Skyros

Secluded beaches, traditional churches, a Byzantine castle atop the hill and wonderful walking trails, Skyros is a very special place.  Officially part of the Sporades island group but with added cubist Cycladic architecture there is nowhere quite like Skyros.  

Skyros’ location – isolated from the rest of the Sporades and not the easiest to get to means it is also the least developed of the islands.  This isolation has helped to preserve the distinctive Greek character and traditions.  Festivals and occupations play a large part of life here – the island being renowned for its arts and crafts, pottery and hand carved furniture.  Skyros is particularly renowned for its lobster cookery – unique dishes include Astakomakaronada – lobster spaghetti.  

Most of the 3000 or so permenant inhabitants live in or around Chora and are engaged mainly in either farming or fishing.  The island has 2 distinct regions – the green and fertile north and the more barren, rocky south.

Chora is built on the steep slopes overlooking the sea and is famous for its Byzantine castle perched right at the top of the hill.  It is a lovely place to stroll around and enjoy the tavernas during the summer evenings.  Below Chora is the main beach area – Molos, which is a long sandy beach lined with tavernas and restaurants.  Other beach areas include Atsistam Agios Fokas and Pefkos but these offer fewer facilities (if any) – perfect for secluded sunbathing.  Some of the more remote beaches on the island require a reasonable walk from a car, or even a boat to access them.  Whilst there is a bus service of sorts on the island, visitors really need a car to get the best from Skyros.

Access to Skyros is normally via the internal flights from Athens which operate 3-4 times per week, or sometimes via Thessaloniki (2-3 flights per week) which would require an overnight stop in Athens at least one way.  There is a ferry from Kymi on Evia to Linaria on Syros, with very occasional connections to Skopelos or Alonissos.