Skyros, the southernmost of the Sporades islands, is not among the most well-known Greek islands, but it has a devoted following of visitors who return year after year, drawn by its many unique characteristics.
On Skyros, green and blue coexist in complete harmony, creating landscapes and enchanting images of beauty. Picturesque villages are scattered mainly in the northern part of the island, each one with its own distinctive beauty.
The years when the Central Aegean island was not among the most popular Greek destinations are over. Skyros is gradually becoming globally known for its beauty, and this is reflected in the prizes recently won at international tourist exhibitions, such as ITB in Berlin.
Most people go to Skyros to laze on nearly-deserted beaches or stay at one of the dozen resorts offering holistic retreats. The main town of Hora is built on a hill topped by a Byzantine castle, itself also topped by the monastery of Saint George.
There is no other way to get around its narrow alleys but to walk, and the whitewashed houses seamlessly merge into each other. One can smell the jasmine while peering through open doors and windows of living rooms traditionally decorated with colorful ceramics and finely-carved wooden furniture.
At the entrance of the Byzantine castle, there is a walled-in marble lion (dragon) and remains of Cyclopean and Byzantine walls, and the view to the sea and the rest of the Northern Sporades islands is overwhelming. Within the castle lie the ruins of a ninth-century church as well as the castle monastery of Agios Georgios. Here, among the offerings, shines the gold medal of the first Greek Olympic champion, Spyros Louis.
British poet Rupert Brooke passed away near Skyros during the First World War. Apart from his tomb, he is commemorated with a statue at a square on the north end of town from which the view of the Aegean is nothing short of breathtaking.
The famous ponies of Skyros
The Skyrian pony is a unique breed, which has existed on the island since its introduction by the Athenians in the eighth century BC.
The mountains to the southeast of the town of Skyros are home to the rare breed which can only be found on the island and of which only a few hundred remain today. For many centuries, the ponies have lived, evolved, and developed their unique characteristics here, isolated from other Greek islands and the mainland.
The ponies are comparatively short at approximately only 3.5 feet tall. They are small-bodied owing to the low food availability in the mountains. The ponies’ coats are either what is known as Bay, meaning reddish-brown hair with black mane and tail; Gray, which is rarer, with white hair on black skin; or Palomino, namely golden brown hair with white mane and tail. Skyros ponies have small heads, wide bordered eyes, long, flowing manes, and thin, straight shoulders.
It is said that the ponies of Skyros, famous for their endurance, were used by the army of Alexander the Great during his conquests and travels to Asia.
Nearly-deserted beaches
On Skyros, you can bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning landscapes dominated by pine trees all the way down to the shores comprise its incredible scenery, ideal for blissful moments of relaxation.
The closest beaches to Hora are Magazia, Molos, Papa to Houma, and Lino. The extended sandy beach of Molos is among the most cosmopolitan spots on the island. To the north of the island, you can opt for the beaches of Petritsa, Kyra Panagia, Agios Petros, and Theotokos.
The following video highlights some of the unique experiences the island has to offer. It is voiced over by actor Johnny Theodoridis, and producers are presence.gr with Giannis Kiriakidis.
