Travel Guide Skyros Chora – Χωρα

The capital of Skyros was cleverly built in the hollow of a steep rock overhanging the sea, to hide from pirates and to defend itself more easily from attacks. Today, pirates no longer ply these seas, but the Chora is still only barely visible - and at the last minute! - from the coastal road. You have to take the road inland to admire it from afar, nestled in the rocky heights. Its white houses are nicely arranged along the pedestrian streets where time seems unchanged. The Chora is known for its handicraft stores, especially ceramics, although today there are many fashion stores, with a bohemian chic style. It is in the Chora that you will discover what makes the richness of the Skyrian cultural heritage: the museum of archaeology, the fortress of the acropolis and the Faltaïts house trace the thousand-year-old history of the place. This history is not a past folklore: on the contrary, it is lived in the present by inhabitants happy to share traditions and a sense of community across generations.It is certainly one of the most pleasant and charming Choras in the North Aegean. Both traditional and warm, it is a great place to visit at different times of the day. In the morning, you can lose yourself in the oldest part of the Byzantine city, where dozens of whitewashed chapels are hidden at the foot of the kastro , which offers splendid 360 degree views. Here you will meet the elders of the island, who walk around in the cool of the morning with the typical Skyros canes. It is also an opportunity to sit on the terrace of one of the many cafes to watch the world waking up, quietly. The city falls asleep at siesta time in the hot summer days and comes alive in the evening, when the night brings enough freshness. Then, the whole island gathers in the central square where the terraces spread out joyfully. Many summer panygiria are also held there, large traditional celebrations where skyrian songs and music are played to accompany local dances, sometimes in costumes. In the surrounding streets, people share mezzes and drinks with family and friends, while the stores are in full swing. All generations mix in a joyful spirit, constantly renewed.