Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Skyros Town Σκύρος
Skyros' capital is draped over a high rocky bluff. It's topped by a 13th-century Venetian
fortress, and is laced with labyrinthine, smooth cobblestone streets that invite wandering,
but were designed to keep out the elements, including pirates.
The main thoroughfare (Agoras) is a lively jumble of people, tavernas, bars and shops
flanked by winding alleyways. About 100m past the
plateia,
the main drag of Agoras
forks left and zigzags to two small museums adjacent to Plateia Rupert Brooke, from
where the steps descend 1km to Magazia Beach.
THE GREEK BLUES
For one week in mid-July, the Manos Faltaïts Folk Museum is host to a
rembetika
Smyrna, and came to Greece with refugee musicians who found their way to the
dens and dives of the Greek underground during the 1920s. This often melancholy
and blues-tinged music is closely tied to the history and soul of Greece. There are
daily instrument and voice workshops, films and seminars. Dinner at local tavernas
and more music fill the evening hours, and the week concludes with a Saturday
night concert, open to the public.
Sights & Activities
Manos Faltaïts Folk Museum
MUSEUM
( 22220 91232;
www.faltaits.gr/english/museum.htm
; Plateia Rupert Brooke; admission €2, incl
tour €5; 10am-2pm & 6-9pm)
This not-to-be-missed gem houses the collection of Skyri-
an ethnologist Manos Faltaïts, detailing the mythology and folklore of Skyros. The 19th-
century mansion is a multi-level labyrinth of Skyrian costumes and embroidery, antique
furniture and ceramics, daggers and cooking pots, vintage photographs and a small gift
shop and cafe overlooking the sea.
Archaeological Museum
MUSEUM
(Plateia Rupert Brooke; admission €2; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun)
Along with Mycenaean pot-
tery found near Magazia, there is a traditional Skyrian house interior, transported in its
entirety from the benefactor's home.
Half-Marathon
RACE
