Getting from Mykonos to Skiathos

Skiathos sits in the Sporades in the northwestern Aegean and feels like a different Greece entirely from the bare white rock of the Cyclades. It is green, forested and lush, with a coastline that has some of the finest sandy beaches in the country. Koukounaries on the western coast is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Greece and the island has around 60 beaches in total, accessible by road, by foot or by the small boats that run along the coast in summer. It is also the most cosmopolitan of the Sporades and has a lively summer scene centred on Skiathos Town. Getting there from Mykonos requires a bit of planning but it is absolutely worth it.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Skiathos. The two islands are in different island groups and the ferry networks do not connect them directly. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus or Athens and then travelling by land to Volos, which is the main gateway to the Sporades. From Volos, ferries to Skiathos run daily through the summer with the crossing taking around 1.5 to 2 hours on a fast ferry. It is a full day of travel but manageable if you plan it right.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Skiathos have airports so flying is the practical choice on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Skiathos, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Skiathos Airport is famous for its approach, with planes passing very low over the beach at the end of the runway, which is one of the more spectacular airport arrivals in Europe. Book ahead as flights to Skiathos fill up quickly in July and August.

Your best option

Fly. The distance and the lack of a direct ferry make flying the obvious choice on this route. The Athens connection is straightforward and the approach into Skiathos Airport is an experience in itself. Rent a scooter or a car when you arrive and work your way around the coast. Give yourself at least three or four days to get through the beaches properly.