📷 Photo by Nils Bogdanovs on UnsplashSporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park
A four-day island-hopping route from the mainland port of Volos to Koukounaries Beach on Skiathos, the Agios Ioannis chapel on Skopelos and the Alonissos and Northern Sporades Marine Park.
- Distance
- 108 km (67 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 29 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- May 13, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 108 km (67 mi) with 4 stops, from Volos to Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park. About 1 h 29 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece
Route description
Volos on the mainland is the starting point for the Sporades. From here you need ferries to reach the islands, so check the current timetable, services are thinner outside summer. If you travel with a camper or motorhome, check whether and how vehicles can be carried and book ahead where required.
The first island is Skiathos. Koukounaries Beach, also called Chrysi Ammos or golden sand, lies on the south-west coast, backed by a stone-pine peninsula that separates the sea from a lagoon. It is the last stop of the bus from Skiathos Town, and camping sites are nearby.
On Skopelos the highlight is the tiny Agios Ioannis Kastri chapel near Glossa, on a rock about 100 metres high and reached by more than 100 steps. It featured in the film Mamma Mia! Wear sturdy footwear rather than sandals. The road from the Skopelos–Glossa route is steep and narrow, and no bus goes there, so it is unsuitable for large motorhomes.
The final stop is Alonissos, with the main port of Patitiri, which has ferries from Volos, Skiathos and Skopelos. The Northern Sporades Marine Park was created in 1992 to protect the Mediterranean monk seal and covers Alonissos, six smaller islands and 22 uninhabited islets; sources describe it as Europe’s largest marine protected area.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Volos
Greece - 257 km
Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos
NatureSkiathos, GreeceA sandy beach also called Chrysi Ammos, or golden sand, on Skiathos's southwest coast, backed by a stone-pine peninsula that separates the sea from a lagoon. It is the last stop of the bus from Skiathos Town, and camping sites are nearby.
- 327 km
Agios Ioannis Kastri Chapel, Skopelos
ViewsGlossa, GreeceA tiny chapel on a rock about 100 metres high, reached by more than 100 steps, which featured in the film Mamma Mia!. Wear sturdy footwear rather than sandals; the road from the Skopelos–Glossa route is steep and narrow, and no bus goes there.
- 423 km
Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park
NaturePatitiri, GreeceCreated in 1992 to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, the park covers Alonissos, six smaller islands and 22 uninhabited islets; sources describe it as Europe's largest marine protected area. Patitiri, the island's main port, has ferries from Volos, Skiathos and Skopelos.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Volos → Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos · 57 km · 0 h 47 minOvernight nearby, for example: Kastri Beach (8 km); Louisa (11 km).
- Day 2: Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos → Agios Ioannis Kastri Chapel, Skopelos · 27 km · 0 h 23 minOvernight nearby, for example: ROCKS (19 km).
- Day 3: Agios Ioannis Kastri Chapel, Skopelos → Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park · 23 km · 0 h 19 minOvernight nearby, for example: ROCKS (< 1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Volos → Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos. Ferry crossing needed
- Koukounaries Beach, Skiathos → Agios Ioannis Kastri Chapel, Skopelos. Ferry crossing needed
- Agios Ioannis Kastri Chapel, Skopelos → Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park. Ferry crossing needed
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park?
4-day road trip of about 108 km (67 mi) with 4 stops, from Volos to Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park. About 1 h 29 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 29 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park start and end?
It starts in Volos and ends in Alonissos and the Northern Sporades Marine Park.
Which countries does Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park?
OpenStreetMap lists 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Sikia, Hellas and Chorefto Camping.
When is the best time for Sporades: Volos, Skiathos, Skopelos and the Alonissos Marine Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
