Sporades
Skyros
Two islands in one — wild north, Cycladic south — and almost nobody knows it exists.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Skyros
Skyros is one of the most unusual islands in Greece, split dramatically in character: the north is green and wooded with beautiful beaches; the south is barren, rocky, and otherworldly. The main town (Chora) has a distinctly Cycladic whitewashed style that feels out of place this far north. The island has a strong local craft tradition and a famous carnival. Genuinely hard to reach and genuinely rewarding.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Surprisingly hard to reach for a Greek island — requires a bus to Kymi port then a 2-hour ferry.
Hidden gem
Track down a pair of handmade Skyrian sandals — a tradition almost extinct elsewhere in Greece.
Where it sits
Sporades, Greece
Skyros — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Skyros? +
- The best months to visit Skyros are May to October. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Skyros from Athens? +
- Skyros has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Skyros good for couples? +
- Skyros is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Skyros good for families with kids? +
- Skyros is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Skyros expensive? +
- Skyros is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Skyros? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Skyros. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Skyros? +
- Surprisingly hard to reach for a Greek island — requires a bus to Kymi port then a 2-hour ferry.