Getting from Volos to Skyros

If you are heading to Skyros from Volos you are making your way from the main mainland departure point for the Sporades to the most remote island in the same group, though Skyros connects to the mainland differently from the other Sporades. It has two completely different landscapes, a dramatic hilltop Chora and a wild volcanic south, with its own native horse breed and one of the most extraordinary carnival traditions in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Volos to Skyros. Unlike Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos which connect directly to Volos, Skyros is connected to the mainland only via Kymi on the eastern coast of Evia. Getting there means driving from Volos to Kymi, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours via Halkida, and then taking the ferry from Kymi to Skyros, which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and runs 2 to 3 times daily.

Getting there by air

Skyros has its own small airport with connections from Athens running around twice a week. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos to Kymi and taking the ferry to Skyros gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours and avoids Athens entirely. Check the Athens to Skyros flight schedule carefully as the service runs a limited number of times per week. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Volos to Kymi and take the ferry across to Skyros. At around 4 to 5 hours total it avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural and direct approach. Having a car makes this route straightforward and gives you transport on Skyros for exploring both the northern and southern parts of the island. If you are traveling without a car, the ferry from Kymi is still the most practical approach.