At first sight the best thing you can do in Skyros seems to be relax at the beach all day long. But despite its small size, the island can fill your time and even leave something for your next stay. Skyros Chora, the most populous village, is the place you should start from.
1. Discover Skyros Chora
The imposing village of Skyros immediately grabs your attention - the white buildings cascade on a high hill above the sea and the beach of Magazia. The central area is car-free and you can stroll in the narrow alleys undisturbed, explore the traditional architecture and enjoy meals in the tavernas around the large square. The best place of interest here is the Castle Town of Skyros.
Skyros Castle Town
This ancient fortress occupies the top of Skyros Chora, with panoramic views of the village and some beaches of the island. Inside the Castle Town you can see a few old buildings and the Monastery of Agios Georgios.
Monastery of Agios Georgios
Agios Georgios is a Byzantine monastery which is located inside the walls of Skyros Castle Town. In order to reach it, you need to pass through the oldest neighborhood of the village.
2. Explore the area of Pouria
Pouria is the name of a beach and a small cape very close to Molos. Some of the most iconic places of Skyros are here, and namely the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the strange rock formation which resembles a giant mushroom. You will see the small chapel of Agios Ermolaos just off the coast and an old windmill turned into a scenic cafe-restaurant.
Church of Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is one of the most emblematic places of Skyros which you will see on many photos - a small church carved into a giant piece of rock next to the seashore.
Pouria
This giant stone mushroom is not a natural phenomenon but something left from the activity of an ancient quarry. You will notice other weird shapes around, including small rock pools.
Church of Agios Ermolaos
The small chapel of Agios Ermolaos is located on a rocky islet just 70 meters off the north coast of Skyros. You can reach it by boat or by swimming.
3. Hike to Agalipa beach
Agalipa is considered the most picturesque beach of Skyros, with blue water, fine sand and rocks in red-purple hues. The lack of roads nearby save it from mass visitors, though people regularly come by boat. But if you have more time on Skyros and your physical condition allows it, go for the hike - the walk through the pine forest is pleasant, except for the last section where you need to descend on uneven narrow paths.
Agalipa
Agalipa is a scenic beach with transparent blue water, fine sand and colorful rocks. It can be reached via boat or via 30-minute walk through a pine forest.
4. Pay a visit to the Skyrian horses
The Skyrian horse, sometimes called Skyrian pony, is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world and today you can see the few living specimen only on Skyros. These friendly animals reach up just 90 to 110 cm height and they live in a farm in the central part of the island. Your kids can ride them with the help of assistants, and you can have a meal in the taverna which is part of the farm.
Mouries Farm
This is the place where the last specimen of the famous Skyrian horses live. With the help of volunteers from around the world, Mouries Farm is occupied in breeding, raising and taking care of the horses in order to prevent them from extinction.
5. Admire the view from the northwest part
The northwest of Skyros is rich in pine trees, greenery and spectacular panoramic views from the main road. This area is mountainous and not inhabited, favored for the quiet beaches and unspoilt nature. Driving around you can stop at the church of Agios Panteleimonas to admire the view, relax at the beaches of Pefkos and Agios Fokas, or swim around the rocky islet of Atsitsa.
Agios Panteleimonas
This small church is worth visiting for the panoramic views it offers over the south half of Skyros, the islet of Valaxa and Evia. You can drop by here on the way to the nearby beaches of Pefkos and Agios Fokas.
Atsitsa
This is the remotest place to stay on the island, with a tiny harbor, nice sunset view and just a few buildings. It is suitable for snorkeling and hiking around.
6. Taste local specialties
The cuisine of Skyros emphasizes on simple but delicious recipes, cooked with local products like fava, cheese and meat. The most popular meals to try include goat with lemon, lobster spaghetti, grilled cheese and Skyros ladopita. Ladopita, meaning oil pie, is also know as Skyros pizza, made of fluffy fried dough garnished with the soft local cheese xynotiri.
7. Visit the archeological site of Palamari
The Archeological Site of Palamari is located in the north part of the island, next to the homonymous beach. It shows the excavations of a Bronze age settlement but due to its location, the place is often exposed to strong winds.
Archeological Site of Palamari
Palamari used to be a fortified settlement on the north coast of Skyros. The settlement dates back to the Bronze Age and you can see ruins of the ancient stone walls.
8. Shop local products
All the shops for local products are in Skyros Chora - herbs, honey, home-made jam and sweets, various type of local cheese and hand-made souvenirs. The residents of Skyros are also proud of their tradition in making ceramics with elaborate decorations and there are a few artisan shops in Chora where you can see and buy plates, mugs, vases and other products.
9. Do a trip to Alonnisos island
During peak season (July-August) there is a ferry which connects Skyros with Alonnisos directly and you can use it to hop to the other islands of the Sporades. Alonnisos is a small green island with quiet villages and transparent blue water around the shore.