ActivitiesIN SKYROS
Experience Skyros’ diverse activities, from exhilarating sea rides and exploring archaeological sites to immersing in tradition and horseback riding adventures.
Your Next Adventure in Skyros
Skyros offers a plethora of activities for all adventurers. Dive into the azure waters with boat rides or scuba diving, exploring the island’s rich marine life. Trek through its diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged cliffs, for breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in history at archaeological sites like Skyros Kastro and Palamari, uncovering the island’s ancient past. Encounter the majestic Skyrian horses, a cherished part of Skyrian culture, or delve into traditional crafts, witnessing the island’s vibrant cultural heritage come to life. Skyros is a haven for exploration, where each activity promises an unforgettable experience.
Boat rides: You can tour the island by boat that will take you to crystal waters of coves only accessible by sea as well as a visit to the beautiful cave of Pentakali. There you will be treated to a lunch with local delights and return in time to enjoy a lovely sunset.
Scuba Diving: Our local diving school with professional instructors can take you on carefully chosen dives if you already have your certification, or if you are a novice but would like to learn, you they will guide you through the open water training.
Trekking: Being a mountainous island, Skyros has several beautiful paths that can take you inland to small churches and peaks where you can enjoy yet another aspect of this beautiful land.
Pouria: The ancient quarries of Pouria from which the citadel was built offers dramatic formations against the sea’s backdrop.
Traditional crafts–pottery, wood carving, embroidery and gastronomy: You can take lessons with local ceramicists.
Archaeological/historical sites: Given its central location in the Aegean Sea, Skyros has always played an important role over the millenia, especially during the bronze age where it was on the trade route, and has plenty to visit for the history buff.
Skyros Kastro: The hill around which the town of Chora has been built, was home to King Lykomides of antiquity, it is said that he hid Achilles here in his harem until Odysseus found him and took him to Troy. A visit to the Kastro at the top of the village’s hill, overlooking all the valley, is a must for all coming to the island.
Palamari: The ancient acropolis of Palamari on the northern side of the island dates back to the early bronze age (2500-1800BC) when it was a fortified citadel of major economic and trade importance in the area. The ramparts and foundations of the town are open to visitors in the summer months.
Skyrian horses: Skyros has a rare breed of small sized horses – often wrongly referred to as ponies- that are said to be the descendants of the horses depicted on the frieze of the Parthenon of Athens as well as those belonging to Alexander the Great. Whereas they were close to extinction a few years ago, Herculean efforts by local NGO’s have managed to raise their number substantially. You can visit the horses, spend some time with them and learn all about them. Rides are offered for small children only, and there are volunteer programs for those interested in spending more time learning about and caring for them.
Culture: Visit the grave of Romantic British poet Rubert Brook, set amongst the age-old olive trees just before Treis Boukies, the house and gallery of local artist George Lambrou, the archaeological museum, the Faltaits museum or the traditional Skyrian house. During Carnival you can experience the unique goat dancers or “Geroi” whose bells resonate throughout the village as they make their way up and down the village main street.