Skopelos is a ferry-only destination. There is no airport, and none planned. This is not a practical inconvenience so much as a defining quality — the island’s relative inaccessibility from the air has protected it from the kind of mass tourism that airports tend to bring.
Flying into Skiathos and taking the ferry
The closest airport to Skopelos is Skiathos International Airport (JSI), which receives direct flights from numerous European cities throughout the summer season — including from London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Stockholm, and several German cities. Flight time from London is approximately 3 hours.
From Skiathos port, ferries and fast catamarans cross to Skopelos in approximately 45-60 minutes (conventional) or 30-40 minutes (fast catamaran). Services run several times daily in season. The ferry terminal in Skiathos town is within walking distance of the airport (or a short taxi ride). This route is the fastest and easiest approach for most European visitors.
Ferries from the mainland
Two mainland ports offer direct ferry connections to Skopelos:
Agios Konstantinos (Fthiotida): approximately 2.5 hours by fast catamaran or 4 hours by conventional ferry to Skopelos Town. Agios Konstantinos is about 2.5 hours from Athens by coach (KTEL buses run from Liossion terminal in Athens) or 2 hours by car from Athens.
Volos (Magnesia): approximately 3.5–4 hours conventional ferry or 2 hours fast catamaran. Volos is a university city with its own attractions and is accessible by train and coach from Athens (approximately 3.5 hours). Some visitors build a night in Volos into their itinerary to break the journey.
- Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos Town: 2.5h fast / 4h conventional
- Volos to Skopelos Town: 2h fast / 3.5h conventional
- Skiathos to Skopelos Town: 30-40 min fast / 45-60 min conventional
- Alonissos to Skopelos Town: 30 min conventional ferry
Ferry operators
Blue Star Ferries operates the main conventional ferry service on this route — larger ships with vehicle decks, comfortable seating, a cafe/bar, and the ability to transport hire cars if needed. Hellenic Seaways and Aegean Flying Dolphins (a Hellenic Seaways brand) operate the fast catamarans. Booking in advance is advisable in July and August — use the ferry operators’ websites directly or the Ferryhopper aggregator platform.
Ports on Skopelos
Skopelos has two ports:
Skopelos Town (Chora): the main port on the east coast, serving the majority of ferry connections. All accommodation in Chora is within walking distance.
Glossa/Loutraki: the secondary port below Glossa village on the north coast. Some ferry services stop here as well as Skopelos Town. If your accommodation is in Glossa, confirm which port your ferry uses.
Travelling with a car
Bringing a car to Skopelos on the ferry is possible and sometimes useful — it’s the most flexible way to reach remote beaches. However, hire cars are readily available in Skopelos Town at the port, and for a 1–2 week visit this is typically more economical. Car ferry spaces on the fast catamarans are limited and book out early. On the conventional Blue Star ferries, vehicle space is more readily available.
- Hire cars available at Skopelos Town port from multiple operators
- Scooters and quad bikes also available — adequate for most beach and village visits
- Roads on the island are generally in good condition; some beach access tracks are rough
- Parking in Skopelos Town: a small car park at the port; otherwise street parking
Also in This Section
- Getting around — Hire cars, buses, taxis, and boats — how to move around the island.
- Best time to visit — Month-by-month weather, crowds, and what’s open — the honest guide.
- What to pack — Water shoes, sun protection, cash, hiking gear — the practical Skopelos packing list.