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.

We arrive at our Airbnb in Molos, a half hour drive from the airport. Zorba, the property manager is waiting to welcome us and show us around; he warmly treats us to freshly cut melon, his teenage daughter in charge of the translating in English. We learn his story; how he immigrated from Albania sixteen years ago, with many of his family; his struggles in Athens, and how he found a home in Skyros years back. His daughter becomes our Instagram friend.

Having finally settled, we tenderly drive off to our first swim at the beach of Magazia, the most notable beach in Skyros, a couple miles south. And right there, at the bend of the road, we see it, an amazing sight: the town of Chora, wrapped around a small mountaintop, like a jewel claiming its place in history, its beauty breathtaking.

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More to follow, on our swimming experiences…