Skopelos facts
Legend has it that Skopelos was founded by Staphylo, (meaning grape), son of Ariadne of Crete and Dionysos, god of wine. This is why Skopelos is a well-known wine producing island. It is found in the North Sporades between the islands of Skiathos and Alonissos. It spans an area of 96 km2 (36.6 mi2) and in 2001 it had a population of 4.696. Capital and main port of the island is Skopelos town on the Southeastern part of the island. Glossa and Klima, both on the Western side are the two largest settlements of the island however Stafilos, Agnondas, Panormos, Atheato and Loutraki are also very characteristic villages. The island has also many pebbled beaches such as, Milia, Velanio, Limnonari, Elios, Hovolo, Glyfoneri and many more worth visiting.
Interesting information about Skopelos can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) and Wikipedia.The island has two ports:
- Skopelos, which is situated on the southeastern side of the island.
- Loutraki (or Glossa), which is situated on the northwestern side of the island.
There are busses that connect the ports with the rest of the island.
Useful info: Skopelos port authority tel.: +30 24240 22180, Greek Tourist Police: +30 24270 23172 (in Skiathos)
Travel times
A. Ferry from Agios Konstantinos to Skopelos
- Conventional ferries: approximately 4 ½ hours
- Hydrofoils: approximately 2 ½ hours
B. Ferry from Volos to Skopelos
- Conventional ferries: approximately 5 hours
- Hydrofoils: approximately 2 ½ hours
Skopelos ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like to Skopelos, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season. There are some exceptions though, like Blue Star ferries, which announces schedules in the beginning of the year.
Fthiotida to Skopelos ferry schedule frequency during summer
From Agios Konstantinos:
- Morning – Twice a week 1 conventional ferry and 6 times a week 1 Hydrofoil
- Afternoon – Daily 1 conventional ferry and 6 times a week 1 Hydrofoil
Information concerning ports serving routes to Skopelos can be found further down.
Ferry types operating routes to Skopelos
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.
Ferry connections to & from Skopelos
- Fthiotida – Agios Konstantinos, Glyfa
- Evia - Chalkida, Karystia
- Magnessia - Volos
- North Sporades – Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
- Central Macedonia: Thessaloniki
Ferry to Skopelos prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Fthiotida – Skopelos ferries | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Ag. Konstantinos –Skopelos ferry | approx. 36€/adult | approx. 54€/adult |
| Magnessia – Skopelos ferries | ||
| Volos – Skopelos ferry | approx. 30€/adult | approx. 52€/adult |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
