Skyros:The Soul of a Unique Island
Authentic encounters, living traditions, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Aegean.
Skyros: Culture, Flavours & Authentic Encounters
Anna 60th in Skyros
Rather than having a big 60th birthday party, I’d much rather celebrate by sharing one of my favourite places with the people who mean the most to me.
Skyros isn’t Mykonos or Santorini. It’s an island that has stayed true to itself. Life is simple, the people are incredibly welcoming, and it reminds me of what the Greek islands felt like 40 years ago before tourism changed so much.
Over the five days I’ve put together some of the experiences that I lexperienced and to share with you.
We’ll have dinner with a local family who have become good friends and have welcomed us warmly. We’ll dine with a wonderful restaurant owner who is one of the characters of the island. He also cares for the rare Skyrian Horses, and his sister has a little shop in Chora (the main town) filled with beautiful things made by local artists.
We’ll have time to wander through Chora, stop for far too many coffees or freddo espresso’s, climb up to the monastery for the views, visit the ancient site of Palamari and learn a little about the people who lived there thousands of years ago. If you’d like to, you can spend some time with a local artist we met and paint your own Skyrian design to take home. We are also planning to head out on a fishing boat, swim if the weather is kind to us, and go for a few walks in the amazing forests.
The schedule is flexible with a few things arranged that can be done and time for simply enjoy being together as we do.
I’ve also reserved all the sea-view rooms at a lovely little boutique hotel where we’ve become friendly with the owners, so we’ll all be staying together overlooking the Aegean.
More than anything, I just want to spend a few days with friends, sharing a place that has become very special to me.
I would absolutely love it if you came to celebrate my 60th with me in Skyros.
CULTURE. FLAVOUR. NATURE
The essence of the Journey
Culture
Flavour
Nature
The Itinerary
Monday 5th October: Welcome to Skyros
After everyone has arrived and settled into Ammos, we'll ease into island life.
One of the first places I'd love to take you is Mouries, to meet Manolis the owner and the beautiful Skyrian Horses. They're one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and incredibly special to the island. It's a lovely way to start understanding what makes Skyros different.
That evening we'll stay on at Mouries for dinner. The owner has become a good friend and has a real passion for the horses, great food and making people feel at home. I couldn't think of a better introduction to Skyros.
Tuesday 6th October: A Little History & A Little Creativity
Today I'd like to show you a bit of the island's history. We'll visit Palamari, a Bronze Age settlement that's over 4,000 years old, followed by the Archaeological Museum to help bring it all to life.
I've also arranged for us to spend some time with one of Skyros' local artists, Yiannis Ftoulis, where anyone who'd like to, can paint their own ceramic plate or mug using traditional Skyrian designs.
I've deliberately planned this for Tuesday, the 2nd day, so there's enough time for the pottery to dry, be fired in the kiln and be ready for everyone to take home before we leave.
The afternoon is yours to relax, explore or simply enjoy the hotel.
We will have dinner at a restaurant in Chora Town.
Wednesday 7th October: Explore more of Skyros
Today we'll explore some of the quieter parts of the island.
We'll drive, hike or bike through the forests, stop in tiny villages, discover hidden beaches. this day will be pre-packed lunch or picnic, weather depending. We can snorkel to nearby islands if there is interest. So, bring your gear.
We'll also collect everyone's pottery before getting together for dinner at a beach restaurant.
Thursday 8th October: Skyros from the Sea
If the weather is on our side, today we'll head out with local fishermen to see Skyros from a completely different perspective.
We'll explore some special spots by boat, stop for a swim, and enjoy lunch or a picnic.
In the evening, Alexis and Nikos, who have become part of our Skyros family will be one of the highlights of the trip experiencing everything from incredibly fresh fish tartare to traditional Skyrian dishes and baked bread, "From sea to fire" - my birthday party.
Friday 9th October: Chora Town
Time to enjoy Chora in your own way. Wander the little streets, have a coffee in the square, browse the artisan shops, visit the Faltaits Museum if you're interested, or simply sit and watch island life go by.
We'll meet up again in the evening for our last dinner at Manolis's restaurant together.
Saturday 10th October: Time to leave
After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to Skyros.
Hopefully you'll leave with a self-painted keepsake, lots of photos, a few new friendships and a better understanding of why this little island has become one of my favourite places in Greece.
ACCOMMODATION
One of the things I really wanted was for us all to stay together somewhere that felt personal rather than just another hotel.
So I’ve booked all the sea-view rooms at Ammos, a small boutique hotel against the mountain and right on the water. We’ve become good friends with the owners, and they’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.
It’s relaxed, unpretentious, has a fantastic “certified” Greek breakfast every morning, and best of all, every room looks out over the Aegean.
I couldn’t think of a nicer place for us all to call home for a few days.
What’s Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation in Skyros
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per programme.
- Visit to Mouries farm and introduction to the Skyrian Horse
- Guided visit to Palamari and the Archaeological Museum
- Traditional Skyrian Pottery & Art painting workshop with Yiannis Ftoulis
- Traditional fishing-boat experience
- Ceramic piece firing and collection before departure
- All ground transfers required for the included activities
- Donation to Mouries farm
- Local guiding and hosting to archealogical site
What’s Not Included
- Flights and/or ferry tickets to and from Skyros
- Private transfers (available upon request)
- Schengen visa (if applicable) - however we could assist with invitation letter.
- Travel & health insurance (covering adventure activities)
- Personal expenses: souvenirs, laundry, extra meals
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional visits or activities during free time
- Tips (recommended: 10% in restaurants; €5/day for cleaning staff - optional)
- Any services not explicitly listed under “Included”
BOOK NOW!
5 nights / 5 days full of experiences!
An immersive journey through Skyros, discovering authentic Greek culture, local gastronomy, artisan traditions, hidden beaches, and meaningful encounters with the island’s people.