Until recent years, Skyros was only known for its ponies and the last island of the Sporades, playing the role of ‘younger brother’ to its older siblings, Skiathos, Alonissos and Skopelos. Not anymore.
In mythology Skyros was the island where Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War, was hiding to avoid going to war. He was dressed as a girl but Odysseus offered him a sword and Achilles’ clothes fell off and everyone could see he was not a woman! Theseus, the hero that killed the Minotaur of Crete (a monster, half human half bull) was banned to the island and thrown off a cliff here by the king of Skyros, Lykomedes. Weirdly, there are no statues on the island of these two Greek heroes. However, there is one for the English poet Rupert Brooke, who died here after he was bitten by a mosquito. His grave is located in Tris Boukis Bay, the former pirate bay in the southwest of the island, and his statue stands on the square Plateia Rupert Brooke, at the top of the Chora. The statue is controversial because it is (inexplicably!) a nude.
Until recent years, Skyros was only known for its ponies and the last island of the Sporades, playing the role of ‘younger brother’ to its older siblings, Skiathos, Alonissos and Skopelos. Not anymore. The island is now gaining the place it deserves on the map.
Today, Skyros is one of the few islands that are not dependent on tourism as it has its own agriculture and stock farming which produce excellent dairy products, meat and all kinds of pies.
This semi-wild, small-bodied horse breed is one of the rarest in the world and has lived on the island of Skyros in Greece for 2,000 years.It is possible that they were used by Alexander the Great in his conquests, and also possible that they are the horses depicted in the friezes of the Parthenon.
The town of Chora is full of winding, twisting streets that simply cry out to be explored. Follow the stone paths and wander around the town for hours, soaking up the traditional architecture and wonderful panoramic views that stretch out to the horizon.
Skyros is known for its beautiful beaches, jagged coastline, and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is the ultimate choice for a romantic and idyllic getaway.
If you can time your visit with the Skyros Carnival, you won’t regret it! In the weeks leading up to the 40-day fasting period before the Greek Orthodox Easter, parts of the country come alive with grand celebrations. The Sporades island of Skyros has one of the most unique traditions. Men play the role of the ‘geros’, or goat men, and wear a furry black cape, a belt of goat bells (weighing in at around 50 kilos) and a hanging goatskin to cover their faces. They are accompanied by the veiled ‘korela’ – the island girls or Skyrian brides – and have parades through the streets. You have to see it to believe it!
Ydrovaths, which means ‘walking on water’, provides a fantastic boat trip and is one of the best to do on the island. They pick you up from Linaria port and take you to Sarakhniko beach with its mesmerising clear blue waters. Possibly the only thing better is the food you’ll get on board. Ladopites with ksinotiri and honey for starters followed up by the lobster pasta prepared by the Italian chef, are to die for. Tsipouro and Kritamo round the whole day off creating a truly memorable day out.
Today, Skyros is one of the few islands that are not dependent on tourism as it has its own agriculture and stock farming which produce excellent dairy products, meat and all kinds of pies. *Epicure Greece Top Tip: head to Miltsos bakery for the very best ‘Loukanopita’ (sausage pie)* Once you have satiated your savoury appetite, head to Faltaina – The great Faltaina is famous for her icecream which is produced only from buffalo milk. Faltaina also makes the best ‘amygdalota’ – a greek delicacy.
Kalypso in Chora is adored by the locals with great cocktails extremely reasonable prices. For something fun, head to Kavos lounge bar in Linaria port. ‘Zaratoustra’, by Richard Strauss, (aka the soundtrack to ‘Space Odyssey’) is played in the bar every time a ship enters the port and it’s a great place to relax for a morning coffee or an early night cocktail.
There are lots of authentic Greek tavernas in Skyros offering big portions of hearty and delicious Greek food. One of our favourites is ‘Ktima Mouries’, with its large restaurant garden terrace, covered by the canopy of a few large trees. Lots of standout dishes here but one worth a mention is “ladopita” (a thin pie made with olive oil) which is accompanied by the traditional Skyros “ksynotyri” cheese.
There are many pristine, spacious beaches on Skyros where you can swim, frolic, sunbathe and satisfy your appetite. The most developed is Magazia, with Ammoudia Beach Bar, where you can order a freddo cappuccino or cocktail directly to your sunbed. For a more off-the-beaten track beach experience, there are a whole host of quieter bays including Agios Petros, Aspous, Pefkos, Kalamitsa, Kareflou and Palamari beach.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.