From Skiathos: Skopelos and Alonissos Boat Trip with Stops

Imagine setting off from the bustling port of Skiathos on a boat that promises a day filled with scenic views, charming villages, and a splash of adventure. That’s exactly what this Skopelos and Alonissos boat trip offers—a chance to enjoy the islands’ highlights comfortably in one day. Our review is based on many travelers’ experiences, and it’s fair to say this trip has quite a following, with a solid 4.7-star rating from 260 reviews.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation—you’ll explore two beautiful islands, with enough time to wander, shop, and soak up the atmosphere. Second, the boat crew gets consistently high praise for their friendliness, humor, and knowledge—making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

The only real consideration? The timing can be tight—with roughly 1.5 hours on each island and a total of about 9 hours from start to finish, it’s a busy itinerary. But if you’re keen to see more islands in a single day, this is a practical choice.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love scenic cruises, island exploring, and lively crew-led tours. It’s perfect if you don’t mind a full day on the water and want to get a good taste of the North Sporades without multiple ferry crossings or overnight stays.

Key Points

• Convenient full-day journey covering Skopelos and Alonissos in one trip.
• Engaging guides and crew that make the day fun, humorous, and informative.
• Stunning views and photo opportunities including Blue Caves, Agios Ioannis Chapel, and Amarantos Rocks.
• Balanced itinerary with time for exploration, swimming, and sightseeing.
• Good value for money at around $63 per person, especially considering the included stops.
• Some reviews mention a slightly hectic schedule, so be prepared for a busy day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: What to Expect

The trip kicks off early in the morning, with a meeting at Skiathos Old Port around 09:00 AM, and the boat, Agios Nikolaos, departs at 09:15 sharp. From there, you’re on the water for about 1.5 hours heading to Skopelos. The boat’s route is thoughtfully planned to maximize your sightseeing and break up the travel time.

Skopelos: The Picturesque Town and Beaches

Once in Skopelos, you’ll have roughly 1.5 hours to explore its famously narrow streets. These are the kind of alleys that beg for wandering—lined with whitewashed houses, colorful shutters, and tiny shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Many reviews highlight how walking through the Old Town is a highlight, with some mentioning they loved visiting the multitude of churches—Skopelos is dotted with charming chapels, some with panoramic views of the sea.

A notable highlight here is the chance to swim at Kastani Beach, a spot made famous by the film “Mamma Mia.” The boat drops you directly onto the sand, giving you an hour for a dip and some sunbathing. It’s widely praised for its beauty, and reviews mention it as a “fantastic” swim spot.

Moving to Alonissos: Old Town and Blue Caves

After Skopelos, the boat heads across to Alonissos, a 40-minute sail that passes through the Marine Park—a protected area known for its rich marine life. During this crossing, there’s an opportunity to snap photos of the Blue Caves, a photographer’s dream with their striking blue waters and caves.

In Alonissos, you’ll dock at Patitiri, with about 1.5 hours allocated for exploring the Old Town, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Aegean. Reviews rave about the atmospheric streets, the peaceful vibe, and the chance to appreciate an authentic Greek island town, away from crowds.

You might also want to consider grabbing lunch here—though meals aren’t included, many travelers find local tavernas delicious and reasonably priced. Some mention the crew’s helpfulness in pointing out options.

Back to Skiathos: Relaxation and Photo Stops

The return trip is about 20 minutes to Skopelos, and along the way, you’ll pass through the Marine Park and the Blue Caves once more. Here, the boat slows down, giving you time to relax, photograph the stunning scenery, and even spot dolphins—many reviews mention dolphin sightings on this part of the trip.

One of the trip’s popular photo stops is the famous Agios Ioannis Chapel, known from the “Mamma Mia” film. The boat’s route along Skopelos’ west coast offers many spots worth capturing. You’ll also linger a bit at Milia Beach for more swimming or simply relaxing on the boat.

The journey concludes at about 19:00, back at Skiathos Port, leaving you with a lasting impression of the islands’ natural beauty and unique character.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Skiathos Old Port at 09:00, departure at 09:15.
• Ferry to Skopelos (80 minutes), arriving around 10:30.
• Explore Skopelos Town (1.5 hours)—walk the alleys, visit churches, shop for souvenirs.
• Ferry to Alonissos (40 minutes), arriving around 13:15.
• Explore Old Town of Alonissos (1.5 hours)—perched on a hill, with stunning views.
• Optional Lunch (not included)—local tavernas are plentiful.
• Ferry back via Blue Caves (20 minutes), with photo stops en route.
• Relax at Milia Beach, swim, sunbathe, or take photos before arriving back in Skiathos around 19:00.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic island charm is the name of the game here. The small-group nature and knowledgeable crew make this more than just a boat ride; it’s a chance to learn snippets of local life while enjoying the stunning scenery. Many reviewers praise the crew’s humor, friendliness, and attentiveness, making the trip both fun and comfortable.

The scenic stops—the Blue Caves, Agios Ioannis Chapel, and Kastani Beach—are what many travelers search for when visiting the Greek islands. The boat’s route along the coast offers plenty of photo opportunities, and the swimming stops allow for refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters.

Value-wise, at $63 per person, this trip offers a lot: two islands, several scenic stops, and plenty of free time to explore. Reviewers repeatedly mention how well-organized and friendly the experience is, with many saying they’d do it again.

A Few Caveats

Some mentions of a busy schedule point to the experience feeling rushed, especially if you like to linger longer at each stop. Others note the engine noise at the back of the boat can hinder audio experiences, but this is a minor issue compared to the overall fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for active travelers who want to see multiple islands in one go, appreciate scenic boat rides, and enjoy lively, friendly crews. It’s also suited for Mamma Mia fans, thanks to the iconic filming locations. If you prefer a relaxed, slow-paced day with more downtime on each island, this might feel a bit hurried.

Final Thoughts

This Skiathos to Skopelos and Alonissos boat tour packs a lot into one day. It’s a lively, well-organized way to cover some of the most photogenic and charming spots of the North Sporades. The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly crew, and the chance to explore two islands makes it a great value, especially for those with limited time or wanting an action-packed day.

While it’s not for those seeking total beach relaxation or a leisurely pace, it offers enough time to enjoy the highlights and capture memorable photos. If you’re after a fun, social, and scenic adventure, this trip could be a highlight of your Greek island itinerary.

FAQs

How early do I need to arrive?
The meeting point is at Skiathos Old Port around 09:00, with departure at 09:15. It’s best to arrive a little early to settle in and find your spot.

Is food included in the trip?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are options for lunch on Alonissos. Many travelers bring snacks or plan to dine during their free time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and beachwear are recommended. Pack light as space on the boat is limited.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking through hilly old towns and navigating boats.

Can I expect to see dolphins?
Many reviews mention dolphin sightings during the return sailing, but it’s not guaranteed—marine life is unpredictable.

How long is each stop?
Skopelos town and Alonissos old town both get about 1.5 hours, with additional time allocated for swimming at Kastani Beach and relaxing at Milia Beach.

Is the trip family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those comfortable with a full day on the water and active exploring.

What if the weather is bad?
Trips can be canceled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. The crew is experienced in handling weather issues.

Can I book last minute?
Availability varies, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Where do I meet the boat?
At Skiathos Old Port, with the boat named Agios Nikolaos. You’ll receive an email confirmation with exact details.

In sum, this boat trip offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to experience two of Greece’s stunning islands in one day. It’s a great choice for those who love a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and fun crew antics, making for a memorable Greek island adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: