Ferry from Skiathos to Glossa (Skopelos)

Skiathos to Glossa is the shortest and most frequent crossing in the Sporades, ten minutes on the quickest fast craft and up to three quarters of an hour on the conventional boats that take a longer routing. Five operators appear on the route, among them Seajets, Aegean Flying Dolphins, Mantoudi Lines and Sporades Lines, with vessels including Eagle Jet 2, Erato, Nissos Aegina and Petroula. In practice you rarely wait long for something going that way.

Glossa is the hilltop second town of Skopelos, and its port is Loutraki, sitting immediately below the village. The two names are used interchangeably on timetables, which trips people up, so expect to land at Loutraki and climb, by road, steps or bus, to Glossa itself. The village is quieter and more traditional than Skopelos Town, with views back across to Skiathos.

With sailings many times a day through the season this works easily as a day trip in either direction. Current departures, operators and fares are shown in the table below, starting around €10. Buses run from Glossa along the island to Skopelos Town if you are carrying on.

Skiathos to Glossa Ferry Fares

Weekly Skiathos to Glossa 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

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.

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.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Skiathos to Glossa between 24 August 2026 and 6 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Skiathos to Glossa ferry

• In July and August the port gets very busy with car queues and day-trip crowds, so arrive at least an hour before departure – earlier still if you are travelling with a vehicle that needs loading time.
• Skiathos has no single ferry ticket office – each shipping company sells from its own booth near the corner of Papadiamantis Street, so check in advance which operator you are travelling with rather than queuing at the wrong window.
• Head for Skiathos's New Harbour, not the Old Port used for boat tours and water taxis, when catching the Skopelos ferry – it is a short walk from the town centre and about 15–20 minutes on foot from the airport.
• 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.
• When booking for the return leg of a day trip, remember that the last ferry of the day can fill up – book your return at the same time as your outward journey.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.