Associated with various myths of Greek mythology, Skyros ranks among Greece’s quietest and greenest islands. More than 3,000 people call Skyros home, but the island never feels crowded due to its oblong shape. There’s always enough space for everyone to unwind, from families with kids to solo travelers and from couples to groups of friends. Moreover, due to its history, there are plenty of things to do in Skyros, and that’s what this article covers.
Specifically, in the following lines, you will find 10 unique things to do in Skyros for everyone. While activities like scuba diving might not be for everyone, the ones I handpicked will enhance every visitor’s vacation. In addition, this thorough Skyros travel guide contains information about the best places to stay on the island, the finest restaurants, and various travel tips. Last but not least, I’ll share photos of my journey to the island and how you can reach it.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Skyros and how to make the most of your Greek vacation.
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10 unique things to do in Skyros, Greece
Known for the iconic Skyrian horses and the famous poet Rupert Brooke, Skyros is one of the most underrated Greek islands. The northern part of the island is green, while the southern side is barren and will remind you of the Cyclades. The island remains off the radar partly because part of it belongs to the army and definitely doesn’t glow like Skopelos or Skiathos, the other two islands of the Sporades complex, where Skiros also belongs.
However, the combination of local folk art and the island’s pristine beaches makes Skyros an unbeatable destination for people searching for a relaxing holiday. So, after this short introduction, let’s discover 10 unique things to enjoy on this beautiful Greek island.
Explore the Chora (or Chorio) and the castle
Exploring an island’s main settlement always serves as an excellent introduction to local life. The Chora or Chorio (which stands for “Village”) is Skyros’ capital and the place where the biggest part of local life unfolds. Half of the island’s population resides in the Chora, and it’s a self-sufficient settlement. Apart from lots of restaurants and cafes, in the Chora of Skyros, you’ll also find a post office, schools, and the police station.
Although not clearly Cycladic in terms of architecture, the narrow, white-washed streets, and the picturesque houses will definitely remind you of the Cyclades. However, Skyros has unique architectural and design styles, consisting of traditional homes and dark-colored wooden furniture.
And here’s one of the best things to do in Skyros: visit the Byzantine Castle on the rock’s top. Due to the territory’s shape, reaching the Castle of Skyros from the northern or the eastern side is impossible. It has existed since the Neolithic Age, and that’s the area where the first settlement was established.
You’ll probably visit the Chora of Skyros several times throughout your stay. However, an initial stroll through the narrow streets will be a great introduction to the island’s life.
Visit the Faltaits Museum in Skyros
The Faltaits Museum is one of the most interesting museums you’ll find in Greece. Moreover, it’s among the first folklore museums established in the country, and this gives an extra layer of importance to this local institution. Although the nearby Archaeological Museum also contains a wealth of exhibits, if you are up for only one museum while vacationing in Skyros, then visit the Faltaits.
Founded in 1964 by Manos Faltaits, the museum’s purpose was to highlight the traditions and heritage of Skyros. Located on the northeastern edge of the Chora, the Faltaits Folklore Museum overlooks the Aegean Sea, offering tremendous views for visitors. The museum hosts various historical artifacts that will transport you to past times, including elements of Skyrian culture of the last 500 years, traditional Skyrian furniture, historical exhibits, and folk art.
On the museum’s premises, you’ll also come across the paintings of Manos Faltaits, an important local figure who was a passionate writer and painter. I believe that the Faltaits Folklore Museum is a must-see for every traveler, especially for people willing to enrich their knowledge about the island and how it developed over the past centuries.
You can read more about the Faltaits Museum here.
Spend a day at Pefkos Beach (and eat at Stamatias Tavern)
There’s no lack of great beaches in Skyros, but in my opinion, there’s one that really stands out. Pefkos Beach is probably the best beach on the island, combining a stunning landscape and crystal-clear waters. In addition, it is completely protected from the northern winds (which blow almost constantly during the summer), making it a great place to swim and sunbathe.
As you can see in the photo, the pine trees stop almost at the water, which means there’s enough natural shade for everyone. Additionally, the beach is not heavily organized, and only a third is covered by sunbeds and umbrellas. After taking a few stairs, you’ll also find a small beach bar -well, it’s more of a canteen- where you can relax and enjoy drinks and light snacks. The quality is superb and the prices rare easonable.
However, to reach Pefkos, you must either rent a car or take a taxi. During my stay in Skyros, I preferred the taxi option, and a one-way transfer from Chora to Pefkos Beach will cost between 15 and 20 euros.
And here’s another Skyros travel tip and why I suggested spending a day there. Next to Pefkos Beach, you will find Stamatias Tavern, one of the best eateries on the island. After swimming and sunbathing, is there anything better than a delicious Greek meal? Stamatias’ dishes are outstanding, and if you don’t eat there, you’ll definitely miss a very local experience.
You can see Stamatias Tavern on Google Maps here.
Stop at the Rupert Brooke Square in Skyros…
One of the most famous spots in Chora is dedicated to the poet Rupert Brooke. A couple of meters away from the Faltaits Folklore Museum, you will see the beautiful Brooke Square dedicated to the memory of the British poet who died in Skyros.
The story is sad: Rupert Brooke was an important English poet of his era who died during World War I while serving in the Royal Navy. However, he didn’t die on the battlefield: most likely, it was an infected mosquito bite that caused him serious health problems. Rupert Brooke passed on the 23rd of April, 1915, in Skyros.
The locals decided to dedicate a statue to his memory, and today, Brooke Square occupies one of the best spots on the island. It overlooks Magazia and the Aegean Sea. The sculpture was erected in 1930 by M. Tombros, and it’s one of the most photographed spots on Skyros Island, especially during sunset. So, don’t miss the chance to visit Brooke Square at sunset!
…and then visit Rupert Brooke’s grave
Although it might sound like part of the same activity, I assure you it’s not. Indeed, Rupert Brooke died in Skyros, and he is buried on the island. However, although Brooke Square lies just off Chora, his grave is on the other side of the island.
Specifically, Rupert Brooke is buried in the southwestern part of Skyros, toward the Tris Boukes. His friends from the Royal Navy buried him in an olive grove, and there’s a monument erected on-site featuring Brooke’s most famous poem, “The Soldier.” Ironically, the first verse of “The Soldier” says:
“If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field“
You can read “The Soldier” here.
To reach Brooke’s grave, you’ll need to drive approximately half an hour toward the south of the island. Even if you are not convinced about visiting a poet’s grave, I recommend doing it because the landscape on this side of Skyros differs significantly from the north. The landscape feels more Cycladic; there are no settlements apart from army facilities, and the grave is inside a peaceful olive grove. If only it overlooked the sea…
Explore Magazia and Molos, Skyros
The two interconnected settlements of Molos and Magazia are the natural extensions of Chora toward the sea. Standing at Brooke Square, you can see Magazia and Molos, two settlements full of restaurants and cafes. This long stretch of sand is the closest beach to Chora. As everywhere on the island, tourist development is slow, and you’ll only find some sunbeds. That said, if you’re up for bringing your umbrella, lots of space will be available.
Magazia once served as Skyros’s trading spot, and the beachfront houses created a fantastic atmosphere. Most waterfront accommodations in Skyros are in these settlements, so there’s a good chance you’ll stay there. From Magazia, you can take the paved steps toward the Chora and reach it in approximately twenty minutes. However, avoid walking up or down during peak times because the sun is really intense.
Apart from the crystal-clear sea, you can taste delicious food at Magazia. And here are my two Skyros food tips if you’re on this side of the island:
Stefanos. This is one of the best tavernas on the island. At Stefanos, you will find fresh fish and delicious cooked food. This was hands down the best place I had dinner in Skyros, and I highly recommend it. In addition, the veranda overlooks the sea and adds more to the atmosphere. See Stefanos’ location on Google Maps.
Gialos. After spending time at Magazia Beach, you might feel like having a light lunch somewhere nearby. The place I chose for lunch, and I find its food delicious, was Gialos. At Gialos, you have various snacks and light dishes. The owners also rent sunbeds in front of the eatery. See Gialos on Google Maps here.
Swim at Petritsa, Skyros’ isolated beach
As you’ve already read, Skyros is home to great beaches. Mass tourism hasn’t affected the island yet, and you’ll only find small parts of beaches hosting sunbeds and umbrellas. But how about a completely isolated beach? Yes, Skyros has some, too, and one of them became instantly my favorite.
The northwestern part of the island is scarcely populated, and only at Atsitsa will you find some accommodations. However, not far away from Atsitsa, you’ll come across a picturesque bay that reminds me of Livadaki Beach in Folegandros. Its name is Petritsa Beach, and the setting is idyllic. There’s a good chance you’ll be completely alone when you visit Petritsa. If not, you should expect just a handful of people to enjoy the sea and the sun. Since this is an isolated beach, there is also a chance to find some nudists there.
There are no restaurants or cafes anywhere near Petritsa, so make sure to bring provisions for the day. Have enough bottles of water and some light snacks, and spend a fantastic day in nature. It will be just you and the pine trees!
See the carved-on-a-rock Agios Nikolaos Church
Greece is home to various bizarre churches that delight visitors. On the other hand, religion plays a vital role in Skyros, and the island is home to more than 550 churches. One of them is among the most picturesque you’ll find in Greece (perhaps as pretty as Agios Isidoros in Leros). Its name is Agios Nikolaos, and here’s what makes it special.
You will find Agios Nikolaos Church in Pouria, between Molos Beach and Gyrismata. The church is literally carved on a free-standing rock, and behind it, it’s just the open sea. The tiny church looks like an add-on, but it’s not. Carved on an impressive rock, this church will definitely occupy your camera roll. Agios Nikolaos Church is open to the public all day long. The door remains shut to protect its interior, but you can open and explore it.
Next to the church, you’ll also find a windmill converted to a cafe. Therefore, if you visit Agios Nikolas in the afternoon and the sun is intense, you can unwind at the windmill and enjoy one of the most scenic locations on the island.
Admire the beauty of Skyrian Ponies, one of the rarest horse breeds
Skyros has its own breed of horses, and it’s famous worldwide. Skyrian Ponies are a breed of miniature horses that you can only find on the island. Their height is between 90 and 115 cm (9-11 hands), and it’s a protected species. Skyrian horses have slim legs, and only 160 live in Skyros today. Various organizations work to preserve them, and you can see them in multiple locations around the island.
Although historians are not totally sure about their origin, they believe that Skyrian horses were brought to the island by Athenian Colonists in the 5th century BC. Some historians claim that Alexander the Great used them, too. The horses are truly beautiful and are not allowed to leave the island. Seeing the miniature horses up close is one of the most memorable things to do in Skyros, so don’t miss the chance!
Enjoy fine dining at Villaggio
In Skyros, you will find top-notch Greek cuisine and delicious dishes. However, if you are up for a menu change, I encourage you to visit Villaggio at the Chora. Located just off the main square, Villaggio is an Italian restaurant serving creative dishes. Located in a house’s yard and expanding to the pavement, Villaggio is a great option if you’d like to taste dishes that you won’t find elsewhere on the island.
As expected, the prices are steeper here but by no means unaffordable. Moreover, the fresh pasta is a great addition to the menu, and the service is good -even though it is a tad distant. No matter what, I had a fantastic dinner at Villaggio, and it surely added a different taste compared to the Greek food I enjoyed the other days on the island.
That said, this Skyros food tip is for the ones willing to enhance their Skyros experience. You should expect to pay approximately 35 euros per person for a starter, a main dish, a dessert, and wine. If you need some inspiration, I had quinoa salad, carpaccio, and ravioli -and tiramisu for dessert. Villaggio is a great place and deserves every penny you’ll spend.
How to get to Skyros, Greece
In this section of the travel guide to Skyros, you’ll find info on how to reach the island. As you’ll read in the following lines, getting to Skyros is fairly easy. However, keep in mind that if you choose the ferry option, you will have to drive to a port in Evia. Ferries to Skyros don’t depart from Piraeus. On the other hand, Skyros’s military airport also serves a few civilian flights. That’s the easiest way to reach the island.
So, let’s break down every option for reaching Skyros, Greece.
Get to Skyros by plane
The easiest and fastest way to get to Skyros is by plane. The small military airport of Skyros sees only one or two daily flights. However, despite its small size, it can accommodate an Airbus, which is rarely the case in other islands.
Since Skyros is not that far from Athens, flight times are short. The flight time from Athens to Skyros is just 25 minutes.
The Greek state often finances flight tickets to Skyros because the island belongs to the so-called “Non-profit line.” This term is used to express (ferry and plane) lines to destinations that airlines or ferry companies are not interested in serving due to low financial expectations. That said, quite often, there are return flights to Skyros for 60 euros -and the prices won’t rise during the summer.
Aegean Airlines flies directly between Athens and Skyros. You can search for Athens-Skyros-Athens flights on Aegean’s website here.
Get to Skyros by ferry (and car)
Alternatively, you can always travel to Skyros by ferry. However, as I already stated, there’s no direct connection between Piraeus and Skyros. Therefore, you will have to drive (or take a bus) to Kymi and, from there, embark on a ferry to Skyros Port, Linaria.
From Athens to Kymi Port, the distance is approximately 160 km, and the travel time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. On the other hand, the ferry from Kymi to Skyros takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The best place to search for ferry tickets is Ferries in Greece. Their database is always up-to-date and will show you all itineraries and prices.
The best hotels in Skyros, Greece
In this section of my Skyros travel guide, I will share the best hotels in Skyros. Before visiting the island, I did extensive research, and here you’ll find the place I stayed in and also some other great accommodations on the island. Unless you’re after an isolated accommodation, I would suggest staying either at Magazia for being close to the sea or at Chora for a local vibe. For every other settlement, you will definitely need a car or call a cab since public transport is almost nonexistent.
Where I stayed in Skyros
Traveling to Skyros was a last-minute decision, and most accommodations were sold out. However, I found some great places to stay and finally decided on Skiros Palace Hotel.
Skiros Palace is a renovated resort slightly off the beaten path. It offers small independent bungalows and has a swimming pool for its guests. In addition, breakfast is included in the price, and if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, you can also have dinner. The hotel is conveniently located 2 minutes on foot from the beautiful Gyrismata Beach. Gyrismata is a long stretch of sand with crystal clear waters; however, even slight northern winds translate to waves, and this might not be for everyone. That’s where the swimming pool comes in handy.
The rooms at Skiros Palace are spotless, and the furniture has an old-fashioned touch. All of them have air-conditioning and a balcony. Additionally, the poolside bar is a great solution if you feel like staying throughout the day at the resort: it serves snacks during the day and excellent cocktails at night. Plus, there’s a free pick-up bus service from the airport.
I had a fantastic stay at Skyros Palace Hotel and would love to return soon. You can see prices and availability for Skiros Palace Hotel here.
Other great accommodations in Skyros
I will add a few more great accommodations on the island. They all enjoy strategic locations -either close to the sea or in Chora’s heart- and they were among the places I considered staying.
Alero Seaside Resort Skyros. If you want to add a more luxurious touch to your Skyros holiday, Alero ticks all the boxes. As its name suggests, Alero is a seaside resort a few minutes from Molos Beach with everything you need: a garden, a swimming pool, and a bar. The prices include a continental breakfast. You can check prices and availability for Alero Resort here.
Ianthi Boutique Guesthouses. This is a fantastic accommodation straight at Gyrismata Beach. Ianthi offers fancy beachfront apartments in a wonderful setting. The sea is a couple of steps away, and every guesthouse has a terrace and a fully equipped kitchen. Ianthi is a great option for people searching for a raw yet luxurious stay in Skyros. See prices and availability for Ianthi here.
House in Skyros with an amazing view. The House in Skyros offers a great alternative if you’d rather stay at the Chora and be close to the vibrant island life. Although you’ll have to walk half an hour to the beach or take a taxi/bus, this is a fantastic accommodation because it offers a pure Skyros touch. The house is decorated with Skyrian furniture and has a balcony with breathtaking views. It has two bedrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. See prices and availability for the House in Skiros.
Yiasemi. Last but not least, Yiasemi is another excellent accommodation, located evenly between two beaches: Gyrismata and Molos. The apartments are independent and tastefully decorated, while the property’s garden is a great place to relax. The units are fully equipped, and there’s a 24-hour front desk. You can see prices and availability for Yiasemi here.
You can use the interactive map below to discover more accommodation options in Skyros.
Skyros travel tips: FAQ & More
In the final section of this long travel guide to Skyros, Greece, you will read various travel tips about the island. The section will have an FAQ form. Although I tried to reply to every question about the island and offer multiple tips, please leave a comment at the bottom of this article if anything is missing.
Which are the best beaches in Skyros?
Skyros has many fantastic beaches. Here’s my top-5:
- Pefkos Beach
- Petritsa
- Gyrismata
- Agios Petros Beach
- Kyra Panagia Beach
Which are the main settlements of Skyros?
Although you’ll find scattered houses around the island, Skyros has just a handful of inhabited settlements. These are:
- Chora
- Aspous
- Atsitsa
- Acherounes
- Linaria (port)
- Molos
- Nyfi
- Trachi (airport area)
Can you drink tap water in Skyros?
As is often the case in the Greek islands, you can’t drink tap water in Skyros. You will need to buy water bottles either from the supermarket or from a taverna. However, tap water is absolutely safe for brushing your teeth or showering.
Is Skyros a party island?
Not really. Skyros is a quiet island, ideal for relaxing holidays. You will most likely find families with kids on the island, not party-goers. There are a few bars and hangouts, but don’t expect crazy parties in Skyros.
Where does the name Skyros derive?
Most likely, Skyros’ name derives from σκύρον, a Greek word that stands for “stone debris.”
How do you get to Skyros from continental Europe?
To get to Skyros from continental Europe or elsewhere, you must fly first to Athens. From Athens, you can either take a direct 25-minute flight to Skyros or drive your car to Kymi and then take the ferry (total time is approximately 4 hours).
You can find the best flights from your hometown to the island here.
Are there any Greek myths associated with Skyros?
Skyros has its own Greek mythology share. That’s supposedly where Theseus died and also the place where Achilles departed to Troy.
10 unique things to do in Skyros & guide: Conclusion
Skyros is a fascinating Greek island that remains largely unexplored by international travelers. Although it doesn’t attract tourists like Santorini or Crete, the island of Skyros is a great holiday option. Moreover, the variety of things to do in Skyros ranges from splendid beaches to folk art, making it a fantastic destination.
I had the opportunity to explore Skyros at a slow pace, and this is something I encourage you to do. The island offers an immersive experience, and slowly becoming part of the local life is one of the best things to do in Skyros. Therefore, if you want to enjoy delicious food, swim on pristine beaches, and see miniature horses up close, there’s no better place than Skyros.
More about Greece: Greek islands on a budget, 7 days in Greece itinerary, How to book domestic Greek flights
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Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos