Ecotourism Greece |   Skyros
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Athens & Nearby Islands
      • Aegina Island
      • Agistri
      • Athens City
      • Hydra Island
      • Methana
      • Poros Island
      • Salamina
      • Spetses
    • Central Greece
      • Aitolo-Akarnania
      • Evrytania
      • Fokida
      • Fthiotida
      • Viotia
    • Crete
      • Chania
      • Heraklion
      • Lasithi (Sitia)
      • Rethymnon
    • Cyclades
      • Amorgos
      • Anafi
      • Andros
      • Dilos
      • Donousa
      • Folegandros
      • Ios
      • Irakleia
      • Kea (Tzia)
      • Kimolos
      • Koufonisi
      • Kythnos
      • Milos
      • Mykonos
      • Naxos
      • Paros & Antiparos
      • Santorini
      • Schinoussa
      • Serifos
      • Sifnos
      • Sikinos
      • Syros
      • Tinos
    • Dodecanese
      • Astypalea
      • Kalymnos
      • Karpathos
      • Kos
      • Leros
      • Patmos
      • Rhodes (Rodos)
    • Epirus
      • Arta
      • Ioannina
      • Preveza & Parga
      • Thesprotia
    • Evia
      • Central Evia
      • Northern Evia
      • Skyros
      • Southern Evia
    • Ionian Islands
      • Antikythera
      • Corfu (Kerkyra)
      • Ithaki
      • Kefalonia
      • Kythera
      • Lefkada
      • Zakynthos (Zante)
    • Macedonia & Thrace
      • Drama
      • Grevena
      • Florina
      • Halkidiki
      • Kastoria
      • Kavala
      • Kilkis
      • Kozani
      • Imathia
      • Pella
      • Pieria & Mount Olympus
      • Rodopi
      • Samothraki
      • Serres
      • Thassos
      • Thessaloniki (Salonica)
      • Xanthi
      • Evros
    • North Aegean
      • Chios
      • Ikaria
      • Lemnos
      • Lesvos
      • Samos
    • Peloponnese
      • Achaia
      • Argolida
      • Arkadia
      • Elafonisos
      • Ilia
      • Korinthia
      • Laconia
      • Messinia
    • Thessaly & Sporades
      • Alonnisos
      • Karditsa (Lake Plastira)
      • Lake Karla & Mavrovouni
      • Larissa
      • Magnesia (Pelion)
      • Skiathos
      • Skopelos
      • Trikala (Meteora, Pertouli)
  • Green Hotels
  • Activities
    • Archeology
    • Art, History, Culture
    • Canoeing Kayaking
    • Canyoning
    • Cultural sightseeing
    • Cycling
    • Diving
    • Gastronomy tours
    • Hiking tours
    • Mountain biking
    • Sailing
    • Urban walking tours
  • local_libraryGeneral info
  • airline_seat_individual_suiteAccommodation
  • accessibilityTours

Skyros

If you've always dreamed of going to an unspoiled Greek island with a traditional way of life and without mass tourism, Skyros is it. There's a magic aura to Skyros and it radiates with authenticity, from the old sandal-maker in the main town to the unique stone houses on the way to Chora's mountaintop.

Geographically, this is a very interesting island as it was once two separate islands with two very different landscapes. Today, while it may be one island joined by a windy, sandy strip that's 4km long, a look at the map will reveal the two different sides: the mountainous, arid and rocky south that reminds one of the Cycladic islands, and the greener, more fertile wooded north that is closer to the Sporadic group of islands.

Maybe because of this dichotomy, beautiful and strange phenomena surround Skyros in many ways. This is the island of small sizes where animals such as the Skyrian horse, wildflowers and even people tend to be smaller than their counterparts elsewhere in Greece. The strange phenomenon is even more interesting when considering the smaller satellite island of Diavati, which boasts the opposite phenomenon of gigantism: both wildlife and fauna there have exhibited much larger varieties than similar species elsewhere in the world. Foreign experts have been flocking to these two islands to unravel their secrets, but nature works in strange ways and is keeping quiet about its Skyrian wonders for now. Skyros and its surrounding islands offer a wild variety of fragrant herbs and some very rare flowers, as well as some of the best Greek honey available.

Pixabay, manocom

Beyond the magical, visitors will find the people of Skyros very friendly, helpful and hospitable. And then there's the magical main town of Skyros, also known as Chora. Its cobblestone streets are filled with traditional shops, restaurants and modest nightspots that entertain the mostly Greeks from other parts of the country who flock there in summer. Among the white houses you will find some more traditional yet majestic stone-built homes, reflecting the true architecture and style that is unique on the Sporades.

There's also an intriguing culinary side to explore on this island. For those with a healthy appetite, a delicious cuisine awaits visitors, from the famous Lobster Spaghetti of Linaria to the home-cooked food of Chora's tavernas and seafood specialties of family restaurants. Several beaches have local tavernas offering fresh seafood from the catch of the day, in addition to a succulent variety of dishes such as pumpkin pies, edible fresh greens and shellfish fritters (agalipokeftedes).

Speaking of beaches, Skyros boasts some of the cleanest on this side of the Mediterranean. Apart from Magazia and Molos near the main town, there are numerous quiet beaches to be discovered, such as Aspous, Acherounes, Kalamitsa, Pefkos, Agios Fokas, Atsitsa, Kira Panagia, Agios Petros, Agalipa and Girismata. Very interesting and of amazing beauty as well are the seaside caves on the eastern coastline of the island, accessible by boat from different ports. Hiking opportunities to secluded beaches and through the forests are plentiful.

Pixabay, manocom

There's also an old castle on top of the hill and a monastery (both currently under repair), and the view from there towards the beach is stunning. A little lower is Brooks Square, honoring a British poet who asked to be buried on the island. Worth visiting off Brooks Square is the rich archaeological museum of Skyros and the nearby Faltaits museum which will both shed light on the island's amazing past and culture.

A description of Skyros wouldn't be complete without a mention of its famed carnival with Dionysian overtones, disguised figures and outstanding costumes. The carnival will delight with its dances, outdoor theatre and enchanting rituals. Also very interesting are the numerous religious feasts throughout the year, each sponsored by a different small church. After church services of these religious feasts, in true Greek-Orthodox style, expect lots of traditional dancing coupled with special food and drink.

Lastly, a small word about the quaint port of Linaria (the main port of Skyros town, 10 km away), in case you decide to come by boat. Apart from the great fish taverns and nearby beaches, the port authorities have worked hard to be environmentally friendly, providing sewage collection and sea pollution control services. There are tanks for collecting used mineral oils, used cooking oil, fuel residues, bilge water and different other recycling services. Bravo Linaria Harbour!

In sum, with lovely beaches, sumptuous food, rich celebrations and an authentic non-tourist feel, Skyros has a lot of secrets and hidden treasures for such a small island. It should not be missed!

Nefeli Hotel, Chora, Skyros

From $
Book now

Skyros Ammos Hotel

From $
Book now

Unfortunately no tours were found.

  • News:

    • 10 STUNNING HIKING SPOTS FOR JUNE May 25, 2023
    • An eco-paradise in a forgotten part of Crete May 10, 2023
    • Unwind and Embrace Nature: A Weekend of Ecotourism in Santorini April 24, 2023
    • Agistri: the quiet island of the Saronic Gulf March 2, 2023
    • Meteora: One of Greece’s unparallelled treasures February 22, 2023
    • 12 hiking tours in Crete that will blow your mind February 6, 2023
  • Thinking of booking a tour?

    We’re always curating tours for every region in Greece and we recommend that you read about them, check out the reviews and book the one or ones that really appeal to you. These tours are a great way to discover the real Greece.

  • Tags

    Attica Beach Cyclades Dodecanese gastronomy Greece history Ionian islands
  • Popular posts

    • 10 STUNNING HIKING SPOTS FOR JUNE

    • 12 hiking tours in Crete that will blow your mind

  • Best destinations

    • Zakynthos (Zante)

    • Xanthi

    • Viotia

    • Trikala (Meteora, Pertouli)


  • For Partners
    • ABOUT US
    • FOR HOTEL OWNERS – ΓΙΑ ΞΕΝΟΔΟΧΟΥΣ
    • FOR TOUR PROVIDERS – ΓΙΑ ΠΑΡΟΧΟΥΣ ΔΡΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΤΗΤΩΝ
  • Top destinations
    • Central Greece

      View all
    • Methana

      A favorite ecotourism spot near Athens.

      View all
    • North Aegean

      View all
  • Travel inspiration
    • Unwind and Embrace Nature: A Weekend of Ecotourism in Santorini

      Santorini is a volcanic island located in the Cyclades, Greece. It offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, steep cliffs, and white houses perched on slopes. As a tourist destination, Santorini is known for its black sand beaches, lively resorts, and nightlife. But there is also much to discover on this island in terms of ecotourism.
    • An eco-paradise in a forgotten part of Crete

      If you are looking for a unique and authentic experience in Crete, you should visit LIMNI, an eco-agro-tourism project that offers off-road holidays in a natural and sustainable way. LIMNI is not just a place to stay, but a way of living in harmony with yourself, others and the environment. You will enjoy the comfort […]
    • Agistri: the quiet island of the Saronic Gulf

      Agistri, known in ancient times as Kekrifalia, is one of the islands of the Saronic Gulf, along with Poros, Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra.
    • 12 hiking tours in Crete that will blow your mind

      Whether by sea or by the mountains, Crete overflows with magnificent landscapes that you will discover by venturing out on its hiking paths. Accessible to all types of profils, select the one that will fit you the most. 
    • 10 STUNNING HIKING SPOTS FOR JUNE

      Are you ready for an amazing adventure? Greece is a paradise for hikers, with its stunning landscapes, rich history and diverse culture. Here are ten of the best places to hike in Greece during June, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds are not too overwhelming (press on the link […]

Contact us: nature (at) ecotourism-greece.com

  • Home
  • Configure
x

Log in

Forgot your password?

x

Register