Night life and entertainment in Skyros
When it comes to dining the island offers many excellent restaurants, particularly for seafood fans who will delight in some of the freshest fish imaginable (in many cases landed by the taverna owner’s boat).
One of the best places for fish and grilled meat dishes in Skyros Town is Margetis on Agora (Market) Street. Tuck into delicious lobster, sea bream or mullet accompanied by highly quaffable barrel wine. Get there early because this is one of the most popular eateries among locals and visitors alike.
Another top spot is Kristina’s at Pegasus, down the alley to the left just past Skyros Travel. This first-class restaurant, housed in a 19th century building in the centre of town, is run by Australian Kristina who serves up an innovative range of Greek and international dishes, including many vegetarian choices.
The town’s main square and the street running past it are chockfull of noisy bars, tavernas and fast food joints. You’ll usually be able to find a music bar or two open until the small hours even out of season because of the military presence on the island.
The oldest music bar is Kalypso in Agora Street where you can enjoy an after dinner cocktail to the strains of jazz and blues music. Late night dance spots clustered near the central square include Kata Lathos, Iroon and Rodon.
The biggest and flashiest disco is Skyropoula, down the steps from the Archaeological Museum on the way to the beach resort of Magazia. The evening here starts with international chart music but Greek hits are played in the early hours. You can’t miss the club’s laser light show illuminating the kastro which dominates the town.
Some hotels on the island organise their own in-house evening entertainment for guests. The luxurious Skyros Palace, three kilometres north of the capital, has two restaurants, a bar and soundproofed disco. And guests of the Skyros Centre at Atsitsa, which runs two-week holistic holiday programmes for visitors from all over the world, are treated to Greek nights, impromptu concerts and a last night cabaret show laid on by the staff.
If you’re visiting in late July and August, ask at the Faltaits Museum in Skyros Town for details of the festival of theatre and dance which is an annual event hosted by the museum. And if you’re lucky enough to be around at carnival time, in the lead-up to Lent, you’ll be able to witness one of the most famous and outlandish festivals in the Greek islands.
The Skyros Goat Dance has its origins in pagan rites and involves an elderly man, wearing a goat mask and clanging sheep bells, cavorting through the streets accompanied by younger masked men dressed as Skyrian brides. The event takes place on the last two Sundays before Lent and involves much feasting, drinking, singing and dancing.
Where to eat
Mouries
On the road to the port, in Kalikri, directly across from the ponies, is the Mouries tavern. In a green courtyard full of mulberry trees, hence the name, you will enjoy well-cooked dishes in truly huge portions and affordable prices.
Stamatia
It is located in the bay of Pefkos, right next to the beach of the same name, so you can combine swimming and then eating. Spotlessly clean environment, fast service and hearty portions. Be sure to try the goat, fish soup and shrimp pasta.
Agios Petros
In Trachy, 10 kilometers north of Chora towards the airport, is the Agios Petros tavern. In a wonderful environment among the pines, it has delicious dishes with products of their own production and from the family’s vegetable garden. Don’t miss out on trying the goat in parchment paper and oil pie!
Bars and clubs
Kavos
For breakfast or a drink in the evening go to Kavos. It is high above the harbor from where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique view.
If you happen to be there when the sun is setting, you will also enjoy a magical sunset. Here I must tell you that the owners of Kavos had the amazing idea that when the ship enters the port, the loudspeakers play Zarathustra by Richard Strauss loudly!
In the evening they even distribute sparklers to the customers and the whole atmosphere becomes particularly festive which really surprises. When we found out and heard the music in the distance, we knew that the ship was entering the port!
Juice
It is located at Magazia. It has free sunbeds and umbrellas for customers and it also has its own parking lot if you go early and get a spot. You can spend your whole day here. They make awesome mojitos, strawberry mojitos and delicious handmade pizza.
In Chora you will also find very nice bars with music where you can enjoy your drink while watching the traffic.