Snorkelling on Skyros: The Clearest Coves
Where to snorkel on Skyros, the clearest coves and rocky shores, what you'll see in the water, and simple, responsible tips for swimming the island's transparent sea.
Last updated 29 June 2026
The sea around Skyros is famously clear, clear enough, the locals say, to count the pebbles from above. That transparency makes the island a quiet pleasure for snorkellers, with rocky coves and boat-reached inlets full of life.
In short: Snorkel on Skyros at the rocky coves rather than the open sands, where the rock meets clear water and fish gather. Try the sheltered inlets near Molos (such as Papa to Houma), the rocky edges of the west coast around Atsitsa, and the boat-only coves and sea caves toward Sarakino islet and Agalipa. Pack reef shoes and a mask, and tread lightly.
Where to snorkel
- Papa to Houma and the coves near Molos, sheltered, transparent water close to the beaches below Chora, ideal for an easy first snorkel.
- The west coast around Atsitsa, where pine-shaded rock drops into deep blue; clear water and fish along the rocky edges. See Atsitsa & the west coast.
- Boat-reached coves and sea caves, take a small boat trip toward Sarakino islet or swim into the caves at Agalipa for the island’s most pristine, untouched water.
What you’ll see
Over the rocky bottoms you’ll spot the usual cast of the Aegean, bream, wrasse, the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice, and shoals catching the light in the shallows. The appeal here is less about spectacle than clarity and calm: warm, glassy water and the simple pleasure of drifting above the rocks.
Simple, responsible tips
- Reef shoes are worth packing for the pebblier, rockier entries.
- Snorkel in the calm of morning, before any afternoon wind ruffles the surface.
- Look, don’t touch, leave the rocks, urchins and marine life undisturbed.
- A boat trip opens up the clearest, least-visited water of all.
FAQ
Where is the best snorkelling on Skyros? The rocky coves, near Molos (Papa to Houma), along the west coast at Atsitsa, and the boat-reached caves toward Sarakino and Agalipa.
Do I need special gear? Just a mask and snorkel, plus reef shoes for rocky entries. Bring your own, as rentals are limited.
Is the water clear? Exceptionally, Skyros is known for transparent water, especially in the sheltered coves on calm mornings.
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