Just 10 minutes from the island’s town, there’s a tranquil bay with quaint tavernas and a striking beach. At Skopelos‘ Agnontas, pine trees harmoniously blend with the blue waters of the Northern Aegean. It’s widely suggested that you should experience the sunset from Agnontas’ beach when visiting Skopelos. Conveniently, the namesake village is in proximity to the town, and you’ll often find this spot in most of the must-see attractions on the island of the Northern Sporades.
Agnontas, a charming seaside village, is positioned on the southwestern edge of Skopelos, right within the heart of a bay of the same name, and adjacent to Cape Amarantos. As per the 2011 census, it has a small population of 22 permanent residents. However, during summer, it attracts a substantial crowd of locals and tourists seeking to swim and dine in its inviting coastal tavernas.
The origins of Agnontas can be traced back to the ancient history of Skopelos, back when the island was known as Peparethos. The name Skopelos started to be recognized during the Roman Era. Interestingly, Agnon was a champion in 568 BC, who returned as an Olympian from that year’s Olympic Games. As he disembarked at the location of today’s village beach, the entire surrounding area was named in his honor. His image was even stamped on the coins of ancient Peparethos.
Pines, tavernas, and azure waters
When you pass Cape Amarantos – where scenes from the popular musical “Mamma Mia!” were filmed – the beauty of Agnontas, emerging from the dense green of the surrounding pine forest, is immediately captivating. These trees extend almost to the azure waters of the Northern Aegean, creating a striking contrast.
The village’s small yet captivating beach, embraced by pines, is a pebbly sanctuary with deep, clean waters giving you a “crystalline” sensation. The beach is fully equipped ensuring your sunbathing experience is comfortable with umbrella shade, loungers, and all the amenities that come along with it.
Even with the growth of tourism, Agnontas has maintained its ancient character as a fishing village and the identity of its harbor. The locals of Skopelos refer to it as the “little harbor of fishermen.” This is noticeable upon arrival, where you’ll see numerous fishing boats docked in the bay. Each evening, these boats venture into the open sea, fishing for the fresh fish and seafood — including lobsters — that you’ll find later on the menus of local taverns.
Thanks to the natural shelter offered by the bay of Agnontas, the harbor was once the main port of Skopelos, where passenger and cargo ships arriving from Volos and Agios Konstantinos of Fthiotida would moor. While the main port is now in Chora of Skopelos, Agnontas still functions as a secondary option, especially when harsh weather conditions, which affect the boats that run routes in the region, hinder access to the island’s capital. The bay’s sheltered location also offers an advantage for holidaymakers: the waters on Agnontas’ beach remain tranquil even when strong winds hit the rest of the island, making it a suitable choice for those visiting with young children.
Where to Eat and Stay in Agnontas
While the people of Agnontas have tried to preserve the traditional character of their cherished homeland, they have also welcomed tourism development. This has been facilitated in recent years due to the village’s closeness to the island’s capital, the main point of entry for tourists. As such, when you arrive, you’ll find hotels and food services ready to meet your travel expectations.
In terms of accommodation, you’ll find various options for rented apartments and studios, some of which operate as complexes with facilities similar to small hotels. For example, “Stamatia’s Garden” is just 50 metres from the beach and is surrounded by a verdant garden filled with trees and flowers. The “Kallisti Seaside Studios Skopelos” are close to the coast and feature a sun-drenched veranda with views of the lush landscape. “Agnontas Luxury Villas” offer a luxury experience with a pool and sea view, while “Korina’s House” is an elegant place with a garden and barbecue facilities.
When it comes to coffee and food, there is no strict separation like in other small coastal regions of Greece. Therefore, in the village’s three taverns, you’ll find everything you need, while you can enjoy both swimming and dining, ensuring you catch the breathtaking sunset of Agnontas, which you can admire from tables by the waves. Also note the beach bar “Apanemo”, which is bustling both during the day and at night, becoming a hotspot for cocktails.
The family-run fish taverna “Pavlos” has been operating since 1967, focusing on tradition and is known for its grilled scorpion fish and sun-dried gouna (fish, usually mackerel, sardine or picarel, which is dried and slow-cooked in the hot sun). The restaurant “Korali“, which also prioritizes fresh seafood, serves seafood risotto and authentic island lobster pasta and has a long-standing history. A more recent addition (opened in 2002) is “Mouria“, with an impressive sea view, situated under the shade of an ancient mulberry tree, offering well-prepared dishes: besides seafood, it’s well worth trying the Skopelos cheese pie and moussaka.
How to get to Agnontas
Agnontas is close to Chora of Skopelos: it’s just 8 kilometers away, a distance easily covered by road, via a paved network. Plan on a 10-minute drive and don’t fret if you don’t have your own vehicle, as there’s organized local transport. Note that Agnontas also boasts a heliport, which is situated on Psalidi hill, northeast of the settlement.
For those who enjoy hiking, there’s more to do beyond swimming on the beach. For instance, a 2.5-kilometre walk southeast of the village will bring you to a spot known to locals as “Dragon Split”. There you will find an attractive pine-covered gorge, which ends near Veloni Cape – this is the southernmost point of Skopelos, adjacent to it is the Katergo beach, a place of unspoiled natural beauty.
Read also:
Skopelos Island: Luxury Resorts, Villas and More in the Sporades
From Cocktails to Coastlines: Skopelos’ Bars and Beach Bars
Beyond the Beaches: Uncovering Skopelos’ Rich History and Culture
