Skopelos
Skiathos to Skopelos: hydrofoils, ferries and island hopping in the Sporades
From touching down on Skiathos to standing on the quay in Skopelos can take less than an hour. But it pays to know which port you need, and what to do when the north wind stops the hydrofoils. Here are the routes, the times and the hotels at both ends.
Skiathos airport is only minutes from the harbour. On a good day you can land, jump in a taxi and be aboard a hydrofoil before your luggage has had time to warm up. Most people heading to Skopelos or Alonissos travel exactly this way, and it is easy, as long as you know which port you need.
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Short answer: how long does it take?
Skiathos to Glossa (Loutraki) on Skopelos: around 15 to 45 minutes.
Skiathos to Skopelos Town: around 50 minutes to an hour and a half.
Skopelos Town to Alonissos: around 20 to 40 minutes.
Hydrofoils are fastest, while conventional ferries take longer but carry cars and sail in rougher weather. Always check the timetable for your travel day.
Hotels at both ends
On Skopelos: Skopelos Holidays Hotel & Spa, a short hop from the harbour in Skopelos Town. See rooms at Skopelos Holidays Hotel
On Skiathos, the night before: Bourtzi, a small hotel near the harbour. See rooms at Bourtzi
Two ports on Skopelos: choose the right one
Skopelos has two ports at opposite ends of the island. Skopelos Town, or Chora, is on the east side and is the main harbour. Glossa, with its port of Loutraki, is in the north-west, closest to Skiathos. The two are about 45 minutes apart by road. If you are staying in Skopelos Town, it pays to take the boat all the way there, even though the crossing is longer.
Hydrofoil or ferry?
Hydrofoils are quick and frequent, but small, and can stay in port when it is windy. Conventional ferries are slower but larger, steadier and also take cars. If you travel in July or August, when the meltemi north wind can blow hard, it is wise to have a back-up plan.
Kastri on Skopelos. Photo: DD GR / Unsplash
From the mainland: via Volos
If you are coming from Athens or touring the mainland, boats also sail from the port city of Volos. The trip to Skopelos takes around two and a half to four hours, and most boats call at Glossa before continuing to Skopelos Town. Volos is also the gateway to the Pelion peninsula, where some scenes from the first Mamma Mia film were shot.
Island hopping: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos
The three islands lie in a row, and the same route often calls at all of them. A classic trip is a few days on Skiathos for the beaches, on to Skopelos for the green coves and the Mamma Mia locations, and finally Alonissos for the peace. Read about the islands in our guides to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.
Good to know
Book ahead in high season: Hydrofoils can sell out in July and August.
Check weather and sailings that morning: Cancellations happen, especially in strong winds.
Add a buffer night before flying home: That way you make your flight even if a boat is cancelled.
Where to stay
Skopelos Holidays Hotel & Spa: near the harbour
A hotel with a restaurant and pool in Skopelos Town, a short walk from the boats.
Book your stay: See rooms at Skopelos Holidays Hotel & Spa
Bourtzi: a night on Skiathos
A small hotel with a pool near the harbour in Skiathos Town, handy before an early boat or a late flight.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bourtzi
Marpunta Resort: on Alonissos
A beach resort on Alonissos, the last stop on your island hop.
Book your stay: See rooms at Marpunta Resort
Frequently asked questions about Skiathos to Skopelos
How long is the ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos?
To Glossa it takes around 15 to 45 minutes, and to Skopelos Town around 50 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the boat.
Which port on Skopelos should I choose?
If you are staying in Skopelos Town, sail there. If you are staying in the north-west, Glossa is closest.
Can you take a car to Skopelos?
Yes, on the conventional ferries. Hydrofoils carry foot passengers only.
Do the boats run all year?
Yes, but less often outside the summer season. Check timetables before you travel.