Skyros Car Hire

Guide of Skyros

Geography

Skyros is a small island. If you wanted to, you could drive around the entire circumference in less than 1.5 hours. While it’s part of the Sporades island group, Skyros is actually more similar to neighbouring Evia in culture and geography than the archipelago’s other islands, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.

The north of the island is beloved for its greenery, thick pine forests and wild rocky beaches, while the south is more barren with soft sand beaches. The highest peak is Olympos, which reaches an altitude of 367 metres.

Climate in Skyros

Skyros has a typically Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The island isn’t as warm as the southern Greek islands, but temperatures do soar in the summer. The hottest months in Skyros are June to September, when temperatures average 25.3°C. It’s the best time to enjoy the island’s water-based activities and relax on the beach. Winters can be windy, with outbreaks of cold air from the Balkan peninsula. Rain is rare in the summer and showers generally occur between November and March.

Culture

Skyros is rich in legends and many of mythology’s most famous protagonists – Theseus, Achilles, Lykomedes and Neoptolemus – have been associated with the island. Achilles is said to have been hidden on Skyros by his mother Thetis and Theseus is believed to have died on the island. Historically speaking, Athens controlled Skyros for nearly 400 years, with brief periods of Macedonian occupation. Roman Imperial forces took control in 192 BC, then the Byzantine Empire, followed by the Venetians, and then the Turks. The island gained independence in 1829. Most activities on Skyros are crowded around Chora, with beach resorts coming alive in the summertime.

Things To Do in Skyros

Explore the hilltop Chora

Skyros’ main town Chora is undeniably pretty. Perched on a hill and topped by the monastery of Saint George, its narrow lanes are lined with white-washed houses and jasmine flowers. The British poet Rubert Brooke died in Skyros, and you can find his statue in the square overlooking the main beach.

Look out for tiny Skyrian horses

This diminutive ancient Greek horse breed measures between just 92-115cm. Some say that they are related to Scotland’s Shetland ponies. With just 190 left on the island, it is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. If you’re lucky, you can spot them running along the central plateau or foraging in farmlands.

Beach hop

The beaches in Skyros are well known for their calm and crystal waters, backed against long sandy stretches and lush greenery. The most popular beach on the island is Molos, located 4km north of Chora. Some of the loveliest beaches can be found on the west coast, in Agios Petros, Kyra Panagia, Atsitsa and Agios Fokas.

Explore prehistoric Palamari

This ancient site, located in the north of the island, is one of the most important Neolithic settlements in the Aegean Sea. You can still make out its extensive defences – the front walls, trenches and stone barrier – as well as hearths and ovens in several rooms. For further insights into the landmark, take a trip to the Archaeological Museum in Chora.

Take a boat trip

Not far from the harbour, on the eastern side of the island, are a series of caves filled with stalactites. Pentecali and Diatrypti are two of the best-known and most impressive, due to the vibrant colours of the walls and water. To reach the caves, book a small boat excursion from Linaria.

Get crafty

The cobbled streets of Chora are lined with shops selling souvenirs and local crafts, including colourful fabrics, wood carvings and pottery. Skyros is particularly well known for its ceramics and you’ll find colourful plates, jugs, dishes and Greek shadow puppets in studios across the town. The main market is well worth a visit too.

Eating Out in Skyros

Islanders enjoy eating out in Skyros and you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to authentic restaurants, tavernas, bars and cafes. The highest concentration of restaurants is located in and around the main town, though in summer months tavernas and cafes open up all along the coast. Unsurprisingly, seafood is popular. One of the island’s most famous dishes is a slow-cooked tomato bisque-based lobster spaghetti – Astakomakoranada. Lobsters are plentiful on the island and you’ll find this dish at most seaside tavernas. Other local specialities include Trahonopites (pies made with yoghurt), warm Ladopita bread, and Skyriani Ksinotiri (a local cheese). You’ll want to save room for dessert too, with staples like rice pudding and pancakes topped with honey found on most menus.

For the best views, try Ammos Veranda in Magazia. The rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of the Aegean, accompanied by fresh, flavoursome Greek dishes. Loukoumageia Skyros is the best place to sample loukoumades dough balls and if you’re after a mouthwatering souvlaki, try Mantzourana in Chora.

Transport

Airport

Skyros has one airport: Skyros Island National Airport. However, this is a domestic airport, served only by flights departing to and from Athens and Thessaloniki. The flight time between Athens and Syros is around 40 minutes. Alternatively, you could hop on the ferry from Athens. Ferries depart regularly from Kymi and take between 1.5 to 3 hours.

Getting Around Skyros

Public transport in Skyros is cheap and relatively easy to navigate. There are no trains, but buses are popular with both locals and tourists. Most buses depart from Chora and head for Linaria port, connecting smaller villages along the way. Taxis operate in tourist hubs, though these can be expensive. For a more affordable way to explore the island’s most secluded spots, we recommend renting a car. Driving in Skyros is relatively easy, with minimal congestion and well-paved roads.