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Here I’ll post highlights from my recent Greek travel and new recipes I’m experimenting with that I’d love to share with you.

Ten Days on the island of Skyros:

Two months have gone by since my ten days on the island of Skyros in the Sporades, Greece, in the summer of 2024 and the magic has not yet worn off.

Beautiful emerald waters, pine trees hanging over the sea and verdant rocks in the middle of the bay, and unorganized beaches, render Skyros one of the most wholesome places I have been to. But make no mistake- it is not simply the natural beauty that makes the island so truly remarkable. The warmth, hospitality, and authenticity of the Greek culture add  the defining strokes during my visit.

Join me in the next few days as I share highlights from my trip in the little known island, truly a hidden gem.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/11/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/11/24

Day 10, Our last day, saying goodbye!

It is hard to believe our days were over. A tiny island, and yet there is so much we have not yet seen, tastes we have not tasted and beaches and hikes we have not yet explored.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/10/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/10/24

Day 9, The ponies of Skyros- Saving the Skyrian Horse

Skyrian horses are one of Europe’s oldest breeds. A miniature horse, the semi-wild Skyrian pony, has lived on the Greek island of Skyros for 2,000 years. Legend has it that Skyros ponies, have pulled Achilles' legendary chariot. Only about 300 of them are left in the world today, of which about 160 inhabit the island of Skyros, many in the wild, on Kochila mountain in the south.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/9/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/9/24

Day 8, Astakomakaronada and other culinary delights

Astakomakaronada means Lobster Pasta in Greek, and it is a much celebrated gastronomic treat that the island offers. Our sources suggested the the Port of Linaria as the best spot to savor the dish; so off we go, driving about 10 miles south of Chora, to the harbor on the west coast of the island.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/8/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/8/24

Day 7, The Castle of Skyros

The Castle of Skyros, at the highest point of the town of Skyros, on a rock where, according to legend, the ancient acropolis and the seat of King Lycomedes were situated offers breathtaking views and the chance to travel in times bygone.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/7/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/7/24

Day 6, Sunset at Atsitsa Beach

Beautiful emerald waters, pine trees hanging over the sea and a verdant atoll situated in the middle of the bay, render Atsitsa, an unorganized beach, the most scenic beach on Skyros, our sources tell us. We make a plan to watch the sunset there, and set off with a supply of iced water, a thermos of coffee, and cheese pies from the local bakery.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/6/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/6/24

Day 5, Palamari, the pre-historic civilization

Any guide book on Skyros will mention Palamari, an archaeological site of located on the northeast part of the island of Skyros, not far from the airport. It is easily accessible on an unmarked dirt road, about 3 miles through the fields.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/5/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/5/24

Day 4, Agios Petros and the Navagio

With 81 mi², Skyros is the largest island in the Sporades. The north part of the island is green and foresty, while the south is bare and rocky, dominated by its highest mountain, Kochila, standing at 2500 ft at its highest peak. A multitude of beautiful sandy beaches lace its coast every few kilometers, and on Day 4 we set to discover as many of them as the day and our temper and emotions would allow.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/4/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/4/24

Day 3, Swimming at Magazia and Pefkos

The island welcomes us with a landscape, of rocky cliffs, green hills, and sandy coves. Crystal-clear waters bear the promise of fantastic swimming and snorkeling experiences to come.

Our car rental is a stick shift- you better be ready for that when you rent a car in Greece. It took a few driving lessons to teach my daughters the skill a couple summers back.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/3/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/3/24

Day 2, First Impressions from the Island

The island welcomes us with a landscape, of rocky cliffs, green hills, and sandy coves. Crystal-clear waters bear the promise of fantastic swimming and snorkeling experiences to come.

Our car rental is a stick shift- you better be ready for that when you rent a car in Greece. It took a few driving lessons to teach my daughters the skill a couple summers back.

Ina from Greek Wonders 10/2/24 Ina from Greek Wonders 10/2/24

Day 1, Landing in Skyros

It is not straight forward to get to Skyros; The island has a domestic airport with 40 min flights from Athens only 3-4 times per week with Olympic airways, and 50 min flights from Thessaloniki with Sky Express twice a week. Ferries from Kymi, a port in Euboea, 3 hours north of Athens sail daily to Skyros, a 90-minute journey. That’s it. No connections to other local ports or airports, except an occasional charter flight from Europe in the summer.