The Soul of an Island
Skyros Beyond the Familiar, Rooted in Nature, Simplicity and Connection.
Culture, flavours and authentic encounters in the heart of the Aegean.
Skyros has never reshaped itself around visitors. In the northern Sporades, reached by ferry from Kymi in Evia, the island keeps its own rhythm: a whitewashed Chora climbing towards its hilltop castle, pine-covered hills in the north, and traditions — from pottery to the small Skyrian Horse — that are still part of everyday life. This six-day journey is designed for travellers who want to meet that Skyros through its people, landscapes, flavours and stories.
From the rare Skyrian Horse and the prehistoric settlement of Palamari to traditional pottery, a morning aboard a fishing boat, local cooking and unhurried time in Chora, each day reveals a different side of the island. Guided walks along forest paths and quiet beaches, carefully chosen meals and warm local hosts complete a journey that goes well beyond a typical island holiday.
More than a trip, this is an invitation to experience Skyros as it is: genuine, unhurried and deeply connected to its heritage.
At Xeniq, accommodation is an intentional part of the experience. In Skyros our standard is 4-star, with each property selected and personally vetted for comfort, calm, authenticity and connection to place.
From €2,550 per person sharing a double/twin room. Single supplement from €500 (subject to availability)
Private and bespoke departures available on request.
Culture. Flavour. Nature.
What Awaits You
6 days
Immersed in Skyros’ ancient history, hidden places and living traditions.
3 arts
Pottery, traditional fishing and home cooking with local islanders.
1 rarity
Discover the rare Skyrian Horse and the people dedicated to its preservation
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Skyros: Meeting the Skyrian Horse
Arrive in Skyros and transfer to your hotel. The journey begins with one of the island’s most treasured symbols: the Skyrian Horse. In the afternoon we visit Mouries, the largest conservation and breeding centre dedicated to this rare breed, to meet one of the world’s most endangered horses and learn how its future is being protected as part of Skyros’ natural and cultural heritage.
As the sun sets over the countryside, the evening continues around the table at Mouries, where local flavours and warm hospitality offer a relaxed introduction to the island.
Day 2
History, Pottery & Meaningful Connections
The day begins in Skyros’ distant past, with a visit to the prehistoric settlement of Palamari and the Archaeological Museum, revealing the island’s long connection to the Aegean.
Later we step into the world of traditional Skyrian pottery. Guided by master potter Yiannis Ftoulis, you decorate your own ceramic plate or mug using traditional motifs and techniques. The pieces are fired in the kiln and collected later in the journey as a personal keepsake.
In the afternoon, a visit to the Skyros Island Horse Trust offers a quieter encounter with the Skyrian Horse, built on observation, trust and gentle interaction.
Day 3
Skyros from the Sea
Today is devoted to the island’s maritime traditions. Aboard a traditional fishing boat, we reach quiet coves and remote beaches and gain insight into the fishing practices that still shape daily life on Skyros. The morning ends with lunch at a seaside taverna, followed by time to rest at the hotel.
In the evening, local hosts welcome us for a cooking experience — traditional recipes, island ingredients and the stories that accompany them.
Day 4
Chora at Your Own Pace & Seaside Gastronomy
A day to explore the island’s capital at your own rhythm. Wander Chora’s whitewashed lanes, discover artisan workshops, admire the traditional architecture or pause for coffee beneath the castle. For a deeper look at the island’s heritage, the Faltaits Museum — one of Greece’s earliest folklore museums — is well worth a visit.
In the evening, dinner beside the sea brings together fresh local ingredients, creative cooking and the sound of the waves: one of the culinary highlights of the journey.
Day 5
The Quieter Corners of Skyros
Our final full day reveals a side of the island far from the rhythms of mass tourism. With a local guide, we follow forest trails to secluded beaches and lesser-known corners, stopping for coffee with locals and stories of island life and tradition. Before the journey closes, you collect your finished ceramic piece.
The evening brings everyone together for a farewell dinner.
Day 6
Departure
Time to say goodbye to Skyros. You leave with a ceramic keepsake and a deeper connection to the island — its people, its traditions and its quietly authentic way of life.
What’s Included
- Accommodation in thoughtfully selected locations, chosen for comfort, character and connection to place.
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary
- Skyrian horse encounters at Mouries Farm and the Skyros Island Horse Trust, including a contribution to conservation efforts.
- Guided exploration of ancient Palamari and the Archaeological Museum
- Traditional fishing boat experience along the Skyros coastline
- All ground transfers for scheduled activities.
- Pottery workshop with local artisan Yiannis Ftoulis, including ceramic piece firing and collection before departure.
What’s Not Included
- Flights and/or ferry tickets to and from Skyros
- Passport, visa and entry requirements, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance, including appropriate cover for cycling and active travel.
- Private transfers outside the scheduled group transfers, available on request.
- Personal expenses, including laundry, shopping and other incidental costs.
- Meals and beverages not specifically included as part of your journey.
- Optional visits or activities during free time
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and hospitality staff, at your discretion.
- Any services or arrangements beyond those specifically included in your journey.
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