Skyros, an island in the heart of the Agean sea doesn’ t belong only administrately to Evia but it is also maintains a relationship which could be characterized as a mother – daughter relationship because both Evia and Skyros have similar geographical features. Also, the island of Evripus offers the shortest sea route to Skyros from Kimi, which is only 22 nautical miles away.
The Agean island of Skyros is the largest and southernmost island of the group of islands “Sporades” and is situated south – east of Kimi. Its unique position in the pelagos makes it resemble a stone boat, which which froze in time as it was sailing over the waves of the sea. Strong winds sweep across the island bringing refreshing breezes and the resounding sounds of the sea.
Some geologists claim that Skyros was made up of three islands that were joined together. There is some evidence that this may be true as there are many differences in the geographical features in various parts of the island. In the north it is thickly forested, in the south bare and rocky and in the center of Skyros there is a channel 3 kilometers wide. The island is 210 square kilometers and is surrounded by a large number of small islands and rocky islets.
The capital of the island is Skyros, which is also called Chora by the locals. It is situated to the north – east of the eastern side of the foot of the mountain Olympus. It is 10 kilometers from Linaria, the main port of the island situated in the center of the western coast. The town of Skyros is built amphitheatrically on the sloaps of a hill under the shadow of a medieval castle and the Byzantine monastery of Saint George of Skyros. It is a typical island city with Agean – style architecture with its own particular color. The beauty of the town with its white, cube – shaped houses and dark – colored roofs makes a great impression on the visitor. The main avenue crosses the town and leads to the square of “Eternal poetry” which is named, not only because of the existence of the statue dedicated to the English poet Rupert Brooke, but also because of the poetical disposition which is evoked in the visitor from the unique view of the island and Agean pelagos. From this main avenue there are many small winding roads, which lead in all directions from the town.
Many seaside resorts frame the city of Skyros. The community of “Magazia”, which has one of the finest beaches, is nearby. There are also the beaches the beaches of Molos and Para Kambos. The tourist resort of Aspous lies between the town and Linaria. Linaria, apart from being the port of the island is a picturesque, amphitheatrically community which is very popular with the tourists. Near Linaria there are the beaches of Kalamitsa, Acherounes and Pefkos. Particularly interesting is the northern part of the island where the landscape of the Skyrian Olympus and the pine-forested beaches remind one of northern Evia. It’s worth visiting the north – west coast, Ayio Petro and Kira Panagia as well as Atsitsa. It would be even more adventurous to tour the southern part of the island where its highest mountain Kochila is really impressive. In this area, it is dry and rocky and resembles southern Evia. It is also worth going to Tris Boukes, a large natural harbour the entrance of which is fenced by the small islands of Plati and Sarakino. At Tris Boukes one can find the grave of the English poet Rupert Brooke who died here on this way from Kalipoli. On touring the island the visitor will come across the Skyrian rare breed of ponies.