Cycladia Travel Guides

Skyros Sightseeing

Churches and Monasteries

Skyros has more than 300 churches and chapels, spread around the island. The historic Monastery of Saint George, right underneath the Theseus Rock is unfortunately not open to the public, due to damage caused by the earthquake. However, admiring this beautiful monastery even from the exterior is very impressive.

Other interesting churches and chapels include the church of Panagia tou Papameletiou built in the 17th century on a rocky cliff, the church of Saint Nicholas which is carved in the rock at Pouria, the chapel of Kyra Panagia in Atsitsa, the church of Pente Martyres in Chora, and the church of Saint Ioannis at Kochylia in Chora. On November 21, it is worth visiting the church of Panagia Melikarou which owes its name to the fact that white hyacinth called “melikaria” blossoms on this specific date.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Skyros is located in Chora next to the Brooke Square and was built in 1961 under the supervision of the famous Skyrian archaeologist Giannnis Papademetriou. The museum hosts important archaeological findings of the early Neolithic Period and is open to the public every day except Mondays from 9.00 to 14.00.

The Faltaits Folklore Museum

The Faltaits Folklore Museum of Skyros is situated in the house of the Faltaits’ family in Chora. The museum hosts important historical documents, objects of the everyday life on the island, traditional costumes, agricultural tools and a collection of old books that covers more than 5 centuries. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens that feature an open air theatre and a workshop of weaving with looms. It is open every day from 9.00 to 14.00 (and from 18.00 to 21.00 during the summer).

Chora or Skyros

Perched on the “Rock of Theseus”, the beautiful island capital with the picturesque narrow streets awaits visitors to discover its undeniable beauties. Walking around it often hides pleasant surprises, like spots with breathtaking views to the endless horizon of the Aegean Sea as the whole settlement is amphitheatrically built. Hosting two museums, an imposing Venetian castle, byzantine churches, workshops of local art, shops and public services, restaurants, and bars, Chora has everything.

Linaria

Linaria is the port of Skyros and it is a picturesque, small village with white houses. Around Linaria there are several gorgeous beaches and different accommodation choices. From Linaria the boats that make the island tour and visit Sarakiniko Island depart.

Palamari Archaeological Site

The most remarkable archaeological site at Skyros is Palamari, in the northern part of the island. Archaeologists discovered, right at this spot, one of the most important Neolithic settlements of the Aegean Sea. Many of the findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Skyros, but visiting the settlement itself is highly recommended. The site is open every day from 9.00 to 14.00.

The Castle of Skyros Chora

The Castle of Chora is an archaeological site with a breathtaking view, where the Ancient Acropolis of the island stood, unfortunately not saved till nowadays. The castle features ruins of old houses, byzantine churches and arts of the fortress walls from many different historical periods, including the Pelasgian, Classical, Byzantine and Venetian periods.

Magazia Area Archaeological Site

A smaller archaeological site is situated at Magazia, where archaeologists found ancient graves of the Mycenaean and the First Hellenistic Period.

The Aris Plateau

The endless beauties of Skyros are truly surprising. Among of the things and places not to be missed, the Aris Plateau stands out, as it hosts the unique race of Skyros’ horses. This race has survived from the Ancient Times and resembles to ponies in terms of size but to horses in terms of characteristics. Watching these beautiful animals run around the plateau creates an amazing sense of freedom!

Nifi Natural Springs

Another interesting spot is situated next to Achilli bay; cold waters gush from the natural source of “Nifi” and the area around the source is simply fantastic. The source is named after the nymphs that are believed to have lived there in the ancient times.

The Three Boukes Bay

Finally, the bay of Three Boukes in the southern end of Skyros, apart from being truly striking with its amazing natural beauty, it also hosts the grave of the renowned English poet Rupert Brooke who died on a ship in this bay.

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