Skiros Airport

Skyros Island National Airport (SKU) sits on the eastern side of Skyros, the most southerly of the Sporades islands in Greece. The single-runway airport handles seasonal domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, catering largely to summer tourists and returning residents. The small terminal, built in the 1980s, is compact: you arrive, collect your luggage, and are outside within minutes. The airport does not operate year-round; flights are scheduled primarily between May and October, with a reduced winter service depending on demand.

Getting There

The airport is located roughly 15 kilometres southeast of Skyros town (Chora), the island's main settlement. The drive takes about 20 minutes along a winding road that descends through pine-covered hills toward the coast. Taxis are the most common option; they meet arriving flights and cost around €20-25 one way to Chora. There is no public bus service directly connecting the airport to town, though during summer a KTEL bus may run on selected flight days — check the local schedule. Rental cars are available from agencies in Chora, and some will deliver a car to the airport for an extra fee. The road is well-paved but narrow in places; drivers should be cautious of oncoming traffic on the blind curves. For those staying in beach resorts on the western side of the island (for example, at Molos or Atsitsa), the journey from the airport can take up to 40 minutes, as the road winds across the island's spine.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey building divided into arrivals and departures on the same level. Upon arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac — there are no jet bridges. The arrivals area has one baggage carousel and a small waiting area. The check-in hall for departures has two counters and a security screening lane. The airport is wheelchair-accessible: there is a ramp entrance, accessible toilet facilities, and designated parking spaces close to the entrance. The terminal can feel crowded during the busiest times — Monday and Wednesday mornings around 8 am, when multiple flights may arrive or depart. There is a small café serving coffee, soft drinks, and packaged snacks, but it has limited seating. No duty-free shop exists; passengers should buy souvenirs or supplies in town before heading to the airport. The building has air conditioning, but on very hot days it can struggle to keep the waiting area cool. Toilets are clean but basic. The overall atmosphere is informal and relaxed — staff are friendly and used to helping bewildered first-time visitors.

Skyros Island National Airport and the Region

Skyros is unlike the more commercialised Greek islands. It has a distinct identity shaped by its history and isolation. The island was an important centre in antiquity: the mythical hero Achilles was said to have been hidden here by his mother, and the island was later part of the Athenian maritime empire. In the Byzantine and Venetian periods, it was a strategic outpost. Today, the island's main town, Chora, is a typical Cycladic-style hilltop settlement with whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and a Venetian castle (kastro) offering panoramic views. The island is also known for its unique breed of pony, the Skyrian horse, a small and gentle animal that roams free in the southern part of the island. Visitors come for the beaches: Molos is easily accessible, while more remote coves like Agios Fokas and Kyra Panagia require a bit of effort but reward with clear water and fewer crowds. The island's cuisine features local cheese (xynomyzithra), honey, and the signature dish of lamb with artichokes. Skyros has a lively summer calendar with festivals: the Skyros Carnival in February/March features wooden masks and local traditions, and the feast of Agios Spyridon in August includes dancing and music. The airport is the principal means of accessing this world for those who want to avoid the long ferry journey from Evia. Without it, the island would be far more isolated. For many passengers, the arrival at Skyros airport marks the start of a holiday that feels genuinely away from the package-tour trail.

Practical Information

The airport is open only on days when flights are scheduled; from June to September, expect daily flights, but outside these months the schedule can be sporadic. The airport's website (http://www.ypa.gr/our-airports/kratikos-aerolimenas-skyroy-kasy) provides up-to-date timetables. The telephone number for enquiries is +30 2222 091607. There is no ATM inside the terminal; the nearest cash machine is in Chora. Parking is free and available directly outside the terminal, with a small car park that fills up quickly on busy days. One practical tip: if you are flying out of Skyros in the morning, bring your own water bottle and some snacks — the café may not be open early, and the nearest shop is a 10-minute walk along the main road. The airport is small, so arrive an hour before departure; there is no benefit to arriving earlier.