Skyros or Skiros is a Greek island of the Aegean Sea and the Sporades. It is attached to the nome of Evia and has 2,711 inhabitants for 209 km2. Skyros is an island at the same time wild and alive while being away from mass tourism. The capital of the island is the city of Skyros (or Chora), located above the east coast. It is connected to Linaria by a road of 11 km.
Linaria is the port of the island. On arrival you will see many fishing boats, sailboats and tourist boats and you will find many taverns and restaurants. There are also many souvenir shops, newspaper shops and mini markets.
The great beaches of Magazia and Molos, located nearby, concentrate a good part of the activity of the island. The Magazia sandy beach is a 10-minute walk from the town of Skyros, Chora. As it is the main beach of the city, it is crowded in high season.
The long beach extends 800 meters, reaching the neighboring village of Molos. Molos is the most organized beach on the island. The sand is fine and the water is clean. The atmosphere is relaxing, especially at sunset.
Near Molos beach, outside of Linaria you will find the beautiful chapel of Agios Nikolaos, built on a huge rock by the sea. It is the largest of the island. There are also many other small chapels scattered around the area.
A few hundred meters from Linaria is the beautiful beach of Acherounes.
Acherounes is a beach sheltered from the strong winds. This beach is ideal for families with small children as the water is very shallow and warm.
Linaria and Acherounes are about eight kilometers from Chora and are accessible several times a day by bus.
The majority of the population is located in the northern part of Skyros. The South is almost deserted and wild. Skyros is famous for its ponies and marbles. The best known craft of the island is embroidery, used for the ornamentation of linens and traditional costumes. The island is also renowned for its craftsmanship. The typical Skyros furniture is found in many houses in Athens and other cities. It also offers an interesting production of ceramics. Popular craft workshops in the capital city and Yalo produce wooden, ceramic, woven baskets and weavings.
There are several archaeological sites: Kastro, the ancient acropolis above Chora, where the view is magnificent, and Palamari in the north of the island.
There are also several churches representative of Byzantine art, such as Saint George of Skyros, built on a rock overlooking the sea by Nicephore Phocas, the 10th century basileus, and the Panagia (Notre Dame) by Kitso.
Skyros has beautiful landscapes like Gialo, Achilli or Vrachia, and beautiful beaches: Nyfi, Tris Voukes, Phanari, Diapori.
Do not miss:
Chora, the view from the Kastro, and the beaches of the North.