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Skyros Geographical position and features
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 froze in times at 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 is 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 centre of Skyros there is a channel 3 kilometres wide. The island is 210 square kilometres 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 on the eastern side of the foot of the mountain Olympus. It is 10 kilometres from Linaria, the main port of the island situated in the centre of the western coast. The town of Skyros is built amphitheatrically on the slopes 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 colour. The beauty of the town with is white, cube - shaped houses and dark - coloured 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 existance 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. The city of Skyros is framed by many seaside resorts. The community of «Magazia», which has one of the finest beaches, is nearby. There are also 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, amphitheatrical community which is very popularwith the tourists. Near Linaria there are the beaches of Kalamitsa, Acherounes and Pefkos. Particulary interesting is the northern part of the island where the landscape of the Skyrian Olympos and the pine forested beaches remind one of northern Evia - west coast, Agio Petro and Kira Panayia 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 harbor 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 his way from Kalipoli. On touring the island the visitor will come across the famous Skyrian rare breed of ponies. |
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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 Evripos offers the
shortest sea route to Skyros from Kimi, which is only 22 nautical miles
away.
Geographical
position and features