Skopelos is a Greek island based in the Northern Sporades and is most famous for being the setting for Mamma Mia. Known as the green-blue island, Skopelos is an amazing island to visit in Greece, unique to other islands in the Aegean Sea, with about 80% of the island being covered by virgin pine forests and having incredible green beaches.

Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in Skopelos

To hire a sailboat in Skopelos, prices average around £200, with motorboats costing roughly the same. For a weeklong charter, both motorboats and sailboats average a similar price at around £1,500. However, these prices are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on several factors including the type of boat and time of year.

Boat availability in Skopelos

Skopelos is a very popular tourist destination and has only grown in popularity since Mamma Mia came out, being one of the most visited Greek islands. Tourist season, therefore, runs from May through to early November, with the summer months being the most popular and therefore busiest and most expensive, due to the warm Mediterranean climate. If you plan to visit during any of these months, we recommend you book in advance, as availability goes quickly.

Do I need a license to hire a boat in Skopelos?

To hire a boat in Skopelos, you must have a license if you plan on hiring a speedboat. If you plan on hiring a small sailboat you do not need a license, however, it is important to check that your boat fits into the specifications. If you do not have a license but want to hire a motorboat, try hiring a boat with a skipper for a hands-off experience.

Overview of Skopelos

If you love all things Mamma Mia, Skopelos is the island for you. Skopelos is a popular destination during the well-known tourist activity in Greece of island hopping, home to a lot of Greek historical sites as well as some incredible natural views.

If you are going for your love of Mamma Mia you can’t miss the Chapel of Saint John Kastri, where some of the most important and famous scenes of the film were set, which see Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep attending the former's wedding. Not only that, but the church offers an amazing view of the skyline of Skopelos and Alonissos, with the inside of the church decorated with beautiful statues and items. To see more of the history of the town, visit one of the 360 monasteries and churches such as the Monastery of Timios Prodromos which is open to the public and hosts a small museum where you can explore the history of religion and the town. The town is also littered with museums, from museums looking at the history of Greece and Skopelos such as the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Cultural Heritage to the photographic centre which often hosts exhibitions and lectures on photography.

If you would rather relax on some of the gorgeous beaches of the island, try visiting the popular beach of Milia, or if you prefer a little more privacy head over to the hidden and secluded beaches of Keramoto and Leni. While all these beaches are unique in their own way, they also all share crystal clear waters and golden sands, which make sunbathing and visiting the beaches a popular and must-do activity when you visit the island. The amazing waters and hidden coves make the island a great place to try your hand at various water sports, such as kayaking, diving, snorkelling, or paddle boarding.

Before you leave you must try some of the traditional Greek food at one of the many cafes on the promenade of Skopelos town, or in the traditional Greek square of Glossa where you are surrounded by narrow winding alleyways and beautiful old houses. Visit the local taverna and try some orzo or tzatziki, or the traditional food of the island, Skopelos pie which is a savoury meal made of filo dough and a filling of cheese, onion tomato or milk.

Sailing areas around Skopelos:

• Alonnisos
• Volos
• Limnos
• Skiros
• Nea Propontida
• Porto Koufo