Skyros

Discover impressive monuments and sites:

• The Byzantine castle. On the entrance you can see the walled-in marble lion (dragon) and remains of the Cyclopean and Byzantine walls. The view to the sea and to the rest of Northern Sporades islands is overwhelming. Inside the castle lie the ruins of a 9th century church as well as the castle-monastery of Agios Georgios (10th cent.). Here, among the offerings, shines the gold medal of the first Greek Olympic champion, Spyros Louis.
• Manos and Anastasia Faltaits Folk Art Museum, founded in 1964 in the Skyriton Park.
• The Palaiopyrgos (Old Tower), the biggest tower of the ancient Pelasgian wall of the island.
• The little stone theater, which hosts important cultural events in summer including the «Skyros Festival».
• The Archaeological Museum boasting finds that range from the Early Helladic Period to the Roman times. Admire the folklore collection of the “Skyrian House” (Skyriano Spiti), made up of Skyrian wood-carved furniture, painted ceramic plates and textiles, household and agricultural items.
• “Megali Strata”, which leads to Kyprou Square (known also as Brook square), dominated by the statue of the English poet and philhellene Robert Brook (1887-1915), made by the sculptor Michael Tompros.
• Beaches

On Skyros you can bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece! Crystal clear waters, golden sandy beaches and stunning landscapes dominated by pine trees reaching the shore make up breathtaking scenery, ideal for blissful moments of relaxation. The closest beaches to Hora are Magazia, Molos, Papa to Houma and Lino. The extended sandy beach of Molos is among the most cosmopolitan spots on the island. On the north you can opt for the beaches of Petritsa, Kyra Panagia, Agios Petros and Theotokos.

Fascinating routes around Skyros

The island’s main feature is its distinct landscape; the north part is dominated by lush pine forests and green landscapes while the southern part has a wild yet compelling beauty. Its rocky landscape is dominated by Kochylas, the island’s highest mountain. Picturesque hamlets spread around the northern part of the island, each one indispensible part of a unique whole…
Magazia, Molos and Gyrismata are famous seaside resorts that spread along a major sandy beach, also suitable for water sports. In Magazia you can see the church of Agios Georgios while in «Pouria» you can admire the ancient quarry. Here stands the church of Agios Nikolaos that was carved out of the rock. Nearby, you will see the restored windmill that operates as a restaurant-bar. They are situated 3 and 4 km N of Hora respectively.

Aspous, a wonderful coastal village, 4.5 km S of Hóra, awaits the visitor on the road that leads from the port towards Hóra. Legend has it that Achilles started his journey to Troy from the adjacent bay Achilli. It is also worth seeing the Skyrian pottery workshop. After a 45-minute walk, you can reach at the chapel of Prophet Elias (1.5 km S), with its panoramic view.

Acherounes, 10 km S of Hora, is a seaside settlement which attracts many water sports enthusiasts thanks to its endless stretch of sandy beaches. Nearby you will come across the municipal race course, with the famous local horses, the Skyrian ponies (their height does not exceed 1.10 meters). They are descended from the famous “Pikermi hipparion” (Hipparion mediteraneum) dated to the Paleolithic age; the modern breeds are found also in the Shetland Isles.

Pefkos, 11 km SW of Hora, is a wooded cove with a tempting beach. You can visit the church of Agios Panteleimonas, where you can take in breathtaking views down the sea. From here begins the wonderful trail that leads north towards the bay of Agios Fokas.

Atsitsa is a seaside village named after the nearby island, situated 18.5 km W of Hora. It is nestled in a pine-covered location of exceptional beauty with rocky formations. On the beach of the village you can still see the little steel wagons that carried the mineral down to the sea. Atsitsa is a popular destination for alternative tourism enthusiasts.

Discover the island’s best kept “secret”: In the vicinity of the harbour there is a galore of sea caves with stalactites (Xyloparati, Mantroucha, Pentekali, Diatrypti, Gerania). Small boats run excursion trips to these caves, passing through the arched openings in the rocks outside the port of Linaria. By boat, you can also visit the Sarakino Island (or Sarakiniko), with its beautiful beach of Glyfada.

A multitude of customs reveal a centuries-old tradition that has been kept almost intact over the centuries. Colourful cultural events as well as local feasts taking place around the 365 churches of the island offer to the visitor an unforgettable experience with exquisite local flair all year long. The renowned Carnival of Skyros counts among the most famous cultural events.