Skopelos is the largest island of the Northern Sporades, situated between Skiathos and Alonissos in the Aegean Sea. It is notably green, with pine forests and olive groves covering much of the island and reaching close to the coast. Skopelos Town, the island’s main settlement, rises amphitheatrically above the harbor, with white houses, tiled roofs, stone lanes, and numerous churches. Other settlements include Glossa and Neo Klima, while smaller coastal communities add to the island’s varied character. The combination of forested hills, traditional architecture, and clear coastal waters distinguishes Skopelos from many other Greek islands.

Skopelos has a strong religious and craft heritage, visible in its churches, monasteries, and traditional settlements. Skopelos Town contains dozens of churches and chapels, while monasteries such as Evangelistria and Agia Varvara occupy the hills around the town. The island also has longstanding traditions of pottery, weaving, shipbuilding, and knife-making. In the former settlement of Kastro, remnants of older fortifications and religious buildings reflect the island’s layered history. Skopelos became internationally recognizable as a filming location for Mamma Mia!, with places such as Kastani Beach and the chapel of Agios Ioannis at Kastri appearing in the film.

The coastline combines sandy beaches, rocky coves, and forested slopes that descend toward the sea. Stafylos and Velanio lie close to Skopelos Town, while Panormos is a sheltered pebble beach backed by pine-covered hills. Milia overlooks the small island of Dasia, and Kastani is another well-known beach associated with Mamma Mia!. At Agios Ioannis, a small chapel stands on a steep rocky outcrop above the water. Inland, trails connect villages, chapels, monasteries, and wooded areas, while the preserved streets of Skopelos Town provide a closer look at traditional island architecture.

Skopelos has a distinctive cuisine based on local produce from both land and sea. Its best-known specialty is Skopelos cheese pie, made from thin pastry formed into a characteristic spiral and filled with local cheese. The island also produces plums, almonds, chestnuts, figs, olives, honey, goat cheese, and fresh seafood. Dried plums are particularly associated with local agriculture and are used in sweets, preserves, and some savory dishes. Traditional desserts include amygdalota, rozedes, and chamalia, while spoon sweets made from fruit are commonly served after meals.