Getting from Athens to Skopelos

If you are heading to Skopelos from Athens you are going to the greenest and most unspoiled of the Sporades. Skopelos is densely forested with pine trees that run almost to the water, with a coastline of sheltered coves and pebble beaches and a Chora that climbs steeply above the port in a cascade of white houses, slate roofs and over 120 churches. It became internationally known when Mamma Mia was filmed here in 2008 but has absorbed that attention without losing its character. The food is excellent, the pace is slow and the island has a genuine authenticity that rewards people who stay long enough to find it.

Take the ferry

Skopelos is connected to the mainland by ferries from Agios Konstantinos on the central Greek coast, around 2 hours by road from Athens. The crossing to Skopelos takes around 3 to 4 hours via Skiathos, with daily departures year-round and up to several crossings per day in summer. Mantoudi in northern Evia, also around 2 hours from Athens via the Chalkida bridge, has a high-speed ferry connection to Skopelos taking around 1.5 hours, running up to twice daily in summer.

Getting there by air

Skopelos has no airport. The nearest airport is Skiathos, which has daily connections from Athens. Flying to Skiathos and then taking the short ferry to Skopelos, which takes around 1 hour, gives a total journey time of around 4 hours and is the most time efficient approach without a car.

Your best option

If you are travelling without a car, fly to Skiathos and take the ferry across to Skopelos. If you are travelling with a car, drive to Agios Konstantinos and take the ferry, which gives you a vehicle on the island for exploring the villages and beaches spread across its length.