Skyros Pottery & Ceramics
Skyros has a centuries-old pottery tradition, decorative plates, bowls and sculptures made by local artisans. The craft, the workshops to visit in Chora, and where to buy.
Last updated 29 June 2026
Alongside its carved wood, Skyros is an island of clay. Pottery has been worked here since antiquity, and the island’s decorative ceramics, plates, bowls and figures, are among its most beautiful and portable crafts.
In short: Skyros has a centuries-old pottery tradition, drawing on the island’s rich local clay and practised since ancient and Byzantine times. Today’s artisans, many from families in the craft for generations, make decorative plates, bowls and sculptures using both hand-throwing and moulds. Many workshops in Chora welcome visitors, and pieces are sold directly by the makers.
A tradition in clay
Skyrian potters have long used the island’s rich clay to make both everyday vessels and the decorative ceramics that, traditionally, lined the walls of the Skyrian house. The craft reaches back to antiquity and has been practised continuously since the Byzantine era, with each generation passing down techniques and patterns. Modern artisans blend traditional methods with contemporary designs, working by hand-throwing and with moulds to create plates, bowls and small sculptures.
Workshops to visit
Many of the island’s potters work from studios in and around Chora, and a good number open their doors so you can watch a piece take shape on the wheel. It’s worth seeking them out: seeing the work being made deepens the pleasure of choosing a piece, and the makers are generous with their time. Look out, too, for the seasonal Skyros craft fair, where potters show alongside woodcarvers and other artisans.
Buying a piece
The best ceramics are bought directly from the workshops and galleries of Chora, where you can meet the maker and be sure of provenance. A decorative plate or bowl travels home easily and carries a real piece of the island with it. Pair a craft morning in Chora with its wood-carving tradition.
FAQ
Is pottery a real Skyros tradition? Yes, the island has made ceramics since antiquity, with a continuous tradition from the Byzantine era to today.
Can I visit a workshop? Many potters’ studios in and around Chora welcome visitors and let you watch the work in progress.
What should I buy? Decorative plates, bowls and small sculptures, bought directly from the makers in Chora.
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