Skorpios

Island Private Ionian island once owned by Aristotle Onassis

A private island in the Ionian Sea long associated with the Onassis family; Skorpios is approached by yacht from nearby ports, where visitors view secluded bays and coastal scenery.

Main image
Main image

Skorpios is a small private island in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of continental Greece, within the Ionian Islands region. It is best known for its mid-20th-century ownership by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and its association with high-profile private residences.

The island is largely private and contains a residential estate and cultivated grounds rather than public tourist facilities. Visitors who reach the island by private arrangement will find landscaped gardens, a small chapel and residential buildings rather than museums or public beaches.

Skorpios entered international attention in the mid-20th century through purchase and development by Aristotle Onassis, who used it as a private retreat. Ownership and use have remained private since, and the island has not been developed as a public tourist site.

Skorpios lies in the Ionian Sea near the island of Lefkada and other islands of the Ionian archipelago, within the administrative region of the Ionian Islands. It is reached by private boat from coastal ports on the western Greek mainland and nearby islands.

  • Private access: Access to the island is private and controlled; there is no public ferry service, and visits are by private boat or as part of authorised arrangements.
Skorpios
38.6923, 20.7456

How to Get to Skorpios #

Skorpios is a privately owned island in the Ionian Sea; there is no public ferry service. Access is only by private boat, yacht or a charter arranged from nearby Ionian ports (for example ports on Lefkada, Ithaca or the mainland). Arrange a private transfer or charter - crossing times vary with departure point and vessel type.

Tips for Visiting Skorpios #

  • Skorpios is private and not open for public landings-plan to see the island from the water: book a coastal cruise or a boat trip from Lefkada or nearby ports that pass the island for the best views.
  • Choose a morning or late-afternoon boat trip to avoid the busiest charter times and to get calmer seas and better light for photos; captains on local tours know the best viewing angles for landmarks associated with the Onassis family.

Best Time to Visit Skorpios #

Because Skorpios is a private island typically seen from boats, late spring through early autumn is the best time for calm seas and boat trips in the area.

High season (sea visits)
May-September · 25-33°C
Warm, dry weather and calmer seas make boat trips and views of the island easiest; most sightseeing from nearby ports occurs now.
Off-season
October-April · 10-18°C
Cooler and wetter with rougher seas; fewer boat excursions operate and access by sea can be more limited.

Weather & Climate near Skorpios #

Climate

Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (871 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 28°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 31°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 28°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (158 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 18°

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

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