Remap Skyros
Creating memories together
Skyros combines to a perfect balance two different worlds; the generous and fertile lands of the Sporades (northern part) and the untamed and rugged landscapes of the Cyclades (southern part). Located at the center of the Aegean Sea, close both to mainland Greece and Euboea, Skyros presents a rich variety of everything.
“Filoxenia” is all about connection; welcoming you to the place and the life, the community and its joys. Ask for the QR code map and dive into the islands’ unique natural beauty, explore its heritage and choose conscious travelling!
Mapping experiences
Remap Skyros by Ammos Hotel gives you an insight into the island’s landmarks, breathtaking beaches and folklore traditions so that you will make the best of your holidays. This is a map to the authentic Skyrian experience, never just sightseeing.
Discover in alphabetical order, along with the map, all that Skyros has to offer; activities, culture, practical information, ecological details, traditions. Remap Skyros offers a deeper understanding of the island and its people. Create a positive experience for you and a positive impact on the location.
Skyros is also well-known for local delicacies and dishes. Whether it is the famous local lobster pasta or the “ladopita” (pie with olive oil and cheese), or the “loukoumades” (Skyrian honey donuts), do not miss the chance of trying the delicious traditional cuisine. The gastronomy of Skyros is a magical trip on its own.
The pristine and unexplored beauty of the island will captivate you. Simple, but not simplistic, soulful, yet light as the summer breeze, let Skyros guide you to the journey within!
Achilli Beach
Skyros’ rich heritage begins in ancient times. The island was the hide-out of Achilles in ancient Greek mythology. Achilles’ mother placed him here, disguised as a girl so that he would escape the war. However, Odysseus cunningly discovered Achilles’ whereabouts and together they left for the Trojan war. Achilli beach, at the eastern part of Skyros, is supposedly the port from which they sailed together for their adventures. Welcome to Skyros!
Agalipa Beach
You can reach Agalipa beach in many ways; either by hiking for about 1km (medium difficulty), or by riding a horse, or by renting a motorcycle, or by traveling on a local fisher boat (departing from Kira Panagia), that will take you to the crystal blue waters of Agalipa by sea. The adventure is totally worth it, and you will know so yourself once you reach the small private beach, hidden from the land by a vertical pink rock. Agalipa is also a sea anemone and a seasonal delicacy in Skyros. Right next to Agalipa, there is Navagio beach, where you will find a shipwreck, declining over the years, with magnetic beauty. Please swim with caution. Visit Agalipa or Navagio in the early hours of the morning or at dusk for an amazing photoshoot experience.
Agios Fokas Beach
Situated right next to the picturesque chapel of Agios Fokas (Saint Fokas), the beach is divided into two halves, one of which is usually busier than the other, but still welcoming and usually completely windless. The waters are crystal blue and the beach is sandy and pebbled. The car ride to reach Agios Fokas in the north-western part of Skyros goes through the protected pine forest of the island, offering also a different look at the authentic and diverse beauty of Skyros.
Agios Panteleimon Chapel (Saint Panteleimon)
The perfect spot for a breathtaking panoramic view of the southwest part of Skyros. The Saint Panteleimon Chapel, situated at the top of the hill above Pefkos beach, is surrounded by pine trees and the best location for romantic pictures during the sunset.
Archaeological Museum of Skyros
One of the most interesting landmarks of Skyros, the Archaeological Museum is located in Chora (town), under the Venetian castle. It houses findings from various historical periods, many of which come from the archaeological site of Palamari. In the Archaeological Museum, you can also admire an authentic representation of a traditional Skyrian house, with all of its rooms, furniture and decorations. In the Museum’s collections, you will also find traditional clothing from the early Greek state period, embroidery and ceramics.
Ari’s Plateau (Mars’ Plateau)
Even though the temple of Mars would suggest the plateau took its name from the ancient Greek god of war, renowned local researchers have found that it goes way beyond that in time and it actually means “an area of extensive plains”. Most of the southern part of Skyros is a NATURA-protected region and Ari’s Plateau is no exception. The plateau is a refuge for sheep, goats and the famous wild horses of Skyros, which are now an endangered species. It may be a little difficult to spot them during the hot summer months, yet not impossible. The Skyrian horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world. It is chronologically first described in texts of the 5th century BC, which means it preexisted Alexander the Great. A visit to the plateau presents a unique experience for nature lovers altogether.
Atsitsa
Probably the most idyllic setting of Skyros, Atsitsa stands out for its lush trees and plants that go all the way to the water. A perfect yoga location, rather than a beach. Still you may swim between pine trees, if you can find the spot! Peculiar rock formations and an islet in close distance also add to the astonishing scenery. The location used to be a small village, because of the mining activities taking place. At the now deserted islet across Atsitsa, you will find the remains of the old railway system, built early in the 20th century, to transfer ores. Nowadays, Atsitsa is a heavenly cove with crystal-clear waters and pebbles, and a small café for you to relax, while taking amazing pictures.
Faltaits Historical and Folklore Museum
The Ethnological and Folklore Museum of Manos and Anastasia Faltaits, founded in 1964, is the first such local museum in Greece and one of the oldest of its kind in the country. It is housed in the mansion of the Faltagides family and its collections include traditional ceramics, glassware and copper objects, wood carvings, traditional clothing and embroidery, artwork and paintings of Manos Faltaits. It also has a collection of sculptures and paintings, as well as a library with rare publications, manuscripts and documents. Definitely an interesting thing to do during your visit.
Kalamitsa Bay
A popular destination for windsurfers during summer months, yet usually a calm sea for swimmers, Kalamitsa is one of the biggest beaches of Skyros, known for its very cold, clear and refreshing waters, due to undersea springs! Taverns and coffee shops can be found nearby, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent are available.
Kohilas Mountain & Forest
This is the tallest mountain of Skyros and a very important refuge for the wildlife of the island. It is renowned for its maple trees and the nests, created and maintained by a rare migratory falcon species that settles on the island between the months of April and October, before flying off towards the Indian Ocean. Kohilas is a must-see for nature lovers, who enjoy long walks and hiking. The top of the mountain is accessible, yet the path presents some difficulty.
Linaria Port
From the Linaria port, you may take a small boat to reach the islet of Sarakino and the private beaches and hidden sea caves at the southern, rocky and untamed part of Skyros. The isolated islets of southern Skyros are ideal destinations for scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing, which you can also book at Linaria. During summer months, there is also an open-air movie theater.
Magazia & Molos Beach
Very close to the town of Skyros (Chora), Magazia is a large, sandy beach where you can find coffee shops, fish taverns, bars and of course umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. Molos beach is the continuation of Magazia beach, with the same comforts. They are both considered among the most beautiful beaches on the island and they are very popular, ideal for socializing and canoeing.
Palamari Archaeological Site
During excavations, a whole settlement was revealed at Palamari, dating back to the Copper Age (2.500-1.800 BC). On-site, you may visit the remains of the ancient port city, however, most of the findings are now exhibited at the archaeological museum of Skyros.
The Palamari archeological site is still impressive, as it includes an organized city planning with roads and central pipes. The ruins of the walls show that it was a very well-fortified settlement. Its fortification originated from Syria and Palestine and first appeared in the Aegean around 2300 B.C.
Pefkos Beach
Pefkos is one of the best choices for swimming while in Skyros. This is a long, sandy beach surrounded by pine-covered hills. A quiet refuge for you to enjoy the authentic Skyrian summer and discover local delicacies and delicious traditional dishes in small taverns nearby. The car ride to Pefkos goes through the protected pine forest of the island, offering a different look at the diverse beauty of Skyros. Even its name, Pefkos, means male pine tree.
Pouria
The word Pouria in Skyros stands for many things. It is now a sandy beach, however not the best choice for swimming, rather than for a summer night out with cocktails. In the past, it was a quarry, located at the northeastern coast. Pouria also describes a type and texture of stone that, in the old times, was used for building houses. Nowadays, it is only used for decorative purposes in Skyros and the rest of Greece. It looks like flint and it is easy to process. The beach of Pouria overwhelms its visitors with intricately yet naturally sculptured limestone formations and the charming chapel of Agios Nikolaos, which is carved into the rock. The wild landscape and the windmill make it a perfect spot for pictures too. The view during sunset is simply breathtaking.
Rupert Brooke Statue
In the First World War, Tris Boukes bay (on the southwest of Skyros) was used as anchorage for hospital ships treating the wounded from Gallipoli. It was on one of these that the British poet Rupert Brooke died in April 1915. The inscription on the stone of his grave was written by fellow war poet, Wilfred Owen. It reads: “My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity”. Brooke was a romantic, idealistic poet. The Brooke Square (near the church of Agia Triada at Chora), and a statue are dedicated to his memory. The “statue of an ideal poet”, created by renowned Greek sculptor Michael Tombros in the late 1920s, was intended to be an allegorical figure rather than of true likeness to Brooke. Visitors can also pay tribute to his grave in Tris Boukes.
Sarakiniko Islet (also called Sarakino)
Small boats departing from Linaria port are your means to the islet of Sarakiniko, if you also want to try a gastronomic cruise. Glifada, the beach of the islet, is a true heaven on earth. Emerald waters, sea caves with stalactites, and an amazing lobster pasta by the crew of the boats are what you should expect. Skyros is a lobster habitat; however, its fishing remains seasonal for the lobster’s protection. If you are lucky while traveling in the sea, you may spot a dolphin or two and the protected monachus-monachus seal, also called the Mediterranean monk seal.
Skyrian Horses
The Skyrian horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world. It is chronologically first described in texts of the 5th century BC, which means it preexisted Alexander the Great. It is now considered an endangered species, mainly due to food competition with goats and sheep. Its natural habitat is in Kohilas mountain and Ari’s plateau. However, there are ongoing efforts by NGOs and Skyrians themselves to preserve the breed in local farms, which you can visit. Please book ahead, especially if you want to ride one. In the old times, the Skyrian was a workhorse. It is not considered suitable for riding anymore, but, because of its mild temper, it can be used with special needs persons and children.
Venetian Castle
The Venetian Castle, located at the highest hill of Chora, overlooks the Aegean Sea. According to the ancient myths, the citadel and the seat of King Lycomides were situated on that same rocky hill. During the Classical period, as well as Roman and Byzantine times, the citadel was fortified. Unfortunately, the Castle, built by the Venetians who occupied Skyros from the 13th century till 1537, when it was looted by Turkish pirate and admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, is not well preserved. The cobblestoned streets of Skyros Town (Chora) lead to the foot of the castle, where the monastery of Agios Georgios is located. The monastery was established in the 10th century and is still open to the public and worth visiting. The last resident of the Castle was the last bishop of Skyros, Gregory, who passed away in 1827.
