Skyros Island Travel Guide
The Beaches, Food, and Culture of Greece’s Best Kept Secret
A few years ago, Maria and I decided we wanted to spend time on a Greek island largely untouched by mass tourism—a difficult feat given the growing popularity of Greek island holidays and “Instagram” holidays. We found flights on offer to Skyros and booked them immediately, without doing much research. To our pleasant surprise, once we began looking into it, Skyros turned out to be a true treasure for anyone lucky enough to be captured by its mystical allure, proximity to Athens, and timeless feel.
An abundant number of Greek islands are quickly being discovered by visitors keen to enjoy an untouched corner of Greece’s idyllic atmosphere and rich culture, yet a few remain practically unscathed by international tourism. One of these is the unspoiled island of Skyros, a rather large island located in the southern Sporades. Skyros is suspended in time, offering sun-soaked isolation, rare Skyrian horses, a whitewashed Cycladic-style main town, and a landscape steeped in the fine line between myth and reality.
In ancient times, Skyros was renowned for its marble and gold, supplying Athens with its natural resources. Mythology tells us it’s where Odysseus and Achilles launched their journey to Troy, and where Theseus began his quest to face the Minotaur. Today, Skyros remains one of the most understated gems among the Greek islands—which may be a good thing.
While the Sporades draw fewer visitors than the Cyclades or Dodecanese, Skyros’ neighbours Skiathos and Skopelos have been swept up by the ‘Mamma Mia’ effect. Travellers flock to relive their own Donna Sheridan moments, basking on azure shores and enjoying dreamy nights at seaside taverns. Unlike many islands that have succumbed to mass tourism, Skyros has remained a nostalgic reminder of Maria’s childhood holidays—a rare, unspoiled paradise.
The Best Things to Do in Skyros
Visit Skyros’ Best Beaches
For a convenient seaside day near Skyros’ largest resort town, housing the majority of hotels and resorts, Molos, the island’s longest sandy stretch, is ideal. With pristine emerald waters and postcard-worthy Byzantine Castle views, this mile-long paradise has it all. You’ll also find laid-back beach bars and local taverns, many with comfortable lounge chairs lining the sand while serving exquisite dishes at a fraction of other islands’ prices.
While difficult to access, Agalipa Beach, arguably Skyros’ most scenic stretch, is a mesmerising combination of seclusion and striking contrasts. Here, jewel-toned blue waters set against multi-hued red stone formations create a stunning portrait of Skyros’ natural beauty. For those eager to reach this seaside marvel quickly, your best bet is to catch a local water taxi from the nearby Kyra Panagia beach. Alternatively, a lush, 30-minute hike through the forest, begins at Agios Petros Beach.
Indulge in Traditional Skyrian Foods
The gastronomy of Skyros reflects the island’s diverse soil from the contrasting landscape on both sides of Skyros, with dense forests and agriculture in the north and pastures in the south. Typical traditional foods in Skyros range from local lobster spaghetti to sweets dripping with Skyrian pine honey. A must-try is the oil pie, quite literally its namesake, with various fillings such as rice, local seasonal greens, and the crown jewel of the Skyros’ dairy: xinotyri, a soft sour cheese uniquely produced with sheep and goat milk.
Where to Eat in Skyros
Ammos Veranda Restaurant
Magazia, Skyros 340 07
Enjoy the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional at Ammos Hotel’s in-house restaurant, Ammos Veranda. Head up to the rooftop terrace at night to savour local lobster spaghetti, farm-to-table ingredients, and local Skyrian wines while taking in the starlit view of Skyros Castle.
O Pappous Ke Ego
Skyros 340 07
Pappous Kai Ego is a traditional Skyrian restaurant in the heart of Chora serving tapas-style dishes from friendly staff, while surrounded by the contagious energy of Skyros’ main town. Plan to arrive early or make a reservation, as the restaurant is small and has limited capacity.
Plaza
Skyros 340 07
During our time in Skyros, we had the pleasure of meeting Anna, a warm-hearted local who runs Plaza, a cosy small plates restaurant in the heart of Skyros’ chora. Anna is the sole chef, and her passion for both the restaurant and her guests is undeniable. The meal was nothing short of exceptional, featuring local delights like meatballs, ladopita (Skyrian oil pie), and zucchini fritters. After indulging in these incredible dishes, we shared an unforgettable conversation with Anna. We can’t wait to return and enjoy her hospitality and amazing food again.
Where to Stay in Skyros
ALERÓ
Vina 340 07, Greece
Wake up to seaside sounds and sights at ALERÓ, a boutique hotel along the shores of Vina Beach. The hotel features exhibits from local artists, offering guests a deeper glimpse into the heart of Skyros. ALERÓ is also host to Amerissa, a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, Angelos Lantos featuring a menu that captures the soul and history of Skyros. For more information and bookings, visit here.
Tzanis Resort
Molos, 34007, Greece
Nestled in the family-friendly resort town of Molos, Tzanis Resort presents a straightforward, bright, and airy ambiance, coupled with possibly some of the best hospitality I’ve witnessed in Greece. With an upscale yet unpretentious atmosphere, it serves as the perfect retreat to rest your head and unwind after a day of exploration. For more information and bookings, visit here.
How to Get to Skyros
By Air
Skyros is accessible by air through the Skyros Island National Airport (SKU), which receives seasonal flights from Athens. The flight takes around 50 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travellers looking to reach the island directly.
By Car/Ferry
For those who prefer a scenic route, you can take a ferry from the port of Kymi on the mainland, which operates year-round. The ferry journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, and from the port in Skyros, it’s just a short drive to the island’s main attractions. Alternatively, you can combine a ferry trip with a drive for a more flexible travel experience.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Skyros at your own pace, especially if you want to reach the island’s hidden beaches and charming villages. Book your car rental with Discover Cars for competitive rates and great service.
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