Skyros is one of the most beautiful Greek islands with a history dating back to ancient times and Greek mythology.
In the heart of the Aegean Sea, embraced by the endless blue sea, it is the ultimate destination for every visitor because of its special morphology, its countless beautiful beaches, its history and its picturesqueness.
Skyros is mostly mountainous with two distinct mountain ranges dominating the northern and southern part. The northern part is covered by dense pine forest with the highest peak being Mount Olympus (403m) while the southern part is dominated by the mountain range of Kochilas (792m) with bare and rocky mountains, which if you manage to climb to the top (there are marked hiking trails) the view will reward you. The particular morphology of Skyros combines in the northern part natural landscapes found in the Sporades and northern Evia with pine trees touching the sea, while the southern part takes you to the Cyclades and southern Evia.
Southern Skyros has for centuries been the natural habitat of the indigenous small breed of Skyrian horse (Equus Cabalus Skyriano), the only one in the world today, classified as endangered. The southern part of the island is a Special Protection Area for birdlife, part of the NATURA 2000 network. On the hidden rocks of Kohila and on the nearby islands nest the Black-headed Hawk, a migratory species of hawk that is a globally endangered species and Skyros is home to the largest colony of the species.
The capital of the island is Chora or Chorio or Skyros which is built under the Byzantine castle in the northeastern part towards the Aegean Sea and impresses with its unique architecture, its picturesqueness and the hospitality of its people. While strolling around ”Megali Strata” don’t miss to “get lost” in the winding cobbled streets admiring the picturesque little churches that suddenly appear in front of you and take a peek inside the traditional houses that usually leave their doors open.
Walking towards the Monastery of Agios Georgios or towards Brooke Square, you will not be unmoved by the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea emerging from between the houses. Reaching the monastery and the castle the view from above is breathtaking!
Next to Brooke Square and after admiring the view, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Museum of Faltaic, where you can see in detail the folklore and tradition of this place.
Skyros is famous for its ceramics and for the wooden carved furniture that is a big part of its tradition.
Apart from Chora, Skyros has beautiful settlements, the most famous being Molos. Other settlements are Magazia, Gyrismia, Atsitsa, Aspus, Linaria, Acherounes, Pefkos, Kalamitsa, Trachi etc.
Skyros has countless beaches with crystal clear blue waters, endless sandy beaches, with pebbles, with pine trees that reach the sea, accessible or inaccessible beaches, beaches with beach bars and tavernas and beaches for those who want peace and quiet and contact with nature. The most famous beach is that of Molos, which stretches from Molos to Magazia and is probably the largest sandy beach of the northern Sporades. Other beaches are Gyrismas, Pefkos, Kyra Panagia, Acherounes, Kalamitsa, Markesi, Agalipa and many others.
Skyros is the island that combines tranquility, relaxation, activities, sightseeing, beaches, good food, fun, contact with nature and is there to impress even the most demanding visitor! It is so intimate that anyone who visits it leaves with the promise that they will return again. That’s its magic!
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The beaches
If you are looking for a destination with beautiful beaches where you can swim every day on a different beach, if you dream of relaxing on magnificent beaches with crystal blue waters, then Skyros is ideal for you.
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Monastery of Ag. Georgiou
At the top of the beautiful Chora of Skyros, next to the old Byzantine castle, dominates the Holy Monastery of St. George of Skyros, which is a part of the Holy Monastery of Megisti Lavra on Mount Athos. The church is dedicated to Saint George and was completed in 963 AD. In the 16th century the monastery was renovated and throughout the centuries it has been one of the most important pilgrimages of St. George in Greece. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
After the 2001 earthquake in Skyros, the monastery was severely damaged and was closed for 14 years until 23 April 2015. Since then the monastery can be visited again.
Access is by car to a point where there is a parking lot. But it is worth going up to the monastery on foot through the picturesque cobbled streets of Chora, enjoying the special architecture of the houses. The view from the monastery is impressive!
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Skyrian cuisine
The traditional cuisine is rich and deliciously interesting. It stands out for the quality of its ingredients and the tradition of recipes that have been preserved from generation to generation.
Skyros is famous for its animal and cheese products, the most famous of which are xinotyri, gruyere and myzithra, which stand out for their quality and deliciousness.
The pure thyme honey of Skyros with its great nutritional value deserves special mention.
Traditional recipes that you should try are the lobster macaroni, the lemon goat, the oil pie with sourdough, the terroptaria (with trahanas, rice and myzithra), the fava, the dog’s almond bread and others.
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Pouria
The area of Pouria is located next to Molos on the northeastern coast of the island. The sight of the area is magnificent with the restored windmill dominating the ruins of the ancient quarry of the famous ”Skyrian stone”. Rocks of limestone are everywhere, carved in strange shapes by the waves of centuries.
It is worth visiting the multi-photographed subterranean chapel of Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the rock next to the sea. The ideal time to visit Pouria is in the afternoon to admire the scenery at sunset.
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The windmill
Anemomilos is located in the area of Pouria in Skyros, northeast of the island. The sight that the area offers is unique with the restored windmill dominating the ruins of the ancient quarry of the famous “scyrias stone” that was famous during the Roman era. The quarry occupies a large part of the coast, creating an image that takes the visitor back in time. Next to the quarry is the impressive little church of Ag. Nikolaos, which is carved into the rock and is one of the most photographed sights of the island. The area is a must visit during the afternoon to enjoy the colours of the sky at sunset.
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One-day trip to Sarakinos
Do not miss the trip to Sarakino or Sarakiniko. With a boat that you can take from the port of Linaria, or from the bay of Pefkos you can find yourself on the island of Sarakino and specifically on Glyfada beach with its crystal blue waters and the “golden” sandy beach. Also during the tour, there is a stop at the sea caves, where you will enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. The trip will be unforgettable!
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Skyrian horse
The small horse of Skyros is an ancient breed of horse, widespread throughout the ancient Greek world. Some claim that the horses depicted in the Parthenon frieze are of this breed. Apart from the horses that live freely in the southeastern part of Skyros, there is also a controlled breeding farm where you can see the horses up close.
