SKYROS

Skyros lies in the heart of the Aegean. It is the southernmost and largest island of the Northern Sporades, with a population of 3,052. The island’s capital is Skyros (also known as Chora), built on the eastern coast atop a steep and well-fortified rock—an advantageous location against pirate raids that terrorized the Aegean until the early 20th century.
The island is largely mountainous, with two distinct ranges in the north and south. The northern part, known as Meroi, is covered with dense pine forests, crowned by Mount Olympus (403 m). The south is dominated by Mount Kochylas (792 m), with barren, rocky terrain. In many ways, the northern landscapes resemble those of the Sporades and northern Evia, while the southern ones echo the rocky scenery of southern Evia and the Cyclades.
All around Skyros you’ll find idyllic secluded coves, beautiful small bays, long sandy beaches, impressive sea caves, and a rich history—archaeological finds are scattered across the island.
According to mythology, Skyros is where Theseus, king of Athens and son of Aegeus, died—the most celebrated Greek hero after Heracles. It is also where Thetis hid her son Achilles, disguising him as a girl named Pyrrha, to prevent him from going to Troy. Hidden among the daughters of King Lycomedes, Achilles even fathered a son, Neoptolemus, with a princess. When the seer Calchas revealed that Troy could never be conquered without Achilles, the crafty Odysseus arrived on the island disguised as a merchant. While all the girls were attracted to his fabrics, perfumes, and jewelry, Pyrrha was only interested in the weapons—thus revealing Achilles’ identity. Odysseus then persuaded him to join the campaign against Troy.
During Athens’ golden age, Skyros joined the Delian League, which later became the Athenian Empire. After Roman and Byzantine rule, the island was seized in 1538 by the notorious pirate Barbarossa and absorbed into the Ottoman Empire. In the Greek War of Independence (1821), Skyros contributed both financially and militarily, later becoming part of the modern Greek state.
The island’s main attraction is Chora, with its well-preserved houses and charming alleys. Skyros is also famous for its small native horses, a true symbol of the island, as well as its cuisine—local cheeses, fresh fish, and lobsters—which you can enjoy in the many seaside tavernas.
Besides summer, another great time to visit is Carnival season, when the island’s unique pagan customs come alive.

The suggested route starts from Skyros Chora and loops around most of the pine forest in the northern part of the island. It begins with a steep 4 km climb along the eastern slopes of Mount Olympus, offering panoramic views of Chora and the eastern coastline.
At the highest point of the route (350 m), we admire the pine forest before descending through it for 8 km, eventually reaching the secluded beach of Kyra Panagia. Up to this point, the dirt road is in poor condition—narrow and littered with embedded stones, making progress more challenging.
Next, we head south, following the asphalt road for 1 km until we reach the seaside village of Atsitsa. Right by the sea, you’ll find the taverna Antonis—a perfect spot for a break, a meal, or a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
For the return to Chora, we take the main dirt road toward the dam. This section is wide and smooth, with gentle gradients, making the kilometers roll by easily under the bike wheels. But the highlight comes at the end: a wonderful, narrow and rideable singletrack alongside a ravine, crossing a stone bridge before leading us to the outskirts of Chora for the grand finish.