Outdoor Sports to Enjoy in Skyros, Greece
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Skyros is a great island for natural lovers and it is known for its gorgeous vegetation and interesting landscape. Though it’s on the small side, there is no shortage of things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will find that there are plenty of sports to do while here! Here’s more information:
Hike Around the Island of Skyros
Some of the most wonderful hiking experiences in Skyros can be found on the northern side of the island. The north side of Skyros is known as Meri. The area is thick with pine trees that will fill your senses. While hiking the area, you will be treated to a wonderful views of the sea. One beautiful route begins at Hora and goes along a path to the Church of Lympiani. The church sits at an altitude of 363 meters. Many areas of the island of Skyros are protected by Natura 2000. You will find many hiking routes posted around Skyros.
If interested, you can take a hiking tour with a guide who will lead you to off-road paths you might not otherwise know about. With a guide, you will get to know more about the folklore, architecture, and agriculture of Skyros. During these tours you may camp, collect mushrooms, and visit farms. There are many hikes to choose from depending on your interests. Some are more difficult while others are historical and easy.
Go Mountaineering in Skyros
If you are looking for a little more adventure and thrill, you might enjoy the outdoor sport of mountaineering. Mountaineering is more physically demanding than hiking and will take you to areas you might not otherwise see. There is one route that is 6 km and will take about 4 hours to complete.
This route begins at the Ari Plateau and takes you through oak trees, Sfendamia trees, and phillikia. The larger area you come across is a natural habitat of the Syrian horse. This particular route surrounds Dafny Hill, which rises above Ari Plateau. You will continue up to the Vouva Peak and end at Marouliko Plateau. Here, you will likely see goats and sheep that graze there where they are protected from the wind.
Another route is just 2 km and takes about 90 minutes to complete. This steep route is the ascent to the top of the Prophet Elias Achilli. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the island.
Go Windsurfing Around Skyros
Skyros Island is located in the southeast area of the Sporades group and close to the center of the Aegean Sea, so it tends to get strong, gusting winds. This makes ideal conditions for windsurfing, especially during the summer months when the winds are stronger.
Kalamitsa Beach is one of the most popular place for windsurfers. The beach is found on the western side of the island of Skyros, to the east of the port of Linaria. Kalamitsa beach is pebbled and the water is cold. The water comes from three sources from the mountains and is thought to have healing powers. The long, sandy beach of Molos is also good for windsurfing. The winds at Molos Beach are slightly tamer and things are more relaxed in general.
Be sure to try these outdoor sports while on the Greek island of Skyros!
Categorized in: About Skyros, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
