Skiathos vs Skopelos: Which Greek Island Is Better for Your Trip?

So you’re trying to decide between Skiathos and Skopelos, and which one might be more your “vibe.” I get it! I had to do the same research before I booked my trip.

In the end, I decided to stay on both islands. But if you don’t have the time to do that, there are a few key things to know that might help you choose.

The quickest, most summed-up version? If you’re looking for more of a lively crowd, slightly lower prices, and the ease of flying directly into an island and staying put, then just go with Skiathos.

There are also plenty of reasons you might end up loving Skopelos more. I did, and I’ll get into that below.

Skiathos and Skopelos: Where Are These Greek Islands?

Skiathos and Skopelos are part of the Sporades, a small group of islands just northeast of Athens, closer to the port of Volos.

The truth is, most people are only familiar with the Cyclades. That’s the group of islands that includes Santorini and Mykonos, which are actually the only two I don’t really recommend. But just north of Athens, the Sporades offer something different.

This group includes Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, and Alonnisos. Alonnisos is actually my favorite, but that’s for another post.

You might have heard of Skopelos if you’re a fan of Mamma Mia. The first movie was filmed there.

These islands are very different from the Cyclades in a lot of ways. Mainly the landscape and the architecture.

The vibe is still amazing, like all the Greek islands I’ve visited. That’s why I return year after year. Literally, every year since 2019.

Getting to Skiathos or Skopelos: Which Is Easier?

Getting to the Sporades from Athens takes a bit more effort, since ferries don’t run from Piraeus port.

The most direct and reasonable option is to fly from Athens to Skiathos. Once you land, it’s super easy to visit both Skopelos and Alonnisos. Skyros, not so much, which is why I skipped it.

To get to Skopelos, you’ll need to fly to Skiathos first, then take a short ferry. Usually an hour or less, depending on the port.

So ultimately, getting to Skiathos is easier. I would recommend just staying here if you have a short time frame in which you are visiting like 3 nights or less. 

You can definitely still visit Skopelos on a day trip, but for logistical reasons, I think short stays are just better in Skiathos. 

Skiathos vs Skopelos: Everything You Need to Know

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Assuming you do have more time in the islands, let me break it down with a comparison of what you can expect from each one.

This should help you make the best decision on where to base yourself!

Vibe & Atmosphere

Skiathos

The old town and main port area of Skiathos is busy. Not in an overwhelming way, but I wouldn’t want my hotel to be right in the middle of it either.

It’s full of bars, restaurants, and shops that stay open late. Dinner usually starts around 7/8pm, and things don’t really quiet down until after 1am.

Skiathos feels young, but not like party-club-young. More of a relaxed, grown-up kind of fun. Think cocktail bars, traditional Greek restaurants, and a general energy of people just enjoying their vacation.

Skiathos isn’t quite as aesthetically beautiful as Skopelos, but it’s still gorgeous. I really enjoyed staying there, and I’ll share the details of where I stayed for reference later in the post.

Skopelos

The main port in Skopelos is also busy, just not as busy. It’s smaller and has fewer cocktail bars, but there are plenty of traditional Greek tavernas.

Skopelos just feels cuter, with a more authentic, untouched feel compared to Skiathos. The crowd is a little more laid-back. Not as lively, but definitely not sleepy either. It strikes a nice balance.

Depending on where you stay in Skopelos, you might get a little lost at first. The town is a maze of streets climbing up a hill. I only figured it out a few days in.

Pro tip: Google Maps doesn’t pick up on the small alleyways all that well here. You can try the Citymapper app, or just wandering with some patience is a better option.

I was definitely feeling at home in Skopelos, though, like I said, I really loved my time in Skiathos too.

Beaches

Both islands offer incredible beaches. But let’s talk about where these beaches are in relation to the old towns, since that’s where most people base themselves.

Skiathos

There isn’t a real beach in the old town of Skiathos. There are a couple of spots where you could get into the water, but I wouldn’t recommend them.

If you don’t rent a car (I didn’t), it’s super easy to take the public bus from the port to the island’s most popular beach, Koukounaries.

Koukounaries is a well-organized beach with sunbeds, tavernas, and various watersport options. It’s a nice beach, but expect it to be busy.

And watch out for those pine needles in the sand. That’s the only real downside of the lush landscape in the Sporades. It comes with some annoying mess.

Pro tip: I’m a bit of a beach snob, and I found the sunbeds at Koukounaries overpriced for what they are. Basic and not all that comfortable. If you’re going to pay for a sunbed anyway, walk about five more minutes to the Elivi Skiathos, a five-star hotel where you can rent much better beds with far fewer people around. The food there is also on a totally different level compared to what you’ll find on the main strip of Koukounaries.

Another beach experience I really loved was taking a boat to the uninhabited island of Tsougkrias. You can spend the day on a sunbed staring out at some of the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen.

The whole thing wasn’t super expensive. Maybe a bit much if you’re on a tight budget, but I found it totally worth it for a full day out.

To go to Tsougkiras, head to the main port. The boat leaves frequently; see the schedule below.

Skopelos

In Skopelos, there’s a city beach right across from the port that’s walkable from town. I chose to take the bus instead and spent my beach day at Kastani.

It’s a bit farther than some of the other options, but it has actual sand, not pebbles. And I really can’t stand pebbles.

The public bus runs to several beaches on Skopelos. And while I enjoyed it, I’ll be honest. I had a better overall beach experience during my stay in Skiathos.

Skopelos Public Bus Schedule Found Here

Food & Nightlife

Skiathos

Hands down, the best meal I had during my time in the Sporades was in Skiathos. I ate at Plakes more than once. It was the only restaurant of this caliber that I came across easily.

I’m sure if I’d had a car in Skopelos, I could have found something similar there, but in Skiathos it was right there in town.

Skiathos also has a number of traditional Greek tavernas I really enjoyed, like:

• Mesogia Taverna
• Paraxenos Restaurant
• Debone Restaurant
  

As I mentioned before, there are just more options in Skiathos overall. That includes lots of cocktail bars, my favorites below:

• Spira Cocktail Bar
• Ginfish Cocktail Bar
• Totem

Skopelos

Like Skiathos, the dining scene in Skopelos is casual. There’s nothing overly fancy or pretentious, which is exactly what I love about the Greek islands. It’s definitely an island for people who enjoy good food.

In Skopelos town, I found a couple of Greek restaurants that are definitely worth recommending:

• El Atrio
• Azan
• Finikas Restaurant

If you go outside the main port to the villages of Glossa and Loutraki, there are a few places I would recommend checking out.

But to be honest, I wouldn’t say you have to make the trip unless you already have a car. These towns aren’t close…you’re looking at an hour or more, depending on where you’re staying.

Some spots I liked in that area include:

• Rouga (Glossa) – Small plates and a great atmosphere
• Agnanti Restaurant (Glossa) – Bistro-style dining with incredible views
• Vrahos Restaurant (Loutraki) – Fresh fish, local ingredients, right on the water
  

I think you’ll eat well on both islands. So food doesn’t need to be the deciding factor unless you’re after something super specific.

Do You Need a Car in Skiathos or Skopelos?

This really depends on the kind of traveler you are. If you’re planning to stay in or near the old town, you can absolutely get by without a car.

I’ll fully admit, it would have been nice to have one. A car would make it easier to get to more secluded beaches or to go hiking. But I was still able to see the main attractions and some great beaches just by using the bus.

In Skiathos, the bus is super convenient, even to and from the airport. There’s really no need for a taxi unless you’re traveling with too many bags to manage comfortably.

Just keep in mind that bus schedules can change depending on the time of year. Sometimes they’re updated week to week, so it’s worth checking when you’re planning your routes.

Also good to know…taxis are expensive. And you won’t be using Uber or any app like it. You’ll be calling or messaging drivers directly.

Make sure you have WhatsApp downloaded ahead of time, as that’s how most communication with local drivers typically occurs.

📲 In fact, there are several apps I recommend downloading before arriving in Greece.

Things to Do in Skiathos vs Skopelos

If you’re trying to figure out which island has more going on, the answer is… it depends on what kind of “doing” you like to do. Both islands have plenty to offer, just in slightly different ways.

Skiathos

Skiathos is great if you like a mix of beach time and a more social, active scene. It’s an easy island to explore without a car, especially with the public bus running up and down the south coast.

Most people spend their days hopping between beaches, grabbing long lunches, and then heading into the old town for shopping or cocktails.

Here are a few things worth doing in Skiathos:

• Spend a day at Koukounaries Beach, or better yet, head to a quieter stretch like Agia Eleni or Banana Beach.
• Take a boat trip to explore Dasia blue sea cave, which is only accessible by boat. Or head to the uninhabited island of Tsougkrias. Totally worth it.
• Wander the Old Town, especially the Bourtzi peninsula. It’s a little wooded area with views over the port and a perfect spot for a sunset drink.
• Catch a movie at the open-air cinema. They play Mamma Mia a few times a week, and the vibe is so fun, even if you’ve already seen it.
• Join a wine tasting and sip six different Greek wines with tasty snacks.
  

You can definitely stay busy in Skiathos without feeling rushed. It’s the easier of the two islands in terms of logistics and options.

Skopelos

Skopelos has a slower pace, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. It’s more about soaking it in… the town, the views, the food. It’s not sleepy, just subtler.

Here are some favorites:

• Explore Skopelos Town, with its little winding alleyways, cats in windows, and quiet corners that look like a postcard.
• Visit Agios Ioannis Chapel, also known as the Mamma Mia church. The views are stunning, even if you don’t care about the movie.
• Go beach hopping, especially if you’re into quieter coves. Kastani Beach is the most famous, but Milia, Panormos, and Hovolo are also worth checking out.
• Take a sunset walk up to one of the hillside churches. You’ll find some of the best views on the island.
• Venture into the hills if you’re up for a hike. There are trails, monasteries, and lots of little mountain villages to explore. Having a car helps if you want to go farther out.
  

Skopelos feels more off-the-beaten-path without being hard to access. If you’re into slow travel, this island really delivers.

Understanding the Areas to Stay in Skiathos and Skopelos

When it comes to choosing where to stay on either island, it helps to understand the layout. Both Skiathos and Skopelos are hilly, spread out, and not the kind of places where you can walk everywhere unless you’re staying right in or near the main port towns.

If you’re staying outside the main towns, having a car is ideal. You can still get around by bus or taxi, but it does limit your flexibility.

This is especially true if you want to explore quieter beaches or head out for dinner somewhere farther away.

Skiathos

In Skiathos, most people stay in or around Skiathos Town, which is also the main port. From there, it’s easy to use the public bus or walk to shops, restaurants, and bars.

If you’re looking at staying along the coast or near beaches like Koukounaries, a car starts to become more useful. You can manage without one, but it means relying more on the bus schedule or taxis.

Hotels I recommend in the old town of Skiathos:

• Skia Key Premium Collection– Price varies, but expect €135-€140 per night. Booking rating 9.5 (I loved this place)
• The Rock– This place is perfect! But there are a lot of stairs to get there. The views are amazing! Booking rate 8.9. Prices €150+ per night

Skopelos

In Skopelos, the island is more spread out. Skopelos Town is the main port and the most convenient area to stay if you’re not renting a car.

It has plenty of restaurants, shops, and access to buses and taxis. But if you’re considering staying in the area of Glossa or Loutraki, you’ll definitely want a car.

This is where things can get a little confusing. Glossa is a small village up on the hill, while Loutraki is the port just below it. You might think your accommodations are down at the port, but if they are in Glossa, you are up the hill. If accommodations are listed in Loutraki, then you are located in the port of Loutraki.

Even though they’re close by, it’s not really walkable between the two. The road is steep and winding, so unless you’re up for a serious uphill trek, plan to drive or take a taxi between them.

Both areas are lovely and much quieter than the main port, but just make sure you know exactly where you’re booking. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how easily you can get around.

So to sum it up, if you’re staying in or close to the main port towns, you can probably get by without a car. But if you’re booking something outside of town, having one will make your trip a lot more enjoyable.

Hotels I loved:

• Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel Skopelos – Rooms are amazing! The rooftop pool sold it for me.
• The Botanist Guesthouse– Highly Recommend! The only thing to keep in mind here is that with the amazing views comes the stairs to get there.

Quick Note on Accessibility

If you have any mobility challenges or disabilities, it’s worth knowing that both islands can pose some difficulty, depending on where you’re staying.

The old towns in both Skiathos and Skopelos have a lot of stairs, uneven paths, and inclines. Even some of the main walking areas are steep or cobbled.

The best thing to do is check directly with your accommodation before booking. Ask about how accessible the area is around the hotel and whether there are stairs or steep paths you’ll need to navigate. A quick message or call can save you a lot of hassle once you arrive.

Which Island Is Better for Families?

Honestly, both Skiathos and Skopelos can work really well for families. It’s less about choosing the perfect island and more about finding the right hotel. You want to look for one with family rooms, easy beach access, kid-friendly restaurants, and maybe a pool.

That said, from what I saw during my trip, Skiathos felt a little more geared toward families overall. It has more organized beaches with facilities, more casual dining options, and a wider range of hotels that seemed set up for groups or parents with younger kids. The public bus system is also easy to use, which makes getting around simpler if you’re not renting a car.

Skopelos can still be a great option, especially for families looking for something a bit quieter. Just be aware that there are hills and stairs, especially in the old town, so where you stay really matters. A good hotel choice can make things a lot easier.

Is One Island Better for Solo Travelers?

If you’re traveling solo, the Greek Islands are a great place to be! And the good news about traveling to Skiathos or Skopelos is that you really don’t need to worry about safety on either island. I felt completely safe on my own throughout my time in the Sporades. The locals are kind, the pace is relaxed, and walking around alone at night has never felt uncomfortable.

That said, if you’re someone who likes a lot of stimulation, like constant activities, nightlife, or group energy, you might find things a little slow at times. These islands are more about laid-back days, long beach afternoons, and peaceful evenings. That worked great for me, but it depends on your travel style.

If you’re the type of solo traveler who enjoys quiet time by the sea, a good book, and some relaxed exploring, both islands will be a dream. You’ll be fine without a car if you stay near the main town, and you’ll find plenty of low-key ways to fill your days.

Between the two, I’d say Skiathos is a bit easier for solo travel overall. It’s closer to the airport, more walkable, and has a few more options if you feel like being social or mixing things up with a cocktail bar or beach club.

Not sure you want to be totally solo in Greece? Join one of my small group, women-only tours to the Greek Islands!

Conclusion

In the end its really going to come down to time and vibe. If you are short on time it will be easier to just stay in Skiathos. If you really want a quieter and more authentic Greek island experience, then choose Skopelos. 

Want my advice? Reach out here and contact me!