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Beaches & Skyros Town

The sea around these islands is wonderful for fishing. Skyros is famous for its sandy beaches, Magazia (Yialos), Mobs, Aghios Petros, Theotokos, Kyria Panagia, Atsitsa, Aghios Fokas, Pefkos, Aherounes, Kolymbada, Tris Boukes, Renes, Achilli, Mealos and the “official” nudist beach of Tou Papa to Homa. The Forests that cover around 32% of the island, consist mostly of pine trees. Considering the size of the island, there are few populated areas.

The main area being that of Skyros town itself. Originally a village, it is still called “Chorio” by the locals. Gradually it has spread and been joined to Magazia in the east. Kabos and Molos in the north and Plagia and Aghia in the south. Now it is a thriving, country town. 80% of the population of Skyros lives in the town. The town itself has many fascinating sights and places to visit. Start by exploring the tiny, winding streets, peep into the Skyrean houses, each one like a tiny museum with its copperware and local pottery adorning the walls. Climb to the ancient castle with the monastery of Aghios Georgios just beneath. Visit the town museums, between which stands the statue of Rupert Brooke. Breathe and absorb the atmosphere of ancient mythology, history, folklore and the pride of the local inhabitants. There are many publications about Skyros available in the local shops.

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Ανακαλύψτε την Σκύρο

Skyros is the largest island of the North Sporades and has an area of 215 square kilometers. Its itinerant population numbers around 3.000 (2011 census, 2.994 inhabitants). It lies east of Evia, 24 miles from the port of Kymi, and 26 miles south of Alonissos. Its geographical position is 36:11 to 38:59 lat. and 24:25 to 24:42 long. Administratively it belongs to the region of Karystia in the prefecture of Evia. A 4 kilometer long plane, running from Achilli up to Kalamitsa, “once covered by the sea”, still divides the island into two parts. The north-west is covered by pine woods and lush vegetation.

The south-east is a complete contrast, mountainous, dramatic scenery. This area is where the Skyrian shepherds and goatherds graze their thousands of animals. For visitors who like walking and climbing, Skyros has several high mountains; Kohylas (794 meters) in the south, Olympos (390 meters) in the north, others include Marmaro (394 m.), Klari (331 m.), Afanes (327 m.), Oros (316 m.) and Ai Lias (294 m.). Surrounding Skyros, there are many smaller islands, some of which are green and used for grazing flocks of sheep and goats, for example Sarakiniko, sometimes called Despot’s, Plateia, Reneia, Skyropoula, Koulouri among others. there are also deserted islands and rocky islets, like Diavates, Myrmingonissia, Aloni, Kameles, Vrikolakonissia, Ai Armolaos, Vrahonissia in Achilli and many others.

Prepare for the experience

The climate of Skyros is perfect, cool breezes in the summer keep the heat down and it has an average temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius in the winter. The island has a daily ferry connection with Evia to the port of Kymi. The island boat leaves from Linaria at 08.00 and returns from Kymi at 17.00. These schedules may be changed, so it is wise to check before you travel. Aegean Airways provides air connection with Athens, and during summer 2 charter flights connect Skyros with Vienna (every Sunday) and Paris (twice a week). The journey takes about 25 minutes. During the summer months, there are connections by Ferry Boat with the neighboring islands and the mainland, through Kymi. Accurate information about the various methods of transportation can be obtained from the relevant agency (www.sne.gr).

Memorable Activities

There are so many things to see and visit on the island.

  • The natural beauty of the countryside, the mountains which change col-our according to the time of day or the season.
  • The breathtaking view of the Kastro and the fascinating sights of the sur-rounding town.
  • Beautiful sandy beaches, rocky coves and sea caves.
  • The pine forests which stretch to Atsitsa, Afios Fokas, and surround Marmaro.
  • The ancient ruins in Markesi, Palamari and Kalamitsa along with the ancient walls of the Kastro in Skyros town.
  • The excavations in Palamari which were found by Liana Parlamas and Maria Theohari. More information is available about these sites in the book “Skyros in the Age of Copper”.
  • Traditional weddings still take place in Skyros. The women and the older men will still be seen wearing their traditional costumes and the Skyrean songs with Byzantine origins will still be sung.
  • The Byzantine and post – Byzantine monuments in Kastro.
  • The Monastery of Aghios Georgics and many of the 180 churches on the island.
  • The traditional costumes and Skyrean sandals.
  • The costumes during “Apo Kreas” the Lenten period before Easter, when everyone participating wears a mask so as to avoid recognition.
  • The exquisite pottery, miniature carved furniture and other traditionally made wooden products.
  • The miniature Skyrean horses, which are unique to the island.
  • The Skyrean houses themselves with their traditional fireplaces and decoration.
  • The two museums, archaeological and the folklore museum of M. Faltaits.
  • The Gallery of Skyrian Sculptor Georgios Lambrou
  • The square in which is the statue of Rupert Brooke, the British poet.
  • The multi colored Skyrean marble which is cut from the mountain side.

In September 1989, Skyros was chosen by the International Federation of Young Architects (I.F.Y.A.) as the place for a convention for builders and architects from 18 different countries as it remains an excellent example of traditional architecture.

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