The Best Things to Do in Skyros, Greece

Skyros’ Mount Olympus isn’t the Mount Olympus – otherwise known as Mountain of the Gods – on mainland Greece. But with a bird’s-eye view of the Aegean Sea from its summit, this mountain in northern Skyros is worth visiting. Follow a circular route from the main town Hora through peaceful pine forests and up towards the peak. The entire trail is 12.7km (7.9mi) and takes five hours – but if you want a shorter trip, halve the hike by turning back to Hora after you’ve hit the summit.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced deep-sea diver, Gorgonia Diving Centre, in the tiny settlement of Acherounes, will help you see the best of underwater Skyros. You’ll drift through quiet blue caves and past orange coral, play with sea turtles and explore the untouched reefs – spotting tiny nudibranchs, wiggling sea worms and kaleidoscopic fish. They’ll supply all of the necessary equipment needed.

Kalogria Beach, in the Kyra Panagia bay on Skyros’ northwest coast, is an idyllic spot, designed for whiling away hours under the sun. Get there in good time to nab a comfortable sunbed, complete with a straw umbrella, and make use of the changing cabins if needs be. Break from the rays only to feast on fresh Greek salads and pink wine from the Cooknara Beach Bar, a short way back from the beach.

Fascinated by folklore? Head to this museum, spread across the Faltaits family’s sprawling 19th-century mansion, which unravels mythology, folklore and lifestyle from various periods of Skyros’ long history. The multi-level labyrinth, just below Brooke Square in Skyros Town, showcases traditional local costumes, antique furniture, weapons, cooking pots, manuscripts, rare books and old photographs. Time it right and you can watch plays and concerts from the stone amphitheatre that’s still in action. Stop by the gift shop to pick up vibrant fabrics, bespoke ceramics and colourful prints.

Escape the scorching heat by wandering through this fascinating courtyard museum, which displays artefacts from the Early Helladic to the Roman occupation. The museum offers English-language leaflets, so you can read up on the island’s rich history as you cruise between glass cabinets full of Mycenaean pottery, Skyros jewellery and artefacts from the Bronze Age excavation at Palamari. You’ll be transported back in time with a recreation of a traditional Skyrian house interior with all its everyday tools and furniture.

Every year over the last two weeks of February, locals dress in goat masks, hairy jackets and belts ladened with dozens of copper bells – and dance through the streets of Skyros Town. It is attended by few in-the-know foreigners, meaning it’s a truly unique opportunity to witness an authentic local ritual. Join the thongs of party-goers and strangely attired figures, clanking their bells in the light of blazing red flares.