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!