Skyros belongs to the Sporades group, but it is further away east from the rest and has developed independently. Its morphology is quite interesting, as the island is almost divided into two parts by a narrow isthmus in the middle. The northern part is cultivated,whereas the southern is rocky and almost uninhabited.

The main port is Linaria on the west coast, sheltered from the meltemi, and although it's a pleasant place, is mostly a stop-over for those heading to the capital Skyros town or Hora. The capital is on the east coast and does not offer safe anchorage, in contrast to the south-west coast.

The island gives the impression that it belongs to the Cyclades group rather than the Sporades, due to the plain, cubic architecture in the capital town of Skyros. The house interiors are furnished and decorated with elaborately curved furniture and ornaments made by Skyriot artisans, and you are likely to get an invitation from the proud and extremely hospitable owners to admire a traditional house.

The island has been known since the ancient times, and the myth goes that Achilles was sent by his mother to hide in the palace of the King of Skyros dressed as a girl, trying to avoid fighting in the Trojan war, as there was a prophecy that he would die during the battle. Ullyses found him there and took him to Troy, where the prophecy finally came true. It is still a tradition today that men dress as brides during Carnival, the festivities of which are very interesting and famous all over Greece.

The town of Skyros with the traditional houses and the Venetian castle is absolutely worth visiting. You will be able to stroll through the labyrinth-like streets, and watch the old men in their traditional costumes riding tame ponies, descendants of the wild ponies of a unique breed that used to roam freely, but are now almost extinct.

Other things to see on Skyros are the impressive archaeological museum and the Traditional Skyrian House Museum, but the not-to-be-missed place is the Faltaits Museum with one of the best folk art collections in Greece (admission is free, although the museum is private). Poet Rupert Brooke's grave is also on the island, near Tris Boukes bay in the south. It's not difficult to find but a bit of trekking is needed to reach it.

The island's best beach is probably Kalamitsa, but other good beaches are Magazia, Atsitsa, Kyra Panagia and Pefkos. The Skyros Institute, based at Atsitsa beach, may be of interest to those who would like to take up yoga or enjoy massage programmes.

Don't forget to ask for the local specialities at restaurants and tavernas, enjoy the traditional pastries, and sip your drink at one of the bars of the island (there are not many of them, but they are stylish enough). There is also a wide selection of traditional artefacts and embroidery to bring back home as a souvenir or gift.

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