Skyros Honeymoon, Greece

The largest of the Sporades, Skyros offers a taste of authentic Greek island life on one of the least-spoiled islands in the Aegean Sea – perfect for an idyllic honeymoon holiday or romantic getaway.

In the north of the island, discover a lush green landscape of unspoiled natural beauty scattered with pine forests and secluded golden-sand beaches. The southern half of the island is mainly rugged. Skyros is easily explored by car or on foot along a network of hiking trails.

Things to do and see
Stroll the narrow winding alleyways of Skyros town (also known as Chora), characterised by white Cycladic-style cube houses and crowned by a Byzantine fortress that sits perched on the side of a mountain overlooking the sprawling town and harbour.

Skyros is one of the few places in Greece where you can see old men wearing the traditional Greek cap, vest, baggy trousers and trohadhia (sandals).

Dine in tavernas serving authentic Greek dishes and local cheeses. Pop into the Folklore Museum to get a better insight into local handicrafts then browse local craft shops.

Pay your respects at the grave (or bronze statue) of the great English poet Rupert Brooke, who died on Skyros in 1915 on his way to the Dardanelles during the First World War. Check out the island’s native ponies, related to Exmoor or Dartmoor ponies, that roam wild but are best seen at the Skirian Horse Project in Molos town.

And try not to miss Skyros’ famous goat dance, performed by masked revellers in the streets of Palea Alonissos during the spectacular Apokriatika (pre-Lent) carnival. (Note: Lent in 2010 will start on Wednesday 17 February and continue until Saturday 3 April).

Best time to visit Skyros?
The best time to honeymoon in the Skyros is during the mid season (May, June, September and October) when the sky is sunny and temperatures average a warm 23˚C. Mid season also provides more reasonable hotel prices and generally less crowds.

The summer months of July to August average 26˚C but are best avoided if you don’t enjoy crowds. The winter off-season, from November through February, is generally quiet with high rainfall. The Sporades are not as hot as the Cyclades.

Location – Skyros is located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of the Pelion Peninsula in northern Greece. The Sporades comprises the islands of Skopelos, Skyros, Alonnissos and Skiathios, plus a number of smaller islands. How to get to Skyros . .