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Facts
& Trivia Islands |
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Skyros
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An
amazingly beautiful island, Skyros is the largest, but quietest, of the Sporades
islands. It is the very idea of a traditional Greek island, and its hospitable
people and pretty surroundings will enchant you. Skyros has
probably been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it is mentioned by Homer.
It was here that Thethis
hid her son Achilles
when the Greek armies were preparing to fight in Troy. Achilles'
wife Deidameia was from here, and the hero Theseus
fled to Skyros when his rival had taken the throne in Athens, only to be murdered
by the treacherous king Lycomedes of the island. General Cimon
of Athens came here in the 5th century to retrieve the bones of the hero. Skyros capital
is dominated by its kastro, which is open to visitors. There was probably
an acropolis here already in the Bronze age, but the current fortification
dates back to the Venetian rule. At Magazia beach there are usually watersports, but the island also has some great sports for snorkelling. You can take daytrips around the island, and if you are lucky, you might see dolphins or even seals. Skyros has some really nice sandy beaches, and since it is not a very touristy island you'll get a lot of peace and quiet. There are beaches close to Skyros town, but also some amazing little spots around the island, best to discover on your own. This island is by no means a party island, but there are a couple of bars in Skyros town. Since fishing is one of the traditional sources on income here, you'll find many nice specialties from the sea here. Most taverns are in Skyros town, and if you do not want Greek food you can find Italian places. The locals make wooden furniture in a very special style that dates back to Byzantine style. You can also get textiles, art, jewellery and ceramics. There is a local bus and a few taxis, but the best way to get around is to rent a vehicle. Little excursion boats can also take you to some of the beaches. You can either fly to Skiathos and take the ferryboat from there. Another option is to fly to Athens, and then go to Ag, Konstantinos or Kimi on Evia, where there are ferries to Skyros. |
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