One of the best parts about staying with us is our fantastic location. Not only are you surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Skiathos, but you are also perfectly placed to explore our sister islands, Skopelos and Alonissos.
During the peak summer months of June, July, and August, the sea between the islands is buzzing with activity. We get many questions about how long the trips take, so we’ve created this simple guide for your summer island-hopping adventures!
Fast or Relaxed? Your Choice of Ferry Lines
You might notice different types of boats in the port. To answer a common question: yes, those “speedy boats” you see are indeed part of the regular ferry lines!
Companies like SeaJets and Aegean Flying Dolphins operate high-speed catamarans and hydrofoils. They are professional, scheduled services just like the bigger, slower ferries, but they are designed to get you to your destination much faster.
• Speedy Boats (High-Speed): These take you across the waves quickly, though they are usually for passengers only and don’t carry cars.
• Conventional Ferries: These are the large ships you see. They are slower and more relaxed, perfect if you want to sit on the deck and enjoy the view, and they are the only option if you have a car.
Travel Times from Skiathos
Skiathos to Skopelos
Skopelos is very close, but the time depends on which port you choose:
• To Glossa (Loutraki): This is the closest port to Skiathos. On a high-speed boat, you can be there in just 10 to 15 minutes. Even the bigger ferries only take about 30 minutes.
• To Skopelos Town (Chora): This is the island’s main capital. Expect the trip to take about 40 to 60 minutes on a fast boat.
One Island, Two Ports: Which Skopelos port should you choose?
This is the most important thing to check when you book your ticket! Skopelos has two main ports on opposite sides of the island:
1. Glossa (Loutraki): Located in the north. It’s the port to pick if you want to visit the hilltop village of Glossa or the famous “Mamma Mia” church (Agios Ioannis), which is nearby.
2. Skopelos Town (Chora): Located in the southeast. This is the main hub with all the beautiful white houses, shops, and waterfront tavernas.
Skiathos to Alonissos
Alonissos is the furthest of the three main islands, but it is well worth the visit:
• High-Speed: The journey usually takes between 1 hour 5 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes.
• Conventional Ferry: If you choose the larger ship, the trip takes about 2 hours.
Plan Your Own “DIY” Daily Cruise
You don’t need a private tour to see three islands in one day! We suggest our guests try a “DIY” ferry cruise:
• Morning: Take a fast ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos Town. Spend a few hours exploring the narrow streets and having a traditional Greek breakfast.
• Lunchtime: Hop on a quick 20-minute ferry from Skopelos Town over to Alonissos. You can have lunch by the harbor in Patitiri or visit the Marine Park.
• Afternoon: Take the afternoon ferry back to Skiathos, arriving just in time for a relaxing evening at Aphrodite Skiathos.
If you’re looking for a more personal touch, we highly recommend checking out the smaller “boutique” boats that leave the harbor every morning. These trips are much more intimate than the big ferries, usually taking just a small group of guests out for the day. Because the boats are smaller, they can tuck into hidden sea caves and tiny, turquoise coves that the larger ships simply can’t reach. Most of these local captains will treat you like family, often serving up a fresh Greek BBQ right on deck and providing snorkeling gear or paddleboards so you can explore the crystal-clear waters at your own pace. It is a wonderful, relaxed way to see the “secret” side of Skopelos and Alonissos while avoiding the usual crowds.
Pro Tip: Because June, July, and August are very busy, schedules can change. We always recommend checking sites like FerryHopper or FerryScanner for the most up-to-date daily times and to book your tickets a few days in advance.
We hope this helps you plan a wonderful day at sea! If you need any help with your plans, come chat with us at the reception—we’re always happy to help our guests find the best way to explore the Sporades.
