Beyond Skopelos Town, the island’s settlements range from the hillside village of Glossa to the small fishing port of Agnontas and the beach community of Panormos. Each has a distinct character, and most travellers end up passing through several even if they base themselves in just one.

The three ports

Skopelos has three working ports: Skopelos Town, the main hub for ferries and buses; Glossa’s port of Loutraki on the northwest coast; and Agnontas on the southwest, used as an alternative when north winds make the main port difficult for ferries to approach.

The inland and hillside villages

Glossa, the island’s second-largest settlement, sits on a hill above Loutraki with sweeping views to Skiathos. Palio Klima, rebuilt after a 1965 earthquake, and Neo Klima (also called Elios) sit along the route between Skopelos Town and Glossa, each with their own small beach access and a noticeably slower pace than the capital.

Beach-village hybrids

Panormos and Agnontas both combine a working harbour or beachfront with tourist infrastructure — tavernas, rooms, a beach bar or two — without the scale of Skopelos Town. Both make sensible bases for a beach-first stay.

Choosing among them

First-time visitors without a car generally do best in Skopelos Town, where the bus network starts and ferry connections are most frequent. Return visitors, or anyone prioritising a particular beach over town life, often gravitate to Panormos for the west coast or Glossa for the views and quieter pace. Agnontas and the Klima villages suit travellers who want a genuine village feel without sacrificing easy access to good beaches.

Practical tip

If you’re island-hopping or arriving with a car, double-check which port your ferry uses; Skopelos Town and Glossa are roughly 45 minutes apart by road, so an unexpected port change can cost you the better part of an hour.

• Skopelos Town — main port and capital
• Glossa / Loutraki — second port, hillside village above a small harbour
• Agnontas — third port, fishing village, used in poor weather
• Panormos, Neo Klima, Palio Klima — beach and hillside villages along the coast road

In This Section

• Skopelos Town (Chora) — The island’s capital
• Glossa — Hillside village with sweeping views
• Agnontas — Small fishing port
• Panormos — Beach village on the west coast