Cruising the mediterranean.
The peace and tranquility of Skopelos has long been popular with the yachting fraternity and their boats fill the marinas of Skopelos Town, Loutraki and Elios in the summer months.
Yachting, cruising, sailing or boating around the coastline of Skopelos is a fabulous way to explore the many coves, beaches and bays that are otherwise inaccessible from land.
Of course, not everyone has the luxury of owning their own yacht. It is therefore possible to hire boats of all sizes and to suit all budgets, both motor boats and sailing boats. Small motorised boats can be hired on a daily basis from the various resorts around the island, whilst larger craft can be pre-booked for the duration of your stay.
Experienced sailors can charter yachts from specialist companies allowing you the freedom to go anywhere you please. Most of these companies will provide basic instruction on how to handle your boat.
Skopelos Town is the main port on the island and is busy with ferries from Skiathos, Alonnisos and the Greek mainland.
Loutraki serves as the island's second port and is also served by the ferries and hydrofoils.
Elios, on the west coast of Skopelos, is the least commercial of the main ports on the island. As such, Elios is quite popular with visiting yachts and boats, which only adds to the picturesque character of the region.
Essential Reading: For those who are seriously thinking of sailing around the Aegean sea and the waters around Skopelos, then Rod Heikell's book Greek Waters Pilot
This hardcover book gives full details, charts and graphs of every cenceivable facet of sailing around Greece, including: harbours, marinas and moorings, water depths, currents, prevailing winds, chandlers, boat yards as well as local marina customs. If you are going to sail in this part of the world, then you need this book.
Port Of Entry
There are no ports of entry on Skopelos. As such, international seafarers arriving in Greece must call in to a designated port of entry before landing in Skopelos. For a full list of Greek ports of entry, click here.