Hi everyone,
Let me make you discover a lost and empty paradise called Skyros.
This island belongs to Greece but not to The Cyclades. It is part of another small archipelago compound by 5 islands named The Sporades
Landing in Trachi (the region of Skyros where is located the airport) is absolutely stunning because you actually overfly all The Sporades islands which is a stunning show.
Only few planes land there every week (during the high season) so it makes this island literally empty from tourists, as the majority of them are Greek ones that come by boat.
We slept in Skiros Palace, on the north-east side of the island, based 50m from the Gyrismata beach. The hotel is full of activities and young people meanwhile the rooms are built in traditional greek super charming houses.
Skiros Palace
The roads surrounding the hotel are so quiet and peaceful, perfect for
jogging at sunset time.
We decided to make 3 main go outs during our week spent there.
1. Tour of the island with a small group
First, the guide brought us to Agios Nikolaos Church in Pouriá, on Molos Beach, the church was built inside of a rock.
She then took us to a wide and empty beach named Pefkos. We ended the forenoon at Agios Panteleimon Church which offers a sensational view over the land.
Agios Nikolaos Church
Pefkos Beach
Agios Panteleimon Church Belvedere
We dedicated the afternoon to the southern part of the island which is a complete arid desert.
We met a shepherd that produces delicious local products such as honey and cheese.
This part of the island is so surprising as it is completely uninhabited and owns more goats than actual humans ! haha
We finished the day on the desolate but lovely Acherounes Beach.
Acherounes Beach
2. Boat cruise at sunset hour
The second very nice decision we made was to make a short boat cruise (lasting more or less 1:30) at sunset time to enjoy a full sunset over the sea with nothing around, as in romantic movies !
3. Full day cruise exploring bare creeks
Ok, so this was definitely the most memorable day of the week.
The boat brought us to 2 incredible clear blue water creeks where we spent the whole day. The first beach was very small and owned a little wooden pier from which you could admire the incredible translucent water
The afternoon took place on another lost beach where we picked up thyme and sage with the most amazing guests : wild horses ! You have loads of them on the island, living, and running freely thanks to the very respectful Skyros inhabitants that leave them quiet.
Skyros Hora (name of the center of every greek cities) is also very worthy. The city is built on a hill which makes the way to reach it particularly unique.
The houses are all white (as many of others in Greece) with cobble stones streets everywhere. You'll be delighted to find many small boutiques and restaurants. The whole city wakes up in early evening until late night. If you go there in Summer, I'd recommend going to Hora around 5pm when it's not too hot anymore, spending the end of the afternoon there, watching the sunset and having dinner. Then, you can enjoy the night life as much as you want !
Hora at sunset time
SUMMARY :
Where I slept :
- Skyros Palace (Girismata Kampos, Skiros 340 07, Greece)
What to do :
(book all those activities at the reception of your hotel)
- Island tour with a group
- Boat cruise at sunset hour
- Full day sailing to nice creeks
What to see/visit :
- Skyros Hora
- Agios Nikolaos Church
- Agios Panteleimon Church
- Pefkos Beach
- Acherounes Beach
- Car ride in the south of the island
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