Beautiful landscapes, authentic hospitality and delicious food await you on the southernmost and largest island by area in the Northern Sporades - All the reasons to choose Skyros for your holidays.
Accessible, authentic and welcoming, half lush and fertile and half wild and arid, Skyros has a charm all its own. Full of surprises and contrasts, the southernmost and largest island of the Northern Sporades, east of Evia, is an ideal destination for peaceful holidays.Access is by air or sea (from Kymi in Evia you will take the ferry that will bring you to the port of Skyros, Linaria, in an hour and a half). In Skyros you will discover beautiful landscapes, beaches with amazing waters, traditions that endure over time and flavors that will stay with you.
The picturesque Chora and the castle
Perched on a precipitous hill, the Chora of Skyros, with its narrow winding alleys and whitewashed houses on the slope, strongly recalls the Cyclades. The settlement "embraces" a towering rock, at the top of which stands the Byzantine castle, with the Monastery of Saint George, the island’s patron. The route up is tiring, but it rewards the visitor. The view takes your breath away.
Wander through the picturesque alleys of the Chora scented with jasmine and basil. Take a stroll along the main cobbled lane, Megali Strata, which runs through the entire Chora and is lined with prettylittle shops that sell everything, as well as cafés and ouzeries serving local treats. In the lovely Square of Eternal Poetry (or Brooke Square) you will see the statue of Rupert Brooke (an English romantic poet who died on a French hospital ship off the island during World War I and was buried on Skyros) and enjoy the fantastic view of the Aegean. Don’t forget to stop at the Faltaits Museum, one of the first folklore museums in Greece, which hosts fascinating and rich collections from the traditional culture and history of Skyros.
The beaches of Skyros
On the western coast (10 km from the Chora) lies the island’s port, Linaria, from where the main road routes to the other villages start. Acherounes is the first beach (with sand) you will encounter as soon as you arrive at the port. Below the Chora, Molos and Magazia- the two best-known resorts of Skyros- meet on a long, sandy, horseshoe-shaped beach, perfect for wonderful swims.Another beautiful beach that is quite large and draws people is Gyrismata.
It is also worth visiting the pine-covered northwestern beaches: Agios Fokas, Pefkos, the sheltered Kyra-Panagia and Agios Petros with its wide sandy shore. Atsitsa is a picturesque little village, with many small coves and pebble beaches. Kalamitsa is among the island’s largest beachesand a favorite destination for windsurfers.The beach at Aspousis ideal for families with small children, as it is quite shallow with fine sand and warm waters.
Finally, don’t miss the chance to take a day trip to the islet of Sarakiniko with its crystal-clear waters and to the secluded sea caves Pentekali and Diatripiti. Thecaiques depart from Linaria.
Activities for everyone
The combination of mountains and sea offers many activities, such as hiking (there are eight signposted routes to discover the diversity of the Skyrian landscape), cycling, horse riding, climbing, birdwatching, 4Χ4 routes for jeep lovers, windsurfing, diving, sailing and sea excursions to deserted beaches.
The Skyrian horse
The small-statured Skyros horse breed is today one of the rare breeds in the world. It is one of Greece’s indigenous horse breeds that existed in antiquity throughout Greece. It managed to survive on Skyros, hence the name. Today, there are 260 Skyrian horses across Greece, of which 187 are on Skyros and live in small herds. You cansee them at visitable farms and estates on the island, such as Mouries Estate.
Local flavors
The traditional cuisine of Skyros will impress you with its quality and simplicity. The leading star of most local dishes is wild young goat, as well as lobster - the famous astakomakaronada is served almost everywhere and is worth trying. Among the cheeses, graviera with a piquant taste stands out, as do fresh and aged mizithra and xinotyri, a wonderfulwhite soft cheese from goat’s and sheep’s milk with a slightly sour taste and a yogurt-like texture. The local pies are also renowned, such as ladopita, made with fluffy dough and served with Skyrian cheese.
