has a tavern and beach bar, plus sun loungers and umbrellas to rent.

Best for foodies: Agnondas Beach

If you follow the cape around to the west from Stafilos, you’ll stumble across Agnondas, a slender bay with a shingle beach. A wall of pine trees wraps around the shore, tinting the water emerald-green. Several tavernas – among the best restaurants in Skopelos – serve fresh seafood and Greek classics.

Best for scenic surrounds: Milia Beach

Looking out over the islands of Dassia and Skiathos, this long, straight arrow of shingle beach is one of the west-coast favourites. The water is an ever-shifting spectacle of colour at Milia Beach, Skopelos, thanks to the surrounding pine trees.

For a beach break on this beautiful island, check out our luxury villas in Skopelos. For more holiday inspiration, have a read of our Skopelos Travel Guide and Top 10 Things to Do in Skopelos.