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Skyros Travel Guide
In the ancient years, the island that today we call “Skyros” had several different names like “The island of Magnites” (i.e. the island of the inhabitants of Magnesia), “Pelasgia” and “Dolopia”. At some point during the ancient times, the word “Skyros” appeared due to the geological composition of the island’s soil which includes gypsum (called “skiros” in Ancient Greek). This name became the dominant name over time.
According to another version, Skyros was named after the grandfather of Theseus who was called Skyrios. However, this is not a widely acknowledged version concerning the island’s name.
Findings at Palamari, on the northern part of the island, prove that Skyros was inhabited in the prehistoric times. The discovered prehistoric settlement was very organized and findings indicate that there were inhabitants on the island starting from the Neolithic Period. Skyros was first inhabited by the Karians, followed by the Pelasgians and the Dolopians. During the Mycenaean Period, the island was very prosperous and prosperity continued in the Geometrical and early Ancient Times.
During the Minoan Period, Skyros was under rapid development, with a big increase of the population (due to Cretans who arrived on the island), the cultivation of grapes and olives and the adoption of the Minoan culture and religion. In 475 B.C., Kimon won the Dolopians and since then, Skyros became part of the Delos Alliance. In 468 B.C. Skyros belonged to the city-state of Athens and remained a part of it for 389 years. Then, it was conquered by the Persians and the Macedonians, and in 192 B.C. it returned to the city-state of Athens.
During the Roman period (86 B.C. to 395 A.D.), Skyros was not particularly prosperous or powerful. In 165 A.D. the island was struck by a huge plague that killed a large part of the population. In 268 A.D. Skyros was forayed by the Goths, along with Limnos and part of the mainland coast.
Skyros became part of the Byzantine Empire since the beginning of the later and Christians came to the Island and imposed their religion. Unfortunately, they destroyed many ancient temples and statues and created Orthodox churches in their place. Skyros also served as an exile location for personalities that were not welcome in the Byzantine Empire.
During the 9th century A.D., Skyros was repeatedly attacked by pirates a fact that forced Skyrians to leave the island. The only area that was saved was Chora with its powerful fortress. The Saracens used the Sarakiniko Island as a base and constantly attacked Skyros, until 961 A.D.
During the Venetian Period, Skyros was given to the famous Ghizi brothers Ieremias and Andreas. Then, it was given as a “dowry” to Markezini, Ieremias’ daughter. In 1269, Skyros revolted and was dominated by Michael Palaiologos, but returned to the Venetians in 1296.
In 1403, Skyros was conquered by Souleiman. Between 1400n and 1450 A.D. the island was attacked by pirates. In 1453, Skyros was given again to the Venetians voluntarily. In 1471 Skyros became part of the Ottoman Empire but still remained under the Venetian management till 1537, when it was given to Barbarossa with no resistance (with a formal agreement). However, Barbarossa killed many inhabitants and destroyed the island which brought about the intervention of the Ottomans and peace was re-established. After that, Skyros remained relatively autonomous and self-managed, but it had to pay large amounts of taxes to the Ottoman Empire.
In 1650, Grimani conquered Skyros, killed the vast majority of men on the island and the remaining men were used as slaves/rowers on his ships. After that, life at Skyros became more tranquil and better organized.
In 1770, many Skyrians allied with Orloff and attacked the Turkish ships at Tsesmes. In 1790, Labros Katsonis attacked the Turkish ships in Linaria but did not accomplish anything; the Ottomans remained on the island.
From 1809 and on, a particular amount of Skyrian men were obliged to join the Ottoman fleet. The few Ottomans that lived on Skyros left the island after the Russian-Ottoman war.
Many “kleftes” and “armatoloi”, fighters of the Greek revolution, lived in Skyros and organized their strategy. Skyrians that had left the island in 1816 due to a major attack by Arvanites, a Balkan tribe, returned and fought against the Ottoman Empire. Skyros was a free island in 1829, along with the other Sporades Islands.
Skyros is an island whose economy is mainly based on livestock. Artistic expression and agriculture are among the inhabitants’ main activities too, whereas tourism is also quite developed as it constitutes the principal type of services offered.
The island is famous for its unique architecture, which resembles to the Cycladic architecture, and for the balance between traditional and modern living.
Skyros is acknowledged as one of the islands in Greece that have a very interesting coastal line, with many diversified beaches, crystal clear waters and caves.
According to the myth, Thetis sent her son Achilles to Skyros in order to prevent him from participating in the Trojan War. Dressed as a girl, Achilles pretended to be one of the daughters of king Lycomedes named Pyrra. During that time, he had a son called Neoptolemos or Pyrros with one of the king’s daughters, Diidamea. However, Ulysses came to Skyros pretending to be a seller of jewels, clothes, weapons and perfumes and all girls were interested in his products apart from one: Pyrra, who was interested in guns. This is how Ulysses discovered that Achilles was in Skyros and called him to participate in the War. The bay from which Achilles departed from Skyros is named after him; it is called “Achilli”.
The famous Athenian hero Theseus who was Poseidon’s son and killed the notorious Minotaur, was killed by Lycomedes in Skyros according to the myth. His dead body was brought to Athens by Achilles. The rock on which he was killed is still called “The rock of Theseus”.
Skyros has more than 300 churches and chapels, spread around the island. The historic Monastery of Saint George, right underneath the Theseus Rock is unfortunately not open to the public, due to damage caused by the earthquake. However, admiring this beautiful monastery even from the exterior is very impressive.
Other interesting churches and chapels include the church of Panagia tou Papameletiou built in the 17th century on a rocky cliff, the church of Saint Nicholas which is carved in the rock at Pouria, the chapel of Kyra Panagia in Atsitsa, the church of Pente Martyres in Chora, and the church of Saint Ioannis at Kochylia in Chora. On November 21, it is worth visiting the church of Panagia Melikarou which owes its name to the fact that white hyacinth called “melikaria” blossoms on this specific date.
The Archaeological Museum of Skyros is located in Chora next to the Brooke Square and was built in 1961 under the supervision of the famous Skyrian archaeologist Giannnis Papademetriou. The museum hosts important archaeological findings of the early Neolithic Period and is open to the public every day except Mondays from 9.00 to 14.00.
The Faltaits Folklore Museum of Skyros is situated in the house of the Faltaits’ family in Chora. The museum hosts important historical documents, objects of the everyday life on the island, traditional costumes, agricultural tools and a collection of old books that covers more than 5 centuries. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens that feature an open air theatre and a workshop of weaving with looms. It is open every day from 9.00 to 14.00 (and from 18.00 to 21.00 during the summer).
Perched on the “Rock of Theseus”, the beautiful island capital with the picturesque narrow streets awaits visitors to discover its undeniable beauties. Walking around it often hides pleasant surprises, like spots with breathtaking views to the endless horizon of the Aegean Sea as the whole settlement is amphitheatrically built. Hosting two museums, an imposing Venetian castle, byzantine churches, workshops of local art, shops and public services, restaurants, and bars, Chora has everything.
Linaria is the port of Skyros and it is a picturesque, small village with white houses. Around Linaria there are several gorgeous beaches and different accommodation choices. From Linaria the boats that make the island tour and visit Sarakiniko Island depart.
The most remarkable archaeological site at Skyros is Palamari, in the northern part of the island. Archaeologists discovered, right at this spot, one of the most important Neolithic settlements of the Aegean Sea. Many of the findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Skyros, but visiting the settlement itself is highly recommended. The site is open every day from 9.00 to 14.00.
The Castle of Chora is an archaeological site with a breathtaking view, where the Ancient Acropolis of the island stood, unfortunately not saved till nowadays. The castle features ruins of old houses, byzantine churches and arts of the fortress walls from many different historical periods, including the Pelasgian, Classical, Byzantine and Venetian periods.
A smaller archaeological site is situated at Magazia, where archaeologists found ancient graves of the Mycenaean and the First Hellenistic Period.
The endless beauties of Skyros are truly surprising. Among of the things and places not to be missed, the Aris Plateau stands out, as it hosts the unique race of Skyros’ horses. This race has survived from the Ancient Times and resembles to ponies in terms of size but to horses in terms of characteristics. Watching these beautiful animals run around the plateau creates an amazing sense of freedom!
Another interesting spot is situated next to Achilli bay; cold waters gush from the natural source of “Nifi” and the area around the source is simply fantastic. The source is named after the nymphs that are believed to have lived there in the ancient times.
Finally, the bay of Three Boukes in the southern end of Skyros, apart from being truly striking with its amazing natural beauty, it also hosts the grave of the renowned English poet Rupert Brooke who died on a ship in this bay.
Location: Chora
CLIMATE
The climate of Skyros is Mediterranean, which means that the winters are mild and the summers are hot with plenty of sunshine. However, the summer temperature in Skyros is a bit lower than in other parts of Greece, due to the strong northern winds (especially in July and August). The average temperature during the summer months is a little lower than 25°C while the usual temperature is maximum 30°C during the summer. Humidity is regularly more than 65%, even during the summer. The average yearly temperature is 17 °C and it does not rain very often, even in the winter. In general, the weather conditions in Skyros are quite mild and this is why the island increasingly attracts tourists all year long.
TELEPHONE
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. All numbers in the capital Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210-3227400).
The Area Code for Poros is: +30 22220. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialling the other country’s national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.
CURRENCY
Euro €
Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver colour), 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold colour) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper colour)
1 euro = 100 cents / centimes.
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes.
BY AIR
Skyros has an airport, which is connected to the Athens International Airport and several international airports around the world (with charter flights during the summer). The island is also connected by air to Thessaloniki.
For information on flights and timetables please refer below:
Skyros Airport, Tel.: +30 22220 91607
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), Tel.: +30 210 3530000 http://www.aia.gr/
Thessaloniki Airport, Tel.: +30 26610 89600 http://www.thessaloniki-airport.com/
BY BOAT
Skyros is connected by ferry boat with the port of Kymi on Evia Island. The boat trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, travellers need another 3.5 hours to get to Kymi by car or KTEL.
For information on flights and timetables please refer below:
Skyros Shipping Company: www.sne.gr
Kymi Port Authority: +30 22220 22606
Ferry boat agency at Chora, Tel.: +30 22220 91790
Ferry boat agency at Linaria, Tel.: +30 22220 93465
LOCAL BUSES
Skyros is not a very big island. Local transportation is quite well organized and connects Chora to Linaria, but also to some beaches like Aherounes and Magazia. Moreover, there are buses that connect the airport to Chora. The bus ticket costs 3 €.
TAXI SERVICE
Taxis are available at Chora, Linaria and at the airport. A taxi from Linaria to Chora costs 20 €.
Skyros Taxi Services: Tel.: +30 22220 91666
BOAT
Skyros has amazing beaches and caves accessible only by boat. The nearby island Sarakiniko is also accessible by sea while the route to it is a very interesting and impressive boat trip. Boats organizing daily boat trips are available at Linaria.
BANKS & ATMs
The National Bank of Greece has a branch and an ATM at the central road of Chora.
National Bank of Greece: Agoras Street, Central Square, Chora: Tel.: +30 22220 91802
Also, there is an ATM of the Agricultural Bank of Greece in the Central Square of Chora.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Money can be exchanged in the bank branches listed above.
POST OFFICE
The Greek post office is called ELTA and you can find the main post offices of the island in Chora where there is also a branch of the Hellenic Post Bank. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW for normal post, usually with 2 slots for INTERNAL POST (meaning inside Greece) and post for ABROAD. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. You shouldn’t expect to find such boxes on the island. REGISTERED mail is always handled and given a receipt for at the POST OFFICE.
The Post Office in Skyros is located in Agios Efstratios Squre in Chora.
Skyros Post Office, Tel.: +30 22220 91208
POLICE STATION
Skyros Police Station at Chora: Tel.: +30 22220 91274
MUNICIPALITY OF SKYROS
The Municipality of Skyros is located in Chora.
Tel.: +30 2222350343
- Radio Taxi: +30 22220 91666
- Linaria Port Authority: +30 22220 93475
- Hellenic National Meteorological service: +30 210 9699101-3
- Elpa (Car breakdown tourist information service): 174
- Police: 100
- Fire Department: 199
- Ambulance: 166
Skyros Health Center: +30 22220 92222
PHARMACY
Both pharmacies of Skyros are situated in the centre of Chora:
Ftouli Liatsa Kalliopi, Tel.: +30 22220 91111
Zakynthinos Stathis, Tel.: +30 22220 91617
Magazia or Gialos is a long sandy beach right underneath Hora, to which it offers a marvelous view especially in the evening. Apart from umbrellas and sunbeds, the beach hosts taverns, beach bars and some hotels and rooms to let. Along with Molos, which is right next to this beach, Magazia is considered the most cosmopolitan coast of the island.
Molos can be considered as the natural continuation of the Magazia beach. With golden sand and shallow calm waters, this beach attracts youngsters thanks to the lively beach bars, the traditional taverns and its easy access. Visitors may choose between the organized part of the beach and the freely accessible part, both with crystal clean waters. On the left end of Molos there is a little port, which adds a picturesque note to the already beautiful landscape.
Atsitsa is probably the most picturesque beach of Skyros. The beautiful emerald waters reflect the color of the pine trees that hang above the sea, whereas a verdant atoll is situated in the middle of this gorgeous bay, creating a unique view. Although Atsitsa is not organized, it hosts a famous tavern with excellent fish and sea food, where visitors can also get water or a light snack. Access is easy via an asphalt road and the coast is both pebbled and sandy.
Pefkos is an amazing beach, at the end of a long indented bay formed by serial cliffs with pine trees. The turquoise water here is always calm and the sea bottom is quite interesting, boasting some rocks of various shapes and, thus, ideal for snorkeling. Pefkos is not an organized beach, but there is a tavern and it attracts many boats and yachts, which anchor in the little harbor.
Named after the homonymous chapel at the edge of the beach, Kyra Panagia (i.e. Virgin Mary) is a dazzling beach with white sand and shallow waters, ideal for children. However, the water here is very cold, a fact that makes this beach ideal for a refreshing swim when the temperature is very high (usually in July). Right behind the beach of Kyra Panagia, the hills are covered with pine trees and enhance the area’s natural beauty.
Aherounes is a small sandy beach very close to Linaria and at about 10 km. distance from Hora. The waters here are very shallow and visitors can buy coffee and refreshments at the cafeterias next to the beach. The white, minimal houses around Aherounes, combined with the not so fertile surrounding hills, create the illusion of being in a tranquil beach of a Cycladic island. Finally, this beach is not so crowded and is very easily accessible.
Agios Petros owes its name to the homonymous little island right in front of the beach. This is very long, tranquil beach, with crystal clear turquoise waters and white pebbles. There are no umbrellas or sunbeds, but there is a tavern right before arriving to the beach. Although arriving at Agios Petros requires passing through a 4 km. dirt road, the road is quite good and this beach is definitely worth a visit.
Agalipa bay is a natural ambience of unique beauty in northern Skyros, right after Agios Petros beach. The bay has two beaches, with the first one being larger and the second narrower and more impressive, since it hosts a shipwreck. The waters here are transparent and turquoise, whereas the rocky cliffs around the bay are full of pine trees. There are also rocks of various unusual shapes! Agalipa is accessible by boat or by fit visitors, fond of hiking/climbing.
Vina is a little, cozy beach with thin sand and transparent waters. It is situated very close to Chora and it is perfect for children, since the waters are shallow. The beach is not organized, but there is a hotel that has a beach bar with sunbeds and umbrellas. Vina is also a good accommodation choice, since it is conveniently situated between the airport and Chora.
Gyrismata is a long and wide beach in northeastern Skyros, which offers useful amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas and a tavern. Although the last part of the road leading to Gyrismata is a dirt road, the beach is very popular. Its main disadvantage is that due to its orientation it is exposed to the strong estate northern winds (“meltemia”). But its landscape is so diversified, with bright sand, turquoise waters and rocks, one of which has a picturesque chapel built within it, making it a must-visit coast!
Aspous is a sandy beach situated in a small bay in eastern Skyros. This beach has crystal clear waters and thin sand both on the coast and in the sea bottom, while there are no amenities at all. At the one end of the beaches there are a few pine trees offering shade, but visitors should bring umbrellas, water and snacks. Aspous is never crowded and is ideal for tranquility seekers.
Kalamitsa is a gorgeous beach with turquoise waters and white uniform pebbles. It is the longest beach on the island and it is ideally located very close to Linaria, but also close to Hora. Kalamitsa is the meeting point of surfers, since it is usually windy. This beach offers various accommodation choices and taverns around it serve delicious traditional Greek food.
Kolympada is a beautiful large beach at the edge of a wide bay. This beach has an interesting morphology, since it combines sand, white pebbles and strangely shaped rocks. It offers no amenities and the dirt road that leads to the beach is not in a good condition. Therefore, visitors are advised to leave their cars on the asphalt roads and walk down the dirt road for a few minutes. The landscape and refreshing sea water will certainly compensate them.
Agios Fokas beach lies underneath the homonymous picturesque white chapel at the end of a gorgeous bay. The beach used to be surrounded by pine trees, but the horrible fire in 2008 destroyed most of them. However, Agios Fokas is still an attractive, isolated beach and visitors may enjoy a delicious meal in the little tavern by the sea, while relishing the lovely view to the blue horizon.
Sarakino or Glyfada is a magical isolated beach on the deserted island of Sarakiniko, also called “Nisi tou Despoti”. The beach is marvelous, with white sand and transparent azure waters, creating a tropical ambience. This beach is only accessible via boat from Linaria, and the boat trip is very interesting, since the coastline of this island is amazingly indented. Visitors should make provisions for water and a light snack as the beach is totally unorganized.
Lino is a little sand and pebbles beach on the eastern coast of Skyros. The beach is never too crowded and visitors can get anything they need from the beach bar. Swimmers should be careful, as the sea bottom has some rocks where the water is shallow. The orientation of Lino enables visitors to gaze at the endless blue horizon of the Aegean Sea. There are also some accommodation choices close to the beach.
Petritsa is a tranquil beach of undeniable beauty, surrounded by cliffs full of cedars. The trees almost touch the sea water, which has a unique green color, and offer shade and dew to visitors. The beach is usually tranquil and there are no amenities offered, so provisions should be made for waters and snacks. Close to Petritsa there is the amazing beach of Atsitsa and the Atsitsa cave, definitely worth a visit while in the area.
Palamari is a lovely and very large sandy beach in northern Skyros, with an eastern orientation. The beach is not organized, but it attracts visitors that seek isolation and tranquility. Moreover, it is very close to the homonymous archaeological site, where archaeologists discovered a prehistoric settlement. Visitors should be aware that the last 4 km. of the road leading to Palamari are not covered by asphalt, but still it can be easily traversed.
Sometimes walking down a hidden path reveals a hidden treasure. This is exactly the case with the beach of Agios Andreas, named after the homonymous chapel by the sea. Agios Andreas is a marvelous isolated beach, accessible via a path that begins on the main road that connects Hora and Linaria, after Kalamitsa. Visitors should be very careful and should definitely wear trainers and carry water, hats, sun block and snacks.
Kalogria is a beautiful beach with calm waters at the end of an idyllic bay in western Skyros. Facing the picturesque chapel of Kyra Panagia and the islet of Kotsles, Kalogria offers a marvelous view and it is the perfect location for a romantic swim and sunset gazing. The beach is not organized, but there is a restaurant serving food, coffee and snacks.
Those who prefer isolated beaches, where natural beauty creates a feeling of awe, will certainly love Kareflou. The beach has crystal clear waters, natural surroundings untouched by the human hand and an incredible mixture of grey sand and pebbles. The water here is so calm that it reminds the water of a lake. As expected on beaches like this one, visitors need to make provisions since there are no amenities offered.
At Hatzigeraki visitors will be amazed by a long piece of land that enters into the sea water, ending at a strangely shaped rocky formation. The beach is totally isolated and the waters are crystal clear. Although there are no amenities offered, this beach is quite close to the beach of Lino and the homonymous village, where they can buy anything they need. Hatzigeraki is among the most impressive and most imposing beaches of Skyros.
Nested in a gorgeous bay in southern Skyros, this tranquil beach has transparent waters and host a great variety of fish species. Renes is the paradise of spearfishing and it is also a lovely, isolated beach. Its big white pebbles are harmonically blended with the gray sand and the turquoise sea. The last part of the road leading to Renes is a rough dirt road and therefore renting a 4x4 vehicle would be a good idea when visiting this area of Skyros.
Right underneath the rock of Hora, lies the cozy beach “Tou Papa to Houma”, which used to be very popular among nudists. Today, it still attracts some nudists but is also attracts youngsters who can easily walk down the steep path that starts on the main road and leads to this beach. The beach has thick sand and there are no amenities offered, but the beach is so close to the center of Hora that everything is right at hand.
Theotokos beach is located on the north-western part of the island and it consists in a peaceful sandy coast surrounded by pine and cedar trees. Excavations in the nearby area have brought to light some marvellous engraved tombs, worth seeing when you visit the beach. Theotokos beach is ideal for those who want to have a day in the sea embraced by utter calmness and serenity.
The Skyros’ lobsters are quite famous in Greece. According to this recipe, pasta is boiled “al dente” and then added in the same pan where the lobster was sautéed (the lobster is sautéed in a pan with onions, garlic, tomato, cognac, dill, salt and pepper). The fresher the lobster, the more delicious the result!
For this recipe, goat is baked in the oven accompanied with potatoes and vegetables. Another version of the famous Skyros’ goat dish is goat accompanied with lemon sauce and hand-made pasta. Both dishes are more than delicious!
Using the philosophy of a cheese pie, the Skyrians have created this amazing recipe where the pastry is made of flour, vinegar, olive oil, brown salt and water, and the filling is made of frumenty, brown rice, myzithra cheese, salt and pepper. Even though you may find them in different shapes, their taste remains fantastic!
Agalipes is a sea flower which is used in this unique recipe. The other ingredients are olive oil, flour, onions, salt, pepper and fennel. Firstly, onions are put in a pan without oil for a few minutes. Then olive oil is added till they turn reddish. Agalipes are added next and mixed till the pan ingredients become a pulp and then the flour, the fennel, the salt and pepper are added. The mixture is finally made into round balls and fried.
This is a pie made of olive oil, flour, yeast and salt. It is an easy recipe, where the only “delay” is that the pastry has to “rest” for about an hour in a hot place before being fried.
Very tasteful dish where pastry is filled with an amazing mixture made of sweet pumpkin, onions, gruyere, cinnamon, peppermint, olive oil, salt and pepper. Marmarites are triangle pies, baked in the oven which are similar in appearance with pizza pieces.
Made of yeast, water, flour and salt, fried in vegetable oil and usually topped with honey, these delicious desserts are served in weddings.
Tasteful desserts made of quince that are first boiled and then baked in a pot and cut in little “fingers”. They are served in weddings along with tiganites.
Although Skyros is quite a small island, it has some great quality localproducts.
Lobster
The sea water in Skyros is transparent and full of fish. Everyone in Greece knows that the lobsters at Skyros are surprisingly fresh and amazingly tasteful.
Honey
Excellent quality honey is produced in the Skyros’ mountains. Visitors should definitely bring a jar home!
Goat (and meat in general)
The island of Skyros is renowned for its goats that graze freely in the Skyros’ countryside. Livestock in general is very important on the island and the meat from Skyros is considered of superior quality.
Myzithra cheese
An amazing cheese with a wonderful taste and a unique aroma, the Skyros dry myzithra is a product that visitors must definitely taste.
Embroideries/linen
The art of embroideries in Skyros goes back to the time when inhabitants wore traditional local costumes. Here embroideries are characterized by lively colours and beautiful designs, all created on fine fabrics.
Hand-made furniture
Furniture made in Skyros can be found in houses all over Greece. Although they are difficult to bring home, visitors should at least visit a workshop of woodcarving and furniture.
Ceramic pots
The art of pottery is quite important on Skyros and many household objects are produced on the island. Apart from their utility, they also make a wonderful souvenir!
Various interesting events are organized in Skyros especially during the Carnival season and during the summer, with religious feasts playing an important role on the island’s life.
During the Carnival period, many festivities are organized on the island, which include a parade, outdoors theatrical acts where inhabitants are dressed in costumes and recite satirical poems, and of course a vibrant party is held at the end of the Carnival Period.
The Skyros Festival is organized every summer and includes several events of artistic expression, including theatre plays, concerts, seminars, photography and painting exhibitions, dance shows, etc.
Among the religious feasts the feast of Saint Ermolaos is the most impressive, held on July 26 on the square of Molos. Little boats transport visitors to the little island opposite Molos where the church is located and when they return to Molos, an outdoor feast with folklore music, dances and local food and drinks is held.
Other feasts worth attending are the feasts of Kyra Panagia held on August 23 and of Saint Panteleimonas on July 26-27 at Trahy (close to the airport).
Last but not least, the museums and art workshops of Skyros organize interesting events, including art exhibitions, concerts, conferences, etc., on which visitors may be informed by the Municipality of Skyros.
Skyros is an island with an amazing nature, a large part of which is wild and untouched by the human hand. Visitors should not miss the opportunity of hiking and walking around the island’s beauties, let alone admire the local Skyros’ horses on Kochylas Mountain. Therefore, bringing flat/athletic shoes is indispensable.
Moreover, since the temperature in Skyros is lower than in other islands and usually is below 30 degrees Celsius even in the summer, a light jacket is always useful. Nevertheless, the sun is strong and hats, sun blocks and umbrellas are required.
Finally, Skyros is very close to Evia (only 1.5 hours by boat) and combining a short vacation on Evia Island with Skyros would be a splendid idea.
Many Skyros’ beaches are accessible via dirt roads. Although these dirt roads are not very rough (with a couple of exceptions), it would be wise to rent a 4x4 vehicle for a day and explore the wild southern part of the island. The gorgeous Renes beach should only be approached by such a vehicle.
One thing is for sure: Skyrians are “good with their hands”. Woodcarving, pottery, basketry and carpets workshops are situated in Chora and in Gialos, and they organize workshops for visitors. An amazing experience!
There are several walking paths around the island. They are noted on trekking maps and following them is fun and reveals the Skyros’ natural treasures to visitors.
Skyros has 15 caves; among them, the most impressive are Pentekali, Diatrypiti, Mantrouha and Zyoparati. Taking a boat tour and exploring these incredible caves is a must!
Skyros is among the few islands around the world that offers an alternative holiday experience, where the mind and soul are “healed” and rejuvenated. Specialists in yoga, role playing, life coaching, creativity and arts are mostly gathered in Atsitsa Bay and organize workshops and programmes for visitors.
The majority of shops are located in Chora, but certain shops are situated in Linaria and on the island’s resorts.
We suggest below a few of the ones where you will find beautiful art objects.
Andreou Gallery
Located in Chora at Agoras Street, this gallery offers objects and furniture of the traditional Skyros woodcarving.
Hora, Skyros
Tel.: +30 22220 92926.
Ergastiri
The local artist Stamatis Ftoulis creates and sells his own creations in this shop in Magazia, where visitors may find dishes, platters, cups, etc., all hand-painted.
Magazia, Skyros
Tel.: + 30 22220 91559, 91887