Skyros by ferry
In the following lines, we have prepared a small user guide that will help passengers to travel to Skyros as easily and pleasantly as possible.
Find useful information on how to get to Skyros by ferry, local public transportation options to reach your overnight hotel, port addresses and embarkation offices, ferry schedules and prices, and real-time departures and arrivals.
Skyros by ferry is the best option you have and it can be a very nice and exciting experience and especially if you are doing some island-hopping too. Greek islanders are seasoned ferry experts and they prefer to travel by ferry because of the convenience and flexibility it affords!
There is a choice of Regular Ferries that are running frequently with stops along the way. Cars are allowed on most ferries, for an additional fee and children usually travel for half price!
Give a date and click on "search" to view the ferry timetables!
Notice: Each year and depending on the period, there may be more or fewer connections to Skyros. The biggest shipping companies (ferry operators) announce the new ferry schedules by the end of March and the rest of them by April-June each year!
Skyros ferry tickets
Arrange your ferry ticket in advance.
If your final destination is Skyros do not neglect to book your ferry tickets early enough to avoid last-minute surprises! We are sure that you do not want to ruin your vacation or change your destination because you will not find an itinerary available. How could you feel to be at the departure port and not be able to board the ferry to Skyros because it is fully booked?
On this page page, we will mention some reasons that make it necessary to book your ferry tickets to your destination in advance!
About Skyros
Skyros is the southernmost island of the Sporades complex; however, administratively it belongs to Evia with which it has ferry connection from Kimi. Skyros is mountainous, with the highest peak being Kochilas (91 m).
In Greek mythology Skyros is associated with Lycomedes, Theseus, Achilles and Neoptolemus. The island has been inhabited since the ancient times, when due to its geographical position it developed remarkable commercial activities. In 475 B.C. Skyros was conquered by the Athenians under the leadership of Cimon, son of Miltiadis, later on by Macedonians (323/322 B.C.) and afterwards by Romans (197/196 B.C.). During this period limestone, white marble and traditional marble of Skyros were extracted from island quarries. After the Ottoman occupation, Skyros was integrated with the Greek state in 1830. Skyros has a great cultural tradition and exceptional landscape. The island has its own breed of the well-known Skyrian ponies. Many desert islands surround Skyros, the most important being Valaxa, Sarakiniko, Skyropoula and Platia. The island extends over a surface of 200 km2, its coastline is 130 km long and it has 2,800 inhabitants.
What to see in Skyros
Tour in the Island of Skyros - Chora
Chora is built in the shape of an amphitheater around a Byzantine castle constructed on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. The visitor has the opportunity to admire the local houses with particular architectural features while walking on the alley. Skyrian houses have flat roofs similar to the traditional architecture of the Aegean Sea region, but they also have local elements that distinguish them, especially as far as the internal decoration is concerned. Their courtyards are full of flowers and the internal layout is specific and functional.
Walks
In the Byzantine Castle: In the castle's entrance there is a walled-in marble lion (Dragon), while very few remains of Cyclopean and Byzantine walls survive. This place offers a magnificent view to the sea and the other islands of Sporades. The ruins of Koimisi tis Theotokou (Assumption) church dating back to the 9th century, as well as Aghios Georgios castle-monastery (10th century), the glebe of the Monastery of Great Lavra (Megisti Lavra) on the mount Athos can be found in the castle. Here, among the offerings we can see the medal of the first Greek Olympic medalist, Spiros Louis, who had dedicated it to the Saint George for his help.
In the exceptionally organized Folklore Museum of Manos and Anastasia Faltaits, established in 1964 in the Park of Skirites.
At Palaiopyrgos, the biggest tower of the ancient Pelasgian walls of the island.
In the 1,000-seat stone theater hosting major cultural events in the frames of summer "Skyros Festival", as well as artistic workshop.
In the Archaeological Museum exposing findings dating back from the Early Helladic Period to the Roman times. In the museum housing the “Skyrian House”, a folklore collection which includes examples of the famous Skyrian wood carved furniture, ceramic painted dishes, textiles, characteristic objects used by the locals in their every day life and other popular art items. Next to the Museum, there is an ancient carved construction the use of which is still unknown.
In the Megali Strata (Great Road) leading to the Kyprou Square (also known as Brooke Square), where visitors may see the statue of English poet and philhellene, Robert Brooke (1887-1915), created by sculptor Michalis Tobros.
Activities
If you want to go swimming near Chora, try the beaches of Magazia, Molos, Papa Houma and Linos (before reaching Aspous).
Events
The “Skyros Festival” in summer months.
Revival of the custom of the "Yeros" (old man) and the "Korela" (girl) during the Carnival.
The feast of Aghios Myronas from August 16th to 17th.
