Skopelos rewards a mix of beach days and inland exploring. The obvious highlights — Kastani beach, Skopelos Town, the Mamma Mia chapel — earn their reputation, but the island’s monasteries, hiking trails and harbour villages add real depth for a stay of more than two or three days.

Walk the lanes of Skopelos Town

Start at the harbour and climb toward the Venetian kastro at the top of Chora. Along the way you’ll pass dozens of small whitewashed churches, the Folklore Museum in a restored 18th-century mansion, and the house of writer Pavlos Nirvanas. The walk up to Panagitsa of Pyrgos, the little church at the harbour mouth, and onward to the castle ruins, takes under an hour and gives the best view in town.

Swim at the famous beaches

Kastani and Milia on the west coast are the postcard beaches: pine-backed, clear water, easy parking. Stafylos and Velanio near Skopelos Town suit a half-day trip without a car. Panormos and Limnonari add sheltered, family-friendly bays with tavernas right on the sand.

Visit the Mamma Mia chapel

Agios Ioannis Kastri, the cliff-top church from the film’s wedding scenes, sits on its own rock connected to the mainland by a narrow path and roughly 200 stone steps. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the tour-boat crowds and get the light at its best.

Hike to the monasteries on Mount Palouki

Opposite Skopelos Town, Mount Palouki holds four working or semi-active monasteries, including Evangelistria and Timios Prodromos, connected by old cobbled paths through pine forest. The walk up from town takes about an hour each way and offers some of the best views of the harbour on the island.

• Skopelos Town and the Venetian kastro — best in late afternoon light
• Kastani and Milia beaches for the classic west-coast swim
• Agios Ioannis Kastri chapel, early morning to dodge tour groups
• The monastery trail on Mount Palouki for views and quiet
• A boat trip to Alonissos for a day in the marine park