Sporades islands, the jewels of tourism in Thessaly
Skiathos of Papadiamantis, the island with possibly the most beautiful beaches in the country, the “Mama Mia” Skopelos destination for family holidays offering quality, Alonissos refuge of the seal Monachus – Monachus, the visitable wreck of Peristera and the beautiful Old Town, give an added value to the touristic product of Thessaly.
The Administrative Region of Thessaly has undertaken actions and initiatives to further promote and highlight the beauties and emotions offered by the Sporades throughout the world.
On Sporades islands the visitor can find almost everything that makes up Greece in miniature and upon his return home will have collected experiences and memories that do not fade with time, but create the desire to visit them again.
Mythology, history and culture, unique products and gastronomy, fine spirits, unique geological phenomena, unparalleled natural beauty, sea and picturesque villages in absolute harmony in winter and summer, emerald islands with modern and quality tourist infrastructure, churches and monasteries that fascinate with their architecture.
Each one of the aforementioned, together with the generous hospitality of the islanders, are our strong advantages in this effort.
Dimitris Kouretas
District Governor of Thessaly
A few years ago, this island in Sporades of immaculate beauty, had the chance to be associated with Mamma Mia and become the shooting location for the timeless musical. Skopelos is an island full of energy, romanticism and relaxation at the same time. It is an island of incomparable natural beauty, magically connected with the human element, the traditional villages, the monasteries and the chapels. This island is famous worldwide for its hospitality, gastronomy and high quality services.
The beautiful beaches are creating natural bays and caves taking you back in time, when fearless pirates invaded the island from almost everywhere. Today, there are no pirates, but the countless beaches are bound to steal your heart! There are beaches for water sports, diving, nudism, isolation, relaxation, entertainment, or simply gazing at the sunset and the chapels built on the rocks!
The villages you will see on the Mamma Mia island will make you fall in love with it at first sight. New York Times have ranked the island among the best in the world for the spectacular view of the Chora of Skopelos, when entering the port by ship. Paved alleys, cobbled streets, special architecture, huge bougainvillea on the balconies and the picturesque houses can transfer you to another era. The picturesque town of Glossa, built on the mountain, the beautiful seaside village of Loutraki, and Klima, surrounded by vegetation, and the residential area of Elios- Neo Klima, with the wonderful beach alongside, are some of the villages you will be visiting and some of the memories you will take along when you leave.
Skopelos is an island full of atmospheric mysteries with many centuries-old monasteries and legends, which date back thousands of years. Visitors can admire “drakontoschisma”, a huge and remote rock formation, where, according to the legend, Saint Riginos, patron saint of the island, killed a giant dragon 800 years ago!
Skopelos is the island of positive vibes and rejuvenating energy. The hiking paths in Skopelos are waymarked to a large extent. There are also kiosks – they are of various lengths, covering several kilometers of hiking routes. Due to the geographical position of the island, the mild winds, the three ports and the three tourist shelters, it is a sailing paradise for all aspiring yachtsmen. Moreover, there are more than 15 diving spots in Skopelos, inviting you to meet the underwater biodiversity and the impressive underwater landscape. For more experienced visitors, “Christophoros”, the 85-meter cargo ship stands out as one of the most well- preserved shipwrecks of the area.
What makes Skopelos so unique is its amazing gastronomy. Very popular is the rolled cheese pie from Skopelos, baked with a special technique. Curd cheese and goat feta, the local olive oil, orgeat drink, bread as well as the local desserts such as plums, almonds, sour cherries and oranges can excite your palate.
If you are planning to get married or looking for ideas for your honeymoon, then Skopelos is the ideal destination. This is the “recipe” for success, following in the steps of the protagonists of the film “Mamma Mia”! Kastani beach, with its exotic color, will inspire you to sing for your love. In Glysteri, you will enjoy the most exciting sunrise of your life, and Milia, Agnontas and Amarantos will offer a movie-like experience right before sunset! It is certain that you will shout out “Mamma Mia!” when you find yourself in Agios Giannis, in Kastri and go up the 106 steps on the rock, taking you to the top, 100 meters high, where you will find the magical chapels. Did you know that you can take part in one of the popular Mamma Mia tours, which will take you around the filming locations on the island accompanied by the music of ABBA? Give it a try and add a pinch of Hollywood glamour in your vacation!
Skopelos is accessible by sea, providing a variety of alternatives to reach your destination by boat. It is worth mentioning that visitors can also fly to the international Skiathos Airport “Alexandros Papadiamantis”, either from Athens or abroad, and then reach Skopelos Island by boat.
