Skyros: Between green forests and wild landscapes

Skyros has two distinct faces: in the north, dense pine forests and lush green landscapes set the scene, while the south feels dry and wild. The island also has 74 beaches, 12 sea caves and 33 small and larger islets. If you are looking for a holiday apartment on the island, you can start by considering which landscape you want to shape your holiday: green northern Skyros or the more rugged character of the south.

Island nature and time by the water

The diversity of the coastline is a distinctive part of Skyros. Molos Beach is 300 metres long and accessible via the settlement of Molos. Kalamitsa Bay is suitable for water sports that require steady wind and low waves. These offer different coastal experiences side by side: a named beach with a specific length and a bay whose conditions suit certain water sports. When choosing where to base yourself for your holiday, consider whether you want to focus mainly on the coast, the landscape or the island’s cultural sites.

The wildlife is also part of Skyros’s distinctive character. The Skyrian horse survived only on this island; free-roaming herds live in the Mount Kochylas area in the southeast. Skyros is also home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Eleonora’s falcons: more than 1,000 pairs breed there from April to October. These locations and seasons give nature enthusiasts specific things to explore on their trip, without implying that individual animals will necessarily be seen.

Chora, museums and history

In Chora, striking buildings meet a long history of settlement. The castle stands at the city’s highest point, atop a 179-metre-high rock. Archaeological research has found evidence of continuous habitation there for more than 3,500 years. Below the medieval castle stands the Monastery of Agios Georgios, built in 960 AD. Those interested in history and religious architecture will find different chapters of the past gathered in one place.

The Archaeological Museum of Skyros displays exhibits from every period of antiquity represented on the island, beginning with the Neolithic period. The Faltaits Museum, on the northeastern edge of the city, offers a different way to explore the island’s history: it is built on the largest tower of the ancient Pelasgian walls. Manos Faltaits founded it in 1964 to preserve traditional Skyrian heritage; it is one of Greece’s first local history and folklore museums.

Skyros’s history can also be encountered in different forms beyond its museums. Palamari on the north coast is a prehistoric settlement from the Early and Middle Bronze Age, dating to around 2500 to 1800 BC. Near Pournia, ruins of an ancient quarry occupy part of the coast; they are connected with Skyrian stone, which was famous in Roman times. A bronze statue of the English poet Rupert Brooke, erected in 1930, also stands on a terrace overlooking Magazia.

Traditions, crafts and flavours

Almost all of Skyros is designated a traditional settlement. The traditional houses preserve a unified architectural aesthetic that helps define the island’s character. In and around Chora, workshops specialising in Skyrian woodcarving welcome visitors. Using local Apello pine wood, they make small chairs and tables for the island’s traditional interiors. For a trip that takes in craftsmanship and design as well as nature, these workshops offer a special insight into local traditions.

Skyrian fava brings another aspect of the island’s culture to the table: it tastes earthy, nutty and slightly sweet. It is served cooked with oil and onions, sometimes with fennel too. Traditional panigyria are held on Skyros throughout the year. After the church service, communal tables are laid with pilaf and goat or lamb. Skyrian Apokries spans the four weeks of the Triodion and reaches its peak on Clean Monday weekend. Then the masked figures “Geros”, “Korela” and “Frangos” parade through the lanes of Chora.

The wineries of Skyros offer tasting rooms and vineyard tours where you can learn about the production of local wine. Along with fava and festival traditions, they provide different ways to discover the island through its cuisine and communal customs.

Getting there and other places

A direct flight from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to Skyros Airport takes 40 minutes. Local bus services are operated by KTEL Chalkidas and are coordinated with the ferry timetables. Skyros lies off the coast of Evia and is the southernmost island of the Sporades. If you’d like to explore other places: Zarakes, Vasiliko, Agiokampos, Kotsikia, Agia Anna, Faros, Eretria and Artemisio.

For the broader travel overview: Euboea.