Some of Skopelos’ best places are only reachable by boat — remote east-coast coves, sea caves along the northern cliffs, and the waters of the Alonissos-Northern Sporades Marine Park. Several operators run day excursions from Skopelos Town port throughout the summer season.
Day trip to Alonissos
Alonissos is the next island east of Skopelos in the Sporades chain, about an hour by conventional ferry or 30 minutes by fast boat. The island is the centre of Greece’s largest marine protected area — the National Marine Park of Alonissos-Northern Sporades, established in 1992 to protect the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Day trips from Skopelos typically include a sailing around the park’s uninhabited islets, swimming stops at coves within the protected zone, and some time at Alonissos Town (Patitiri).
Monk seal sightings are not guaranteed — the animals are shy and rare — but dolphin sightings in the park waters are common, particularly in the mornings.
Round-island caique trips
Traditional wooden caique boats make full or partial circuits of Skopelos, stopping at beaches inaccessible by road on the east coast. These trips typically depart from Skopelos Town port at around 9am, include 3-4 swimming stops (including Hovolo, Glysteri, and east-coast coves rarely visited otherwise), and return in the late afternoon. A simple lunch of grilled fish is often included.
Private boat hire
Small motorboats are available for self-guided hire from the harbour at Skopelos Town, Panormos, and Agnontas. No licence is required for boats under a certain engine size (typically up to 30hp, varying by regulation). This is the most flexible way to explore the coastline and reach remote beaches. Prices run approximately €60-90 per day for a small open boat.
Practical tips
- Excursion boat tickets are sold on the port walk in Skopelos Town — no advance booking usually needed except in August
- Morning departures (around 9am) see calmer conditions; afternoon wind can make the return choppy
- The Alonissos day trip is one of the most consistently recommended experiences by repeat visitors to Skopelos
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the marine park waters are protected environments
- Sea kayaking tours are available as an alternative to motorised boat trips; guided half-day routes from Chora port
Also in This Section
- Hiking — Marked trails through pine forest, four monasteries, and a cross-island traverse.
- Monasteries — Four monasteries on Mount Palouki and the cliff-top chapel made famous by Mamma Mia!.
- Mamma Mia! locations — The real filming locations — what they look like today and how to reach them.
- Diving — Posidonia meadows, rocky reefs, and Aegean marine life — guided dives and courses.
- Cycling — The coast road, forest mountain-bike tracks, and a guided night cycling tour.