Skopelos has a genuine network of old cobbled paths (kalderimi) and newer forest tracks, built originally for mule traffic between villages and now maintained largely for walkers. With around 80% of the island under pine forest, hiking here means shaded trails more often than exposed ridgelines, which makes even summer walks more comfortable than on barer, rockier islands.

Mount Palouki and the monasteries

The most popular route climbs from Skopelos Town across the bay to Mount Palouki, linking several of the island's monasteries — Evangelistria, Timios Prodromos, Agia Varvara — via old paths through pine forest. Allow roughly half a day for the full loop, with a clear view back over the harbour as the reward partway up.

Skopelos Town to Stafylos and Velanio

An easier, flatter route of around 5km from Chora to Stafylos beach, passing through olive groves and farmland, with the option to continue on foot to Velanio. This is a reasonable choice for less experienced walkers or anyone short on time.

Glossa and the northwest coast

Several shorter routes radiate from Glossa, including paths to the Monastery of Agios Taxiarchis and down toward Loutraki and the coast. A route from Palio Klima to Loutraki offers green hillside views most of the way down, descending through terraced fields toward the sea.

What to pack

Sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection regardless of season; several routes run partly alongside roads with light traffic, and cell signal drops out on some of the more remote stretches. Trails are generally well signed near villages but less so in the deeper forest sections, so download an offline map before setting out.

• Mount Palouki monastery loop — half-day, moderate
• Skopelos Town to Stafylos/Velanio — easy, ~5km
• Glossa to Loutraki and the Taxiarchis monastery — short, scenic
• Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear year-round