Practical guideSporades
Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos from Volos: ferries and island hopping
How to get to the Sporades from Volos, how to hop between the three islands, and how many days each one needs, based on what travellers actually search for.
At a glance
- Departure port
- Volos (also Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi)
- Airport
- Only on Skiathos
- Island order from Volos
- Skiathos, Skopelos (Glossa and Skopelos Town), Alonissos
- Boats
- Conventional ferries and fast boats; timetables change with the season
- Suggested time
- At least 7 days for all three islands
The three inhabited Northern Sporades, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, are the islands of Thessaly. People search for them together, not one by one, and the most natural gateway to them from mainland Greece is the port of Volos.
Getting there
By ferry from Volos. Conventional ferries and fast boats leave Volos for Skiathos, Skopelos (at Glossa and Skopelos Town) and Alonissos, in that order. Timetables change a great deal between winter and summer: check them on the ferry booking platforms before you book. There are also crossings from Agios Konstantinos and from Mantoudi on Euboea.
By air to Skiathos. Skiathos is the only island with an airport, with flights from Athens and many summer charter flights from across Europe. From Skiathos, ferries and fast boats continue to Skopelos and Alonissos.
Between the islands
The three islands lie in a row, and the same boats link them. A classic one-week plan: arrive on Skiathos, stay three days, cross to Skopelos for three days, and spend one day on a trip to Alonissos and the National Marine Park. With ten days, stay a few nights on Alonissos too.
What to expect from each
- Skiathos: sandy beaches, a lively town, and the writer Alexandros Papadiamantis.
- Skopelos: pine forests, a stone-built town, chapels, its famous cheese pie, and Agios Ioannis at Kastri from Mamma Mia!.
- Alonissos: the quietest, with the Marine Park and the Mediterranean monk seal.
For each island, read the magazine's features on Skiathos and Alonissos.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Skopelos?
Skopelos has no airport. Take a ferry from Volos, or fly to Skiathos and cross by boat to Skopelos. Boats call either at Glossa (Loutraki) or at Skopelos Town.
Skiathos or Skopelos: which is better?
Skiathos has the airport, the most sandy beaches and the liveliest nightlife. Skopelos is greener and quieter, with the Mamma Mia chapel at Kastri. With a week, see both.
How many days do I need for Skiathos and Skopelos?
Three to four days for Skiathos and as many for Skopelos. Add two for Alonissos and the Marine Park.
Can I do a day trip from Volos to Skiathos?
In summer, with a fast boat, it is possible, but it leaves little time on the island. The islands reward at least one night.