The ferries/hydrofoils from Skopelos tend to be about 07:00 to Skiathos, the next ones are around 14:00 usually too late for a lot of flights. The timings are nothing to do with package tour operators. The ferry operators are providing services to mainland ports of Ag. Konstantinos (for Athens) and Volos.

The ferries dolphins and flying cat services run from Aghios Konstantinos and Volos, via Skiathos to Skopolos and Allonisos. In peak season you will not have to wait long for a service. Timetables will not be published until after Greek Easter next month. There are two main ferries running the island trips, The Express Skiathos and Jet Ferry 1 they usually do two trips each way each day. Dolphins and Flying Cats at least two trips each way, the first being at around 10.30am over to Skopolos. Most of the transfer passengers seem to go over around 18:00hrs on one of the ferries.

Charter flights usually arrive at Skiathos from around lunchtime onwards, until around 19.00hrs, the last flight in to the island is at 22.00 from Athens and then the airport closes after the 22.40 departure to Athens.

hi the transfer back from skopelos to skiathos can be nasty you will leave skopelos 0n an early dolphin 6.30 - 7.00 ,then have several hours in skiathos depending on your uk airport it could be as little as 1hr or as much as 8 hrs ,you could always catch the ferry over to skiathos on the previous evening and get a hotel for 1 night which is not to bad if you dont like early starts . dont let this 1 bad point put you off skopelos/alonissos as they are both great islands if you like to get away from the hoards you could also try a 2 centre holiday with skiathos as your 2nd week and avoid the early crossing . happy hols kev