The island's main port is Linaria. There are many lovely beaches and low mountains to explore, caves for some underwater fishing, and even ponies - the only ones in Greece. At the tavernas you can savour fresh fish, lobster and the local cheeses.

The town of Skyros, also called "Horio" locally, clambers up a hill in a white half circle, like an ancient theatre.

On its top stood an ancient acropolis, one of the best strongholds in the Aegean. In Byzantine times it turned into a fortress. There are remains of Byzantine and chiefly Venetian fortifications to be seen today on the site. According to legend, it was on this ancient acropolis that Thetis hid her.son Achilles, where, dressed as a girl, he was brought up as one of King Lycomedes' daughters in order to escape the Trojan War. Theseus is also supposed to have met his death here. Under the castle there is the monastery of Saint George (Ai Giorgis Skirianos) founded in 962 and dominating the whole island.

In Horio, there are two interesting museums: an archaeological as well as an historical and folkloric one.

Every skyrian house down to the poorest, is a living museum of popular art, with beautiful handcarved furniture, embroideries, baskets and all kinds of handicrafts. Also of great interest is the original architecture of the houses, with their pebbled entrances, picturesque roofs, hearth and other impressive features.

In the folk art shops you will be able to find beautifully hand-carved stools, embroidered articles, hand-woven materials, rugs, original clay and copper utensils, chests and furniture.

Beaches and excursions

Skyros can boast a lot of fine sandy beaches with excellent crystal clear waters. Having as a starting point the Xenia Hotel, you can go swimming to the very near Magazia Beach and Molos or walk further along the same shore as far as Girismata.

The more distant beaches of Ahili, Aspous, Kalamitsa, Tris Boukes (where the grave of the English poet Ruppert Brook), Pefkos, Kyra Panagia, Atsitsa and Aherounes offer excellent bathing and can be reached by car. Especially in Atsitsa and Pefkos (which means Pine) the deep green of the pine trees mingle with the blue waters.

In most of these places you will find small tavernas by the sea offering fresh fish, local wine and some of the island's delicacies.

In summer months cruises round the island with small boats are organised and it is very interesting to follow one of them and see the variety of the coast as well as attractive sea caves.

Useful Information

Festivities : Carnival celebrations with folk dances in local costumes. Skyrian wedding.

Public services : Medical centre, drugstores, filling stations, taxis, bank, Post Office, Telecommunications centre.

Police station : Tel. 0222/91.274.

Port Authority : Tel. 0222/91.475.

How to get there

By air : Athens - Skiathos and Athens - Skyros. Information: Olympic Airways, 6 Othonos Str., Tel. 9292.444 (Ticket office). Reservations: Athens, Tel. 9616.161. Skiathos, Tel. 0427/22.945, 21.885. Skyros, Tel. 0222/91.607