SKYROS has a different atmosphere compared to the other Sporades islands. The island’s main town is not placed at the shore. You see Skyros town (Chora) with flat-roofed houses mostly reminding Cyclades style all dropped upon a high rock. All charter yachts use Linaria little bay where fuel, water & tavernas are upon your feet. Basic provisions are also available but choose to take the bus and climb up to Chora (Skyros main town) to get provisions for better variety and prices.
Most beaches and anchorages are found on the W-SW coast: Atsitsa, Alyko, Ag. Fokas, Pefki (Pefkos), Acherounes, islets of Valaxa S kiropoula, Sarakino (with Glyfada nice beach S) & Prasso, the rocky bay of Tristomou, Kalamitsa beach, Kolympiada, Renes. Given that no North winds are blowing, it is worth sailing the N and NE coast of the island where a lot of beautiful anchorages and beaches -such as Achili, Lino, Papa to houma, Molos (Magazia), Gyrismta, Kereflou, Palamari, Aghios Petros – are lying.
The marina at Achilles bay (NE) is simply USELESS & should be totally IGNORED for many different reasons.
Facilities and support for sailing yachts and motor boats in Skyros is set out in the following table.
|
Skyros Island |
Technical assistance |
|||||||||
|
Fuel |
Water |
Provisions | Ice |
Engineer |
Electrician |
Plastic repairs |
Wood works & repairs |
Chandler store |
Sailmaker (repairs) |
GSM Mobile Telephone COVERAGE |
|
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
NO |
YES |
SHELTER POINTS in Skyros Island are Linaria little bay N of the port Linaria, Valaxou passage, Pefki bay and Glyfada bay S of Sarakino islet,
HAZARDS and NAVIGATION ADVICE for Skyros Island and nearby area.
Skyros Island being the SE point of the Sporades group is located much closer to the centre of the Aegean Sea, where strong winds are gusting. It is common that sailing yachts will be navigating in moderate winds in all other islands in the Sporades, and from the moment they approach Skyros, the wind force will be significantly increased. once docked in Linaria port, it may feel better, but although Linaria is the main port of Skyros, the place does NOT provide good shelter from the prevailing N & NW winds. Tristomou bay is considered as a better shelter. Along the N and NE coast of the island and right North of the island there are numerous rocks and shallow waters and SPECIAL CARE should be given when approaching the coast at the distance of one Nautical Mile or thereabout.
WATER SPORTS in Skyros Island
In some of the island’s beaches you may find hotels offerring windsurfs or hobbycats or parasailing water sports
SCUBA DIVING in Skyros Island
A diving center in Skyros is Gorgoniadiving.
RENT A CAR / BIKE in Skyros Island
Pangosmio rent a car TEL.: +30-2810-811750 Email: [email protected] http://www.pangosmio.gr
SKYROS TRAVEL & TOURISM TEL. +30 22220 91600, Email: [email protected] http://www.skyrostravel.com/
HISTORY Information for Skyros Island
The island according to the archaeological finds has been of great importance. So far excavations have shown that traces of life existed on the island during the Neolithic period (6000-2900 BC) and the developments took place especially during the Bronze Age. The island enjoys a great prosperity during the early period of the Age of Copper (2800-1900 BC) and reaches the zenith of its prosperity during the Mycenaean period (1650-1100 BC).
During the years, Skyros was occupied by several conquerors, like the Athenians, the Romans, the Lords Gizi, the Venetians and the Franks. In 1538, Turkish pirate Barbarossa dominated the island. Skyros was under Turkish domination for about three centuries but there were neither Turkish settlers nor military forces on the island. Skyros made many sacrifices for the fight of independence and finally became free in 1830.
MUSEUMS and other interesting SITES in Skyros Island
While in Skyros, you can visit the Faltaits Historical and Folklore Museum (Tel. 22220 92158) said to be one of the oldest, most beautiful and richest historical-folklore museums of Greece and it has an international reputation for decades. Also, the Archaeological Museum (Tel. 22220 91327) built in 1963 and inaugurated ten years later, to house the archaeological finds that attest to the long history of the island.
You should also check the ancient ruins of the Venetian castle built on top of the hill, with a breathtaking view that you really shouldn’t miss!!!. Under the castle, dominating the whole island is the monastery of Saint George (Ai Giorgis Skirianos, the patron Saint of this island) founded in 962. On the island, there are almost 300 churches, but this is the most important of all and is well-worth seeing.
Of great interest, it is also the original architecture of the houses, with their pebbled entrances, picturesque roofs, hearth and other impressive features.
LOCAL THINGS & STUFF to check or BUY in Skyros Island
For many, chartering a sailing yacht is not just the delightful joy of sailing itself, but a good opportunity to travel, explore, acquire different kinds of experience and broaden horizons. Shopping is sometimes included into the major package of sailing holidays in Greece and the Greek islands. Skyros is a good place for buying local crafts, especially embroidery, ceramics, beautifully hand-carved stools, hand-woven materials, rugs, original clay and copper utensils, chests and furniture. Make sure that there is enough space in your luggage and onboard your sailing or motor yacht for all things you may buy from the island.
Skyros is a fine place to hike (not only to sail). The island map, published by Skyros Travel and Tourism, will show you a number of good routes, and it seems to be pretty accurate.
Also, outside the village of Skyros, the Municipal Racetrack runs, during the summer period, and the visitors can look closely the famous small horses and go for a ride with them.
Click here to see photos from the island of Skyros
Other names used for Skyros are Skiros, Skiro, Skyro, Skyrian, Skiron, Sciros, Scyros.