Like all the Sporadic Islands Skopelos enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 82ºF (28ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely in summer but showers can be expected between September and May. All of the northern Sporadic Islands are subject to a strong wind blowing from the north, as a result most of the beaches on these islands are found on the sheltered southern sides.

Skopelos is not a huge island (only 10km wide and 19km long) so getting around is fairly simple and most visitors enjoy strolling around the island on foot. Jeeps, cars and motorbikes are available to rent from Discovery in Skopelos town, and there is a bus stop and taxi rank at the quayside where visitors can get transport to most parts of the island. The local bus service is quite reliable and affordable. Boats can be hired from Panormos beach and used to explore the coastline or the islet of Saint George, between Skopelos and Alonissos.

Skopelos is a great place to take children on holiday. There are wonderful beaches, such as Stafilos and Panormos, where kids can snorkel and swim, as well as a few deserted coves at Amarandos beach to picnic at. Horse riding is available for children on the island, as well as various sailing trips. The Folklore Museum and the National Marine Park are also great places to take inquisitive kids.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

The island of Skopelos has an historical musical background and its nightlife still plays tribute to this. There are great bars along the waterfront and up on the hill, and a good selection of nightclubs, discos and music halls where visitors can dance the night away. There are also a couple of Greek bouzouki venues, as well as open-air taverns offering traditional Greek nights with live music and dancing. The Skopelos nightlife is at its peak during July and August, when the holiday season is in full swing, but February is also a great time to party on the island as it celebrates the annual Skopelos Carnival with copious amounts of traditional food, drink and merriment.

There is a fair amount of shopping available on Skopelos Island, the majority of stores being located in the centre of town and along the waterfront. Traditional ceramics, weaving and jewellery are the favoured souvenir purchases but the local sweets, leather goods, wine, liquor and olive oil are also popular. Armoloi, near the harbour, sells exquisite local jewellery, ceramics, woven goods and silver, while Ploumisti has authentic Greek rugs and blankets for sale. Nick Rodios' gallery has some classic black ceramic pieces to entice art lovers. There are also a number of boutiques in town selling a variety of clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as a few village shops with souvenirs and local produce.

Skopelos poses as the fictional island of Kalokairi in the movie Mamma Mia and is home to attractions including 380 churches, a number of gorgeous beaches and a wonderful display of spring wild flowers and butterflies (from April to May). There are both sand beaches, such as Staphylos and Limnonari, and pebble beaches like Panormos and Milia. In winter, the island is sometimes covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. Other Skopelos attractions include the Folklore Museum of Skopelos and the National Marine Park.