Skopelos is one of the few Greek islands where the interior is genuinely worth walking. The pine forest is dense and navigable, the network of kalderimi (Byzantine cobblestone paths) is partially preserved, and a marked trail system created in recent years provides reliable orientation. The shade makes hiking possible even in July.
The monastery trail, Mount Palouki
The most popular walking route on the island begins at the edge of Skopelos Town and climbs Mount Palouki (438m) via four monasteries. The full circuit takes 3–4 hours and is manageable for most walkers with basic fitness. The path rises steeply from Chora through Aleppo pine before reaching the first monastery — Evangelistria, an active convent — approximately 45 minutes into the walk. From there, the path continues through Metamorphosis (16th century, now uninhabited but structurally intact), Prodromos, and finally Agios Riginos, dedicated to the island’s patron saint.
The descent back to Chora can be made via the same path or via a different track that loops around the south side of the mountain through olive groves. Carry water — there are no facilities on the trail. Start before 9am in summer to avoid the heat on the exposed upper sections.
Cross-island traverse (Skopelos Town to Glossa)
A full-day walk connects Skopelos Town to Glossa along a mix of kalderimi paths and forest tracks. The total distance is approximately 18-20km and takes 7-8 hours at a moderate pace. The route climbs over the central ridge, drops through forest to the west-coast road near Panormos, then climbs again through the northern part of the island to approach Glossa from the south. This is a demanding walk requiring navigation experience or the company of a local guide — the trail markings thin out in the central section. The reward is the full visual range of Skopelos: forest, sea, villages, beaches, all in one continuous walk.
Neo Klima to Hovolo beach trail
A short but rewarding coastal walk from Neo Klima (Elios) — a village on the west coast road about 18km from Skopelos Town — leads to Hovolo cove in approximately 10–15 minutes along a rocky coastal path. The path requires some sure-footedness but is not technically demanding; proper shoes are better than sandals. Combined with a swim at Hovolo and a return to Neo Klima for a simple lunch, this makes a satisfying morning structure.
Practical tips
- Start all hikes before 9am in July and August — shade is abundant but exertion in midday heat is punishing
- Water shoes are not needed for hiking but bring them to any beach destination
- The monastery trail map is available from the local tourist information point in Skopelos Town
- Sturdy walking shoes are essential; the kalderimi stones are slippery when wet
- The island’s trail network is marked with wooden signs and yellow paint blazes — follow both
- Local guide Kostas Tsimikalis leads monastery and forest walks; ask at the port area
- Mount Palouki summit (438m) is reachable in 2–2.5 hours from Chora with good views but dense pine on the final approach
Also in This Section
- Monasteries — Four monasteries on Mount Palouki and the cliff-top chapel made famous by Mamma Mia!.
- Mamma Mia! locations — The real filming locations — what they look like today and how to reach them.
- Diving — Posidonia meadows, rocky reefs, and Aegean marine life — guided dives and courses.
- Boat trips — Day trips to Alonissos, round-island caiques, and remote east-coast coves.
- Cycling — The coast road, forest mountain-bike tracks, and a guided night cycling tour.