Ferry from Glossa (Skopelos) to Skiathos

Glossa, on the northern tip of Skopelos, sits at the port of Loutraki below the hilltop village, and the hop across to Skiathos is one of the shortest in the Sporades. Fast craft such as the Eagle Jet 2 and the Speedrunner class cover it in not much more than ten to twenty minutes, while the conventional boats operated by Sporades Lines and Mantoudi Lines take longer, up to around an hour and a half on the slower runs that call elsewhere first. Several operators use the link, including Aegean Flying Dolphins and Seajets, so the boat you get varies a good deal.

Skiathos is the busiest of the Sporades for both ferry and air arrivals, and the harbour reflects that: a working dockside backed by the town, with the small fortified islet of the Bourtzi jutting out from the waterfront. It is a lively island for its size, with a strong resort and nightlife scene alongside the beaches. Koukounaries and Lalaria are the best known of those, and the island's own airport makes it an easy point to start or finish a trip.

This is one of the most heavily served links in the group, running many times a day through the season, so it works well as a day trip in either direction. The current timetable, operators and fares are shown in the table below, and it is worth checking which vessel you are booking, since the difference between the fast craft and a conventional ferry is significant here. Onward connections from Skiathos reach Volos, Agios Konstantinos and the rest of the Sporades.

Glossa to Skiathos Ferry Fares

Weekly Glossa to Skiathos Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Is it worth hiring a car on Skiathos?

Skiathos is small and hilly, with a public bus running a numbered route between the town and Koukounaries beach that covers most visitors' needs. A car or 4x4 is worth it if you want the quieter beaches reached by dirt roads, though free car parks at popular spots like Vromolimnos fill up by mid-morning in summer. Compare hire options at Discover Cars.

Can you rent a car at Glossa on Skopelos?

Yes, small local agencies operate right at Loutraki, Glossa's port, some barely 100 metres from the pier. Many online booking platforms, though, list pickup at Skopelos Town instead, about 28km and a 40-45 minute drive away, so check the exact pickup point before booking. If you're staying near Glossa, a local agency at the port is simplest; otherwise compare options at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Glossa to Skiathos between 25 October 2026 and 7 November 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Glossa to Skiathos ferry

• Short crossings are less affected by meltemi conditions than longer open-sea routes – but sheltered routes between close neighbours are calmer than fully exposed ones.
• Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas at the stern; the rules are enforced more strictly on newer vessels.
• Booking a summer return to Athens a week or two before departure gives you flexibility while still securing a ticket before the final-week rush.
• Once you arrive in Skiathos, over 60 beaches – many of them pine-fringed – line the island's coastline, with the famous Koukounaries beach among the finest in the Aegean. The island also offers historic sites, lively nightlife in Skiathos Town, and hiking trails through the forested interior.

Plan a journey

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