Magazia & Molos: The Beaches Below Chora
A guide to Magazia and Molos, the long sandy beaches directly below Chora on Skyros, where to swim, the best light, the tavernas at the water's edge, and the rock of Papa to Houma.
Last updated 29 June 2026
If Skyros has an easy luxury, it’s the two kilometres of sand that run beneath Chora. Magazia and Molos are the island’s most convenient and most beautiful beaches, and for most visitors they are reason enough to choose Skyros.
In short: Magazia and Molos form a near-continuous, two-kilometre stretch of sand directly below Chora on the island’s east coast. The water is shallow and clear, tavernas sit at the edge, and the view back up to the whitewashed village is unforgettable. Swim early, before the light hardens, for the best of it.
The beaches
The sand begins at Magazia, just below the village, and runs north into Molos, broad, soft and gently shelving, with water clear enough to count the pebbles. This is family-friendly swimming at its most relaxed, with a handful of tavernas and cafés a few steps from the sea. The closer you are to Chora, the more striking the backdrop: the white town stacked on its cliff above you.
Swim out a little way and turn back toward the shore. There is Chora, catching the first warm light. It is the photograph everyone remembers.
Molos and Papa to Houma
At the northern end, Molos has a small harbour and, nearby, the much-photographed rock of Papa to Houma, a sheltered little cove of transparent water that makes a calm alternative when the main sands are busy. It’s a lovely spot to slip into the sea away from the crowd.
When to go
These beaches are at their best early in the day, cooler, softer light and the sand still unmarked, and again in the golden hour before sunset. The midday sun is bright and the gentle crowd builds; that’s the time to retreat up to Chora for a long lunch. For the calmest sea overall, come in June or September (see when to visit).
FAQ
Are Magazia and Molos good for families? Yes, the water is shallow and clear, the sand is soft, and tavernas are close at hand.
What is Papa to Houma? A small, sheltered cove near Molos with calm, transparent water, a quiet alternative to the open sands.
When is the best time to swim there? Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the beach is quietest.
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