Cultural heritage

Its geographical position and the limited coastal connection of the earlier years had kept Skyros relatively isolated from the mainland for many decades. However, this 'peculiarity' has somehow made it easier for the Skyrian community to preserve its cultural identity and heritage.
The lively folklore, the traditional festivals, the architecture, the interior decoration, the folk arts, the way of entertainment, the passionate defence against industrialisation, the gastronomy, the social solidarity and cohesion are so obviously important in the modern Skyrian community that it is easy to the visitor to understand that we are not talking about the preservation of tradition as something 'old and beautiful' that we like to remember but as a structural part of everyday life.

One of the things that Skyros is famous for is its architecture and traditional houses. As almost the entire island is a traditional settlement, there are no interventions that alter its homogeneous aesthetics. The Skyrian houses, despite being a few square meters, have a particular aesthetic while being fully functional.
The living room, bedroom (sfas), storage room and kitchen (apokrevates), fireplace, while the plates, and bric-a-brac are displayed on the walls, all in a very small space.
Carved small furniture such as chests, stools, tables, famous handmade and beautifully drawn plates, weavings and embroidery are not only the heritage that the younger people received from the older ones and continue to honour, they are the functional furnishing and decoration of every home.
The walls of the house and the space above the fireplace are adorned with all utilitarian and decorative objects, ceramic, glass and metal. The origin, scarcity and quantity of these objects are a sign of their owners' financial strength and social prestige.