Skyros: Island Nature, Coast and Culture

Skyros is the southernmost island of the Sporades and lies off the coast of Evia. Its landscape varies considerably from north to south: dense pine forests and lush green areas define the north, while the south is dry and wild. If you are looking for a hotel on Skyros, you can start planning your trip around the things that interest you on the island: nature and the coast, the history of Chora, or local traditions.

Nature, Beaches and Island Character

Skyros has 74 beaches, 12 sea caves and 33 small and large islets. These figures give an idea of the diversity of the coastline; for your own planning, it is still worth considering individual locations and their specific conditions. Molos Beach is 300 metres long and can be reached via the settlement of Molos. If you plan to visit, check the latest access information beforehand.

Kalamitsa Bay is suitable for water sports that require steady winds and low waves. These conditions depend on the weather, so the bay is of particular interest to travellers whose plans suit this kind of water sport. In the southeast of the island, in the Mount Kochylas area, Skyrian horses live in free-roaming herds. The Skyrian horse survived only on Skyros. Birdwatching is also seasonal: more than 1,000 pairs of Eleonora’s falcons breed there from April to October; population figures may vary.

Chora and the Island’s History

At the highest point of Chora, Skyros Castle stands on a 179-metre-high rock. Archaeological research has found evidence there of continuous settlement for more than 3,500 years. Below the medieval castle stands the Monastery of Agios Georgios, built in 960 AD. Together, the two structures offer a striking picture of different periods in the island’s history.

The Archaeological Museum of Skyros displays exhibits from all the periods of antiquity represented on the island, beginning with the Neolithic period. The Faltaits Museum offers a different perspective on local history: founded in 1964 by Manos Faltaits to preserve traditional Skyrian heritage, it is one of the first local history and folklore museums in Greece. The museum is built on the largest tower of the ancient Pelasgian walls and lies on the northeastern edge of the town.

Almost all of Skyros is considered a traditional settlement, and its traditional houses preserve a unified architectural aesthetic. Other traces of the past include Palamari on the north coast, a prehistoric settlement from the Early and Middle Bronze Age, dating approximately from 2500 to 1800 BC. Near Pournia, the ruins of an ancient quarry occupy part of the coastline. They are associated 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

In and around Chora, workshops specialising in Skyrian woodcarving welcome visitors. Small chairs and tables for the island’s traditional interiors are made there from locally sourced Apello pine wood. The craft highlights the connection between local materials and the design of these rooms.

Skyrian Apokries takes place over the four weeks of the Triodion and reaches its peak on the Clean Monday weekend. Masked figures known as “Geros”, “Korela” and “Frangos” then walk through the lanes of Chora. The dates change each year according to the Orthodox calendar. Traditional panigyria are also held throughout the year: after the church service, communal tables are set with pilaf and goat or lamb; the dates of the individual festivals vary.

Skyrian fava, with its earthy, nutty and slightly sweet flavour, is part of the local cuisine. It is served cooked with oil and onions, and sometimes with fennel. The wineries on Skyros offer tasting rooms and vineyard tours, where visitors can learn about the production of local wine. As offerings may vary from one winery to another, it is best to ask in advance about a specific tasting or tour.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

There is a direct flight from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to Skyros Airport; the flight takes 40 minutes. Check current flight schedules before travelling. On the island, KTEL Chalkidas operates the local bus service, with schedules coordinated with ferry timetables. As schedules can change, checking the latest departure times will help you plan your journeys.

The combination of contrasting landscapes, archaeological sites, living traditions and seasonal wildlife offers different ways to think about Skyros as a destination. Depending on whether you are particularly interested in Chora, the coast or nature, you can include these priorities in your trip planning and use them to guide your search for a hotel on Skyros.

Discover more destinations: Tsakei, Aidipsos, Rovies, Faros, Eretria, Avlonari, Neos Pirgos, Konistres.

For the broader travel overview: Evia.