Skopelos is inhabited since prehistoric times. The island then was known by the name Peparithos and had developed an important civilization.

In the island flourished two other towns, Selinous, in the place of today Loutraki and Panormos, in the south part of the island.
Alexander, the tyrant of Fere, conquered the island first and then Athenians.

Stafilos, the son of Dionysos and Ariadni, was the first settler of the island. A cove in the south part of the island is named after him. In this region, excavations brought into light the remains of an ancient structure, said to be the palace of Stafilos, the first settler and king of Skopelos. He had strong relations with minoic Crete. This is proved from the items found in his grave: golden jewels, arms, vessels and a royal sword.

The island was named Skopelos during Hellenistic period.

Saint Riginos, the first bishop of Skopelos, martyred in the island during roman period.
During Byzantine times, Skopelos was a land of banishment.

In 1204 the island was in Venetian hands. But this domination didn’t last. Some time later the Byzantine Emperor Mikhail Paleologos managed to conquer the island once again.

In 1453 Skopelos is under Venetian hands once again. In 1538, Turkish take over the island, plunder it and kill all people.

During the 17^th century the island was depopulated for many centuries. At the end of the 17^th to the beginnings of the 18^th century, people return to the island. In 1821 Skopelos was a revolutionary center.

In 1832 the island, as all Sporades, is free and adjusts to the rest of Greece.