Skyros Maps

Skyros is the largest and most remote island of the Sporades group, located in the central Aegean Sea southeast of Evia. The island covers 86 square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 3,000 residents. Skyros Town (Chora), the capital, is built dramatically on a steep hillside on the east coast, crowned by a Byzantine-Venetian fortress (Kastro) that incorporates remains of the ancient acropolis. The town features distinctive architecture with flat-roofed cubical houses, many decorated with colorful ceramic plates.

The island is geographically divided into two distinct parts: the fertile, pine-forested northern section called Meria where most settlements are located, and the barren, rocky southern part called Vouno, separated by a narrow isthmus. Linaria on the west coast serves as the main port. The British poet Rupert Brooke died on a hospital ship offshore in 1915 while en route to Gallipoli and is buried in an olive grove in the south at Tris Boukes; his grave has become a pilgrimage site.

Skyros is known for its unique indigenous pony breed, one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, traditionally used for agricultural work and threshing grain. The island has maintained strong local traditions, including distinctive furniture-making, embroidery, and pottery. The annual carnival features unique customs including the "Geros" (old man) dance performed by men in goat masks. Skyros has limited tourism development compared to other Sporades islands and remains relatively isolated, accessible by ferry from Kymi on Evia and with a small airport providing flights to Athens.

The Facts:
Region: Central Greece.
Regional unit: Euboea.
Cities: Skyros, Linaria.
Population: ~ 3,000.
Area: 86 sq mi (223 sq km).