General information about the island of Skyros
Strengths:
-
Average:
Sea and beaches, points of interest, connections, prices, crowding, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Excursions.
- Capital: Skyros
- Population: 3000
- Area: 223 km²
- Port: Linaria
- Airport: yes
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: no
Skyros (from the Greek Σκύρος) is part of the Sporades along with Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos, and it is 22 nautical miles from Kymi on the island of Euboea.
It is the largest of the four Sporades with an area of 223 km² and almost 3,000 inhabitants.
The northern part of the island is rich in pine forests, while the southern part, with Skyros' highest mountain (792m), is barren and almost completely uninhabited. The island can indeed be imagined as consisting of two different zones: the north, more similar to the other Sporades, and the arid and windy south. Between these two areas, in the center, there is a flat and more populated area.
Road infrastructure is mainly developed towards the central-northern part of the island.
The main features of Skyros, compared to the other Sporades, are its ancient traditions and craftsmanship: ceramics, embroidery, and carved furniture. Among its curiosities, the presence of a rare breed of dwarf horses about one meter tall is noteworthy.
The island's climate is cool even in summer, and its Chora (the island's capital) is a beautiful panoramic village built on a hill, next to a large rock, overlooking the sea.
The sea water is very clean, and the beaches are beautiful and quiet, except for the one below the Chora, which is very popular. Skyros is an island not yet overrun by tourism where one can enjoy a pleasant vacation surrounded by nature and the sea. It is suitable for both families and young people looking for an affordable stay away from noisy entertainment.
In the southern part of the island, near Treis Boukes, there is an area reserved for the military navy where access is prohibited.
In addition to traditional festivals, beaches, white villages, and craftsmanship, Skyros is also interesting for its museums and mythology, being famous for events related to Theseus, Achilles, Paris, and Odysseus.
The island's commercial port is in Linaria, on the west coast about 10 km from the Chora, while the airport is located at the extreme north.
On the island, a local bus line takes you, for example, to the Chora, the port, and the airport. A good way to visit Skyros, like almost all Greek islands, is to rent a car or a scooter.
