Palamari, close to Atsitsa and about thirteen klm from Skyros village, is an Early and Middle Bronze period settlement (2500 - 1800) connected to various parts of Greece, including the Cyclades, the islands of the North East Aegean and the mainland.

Its extensive defences – front walls, trenches and a stone barrier – show much wider sea connections as this kind of fortifications originate in Syria and Palestine. Fortifications of this style began appearing in regions of the Aegean in around 2300 BC.

Research and excavations carried out have led to the discovery of a well-organised city, with a port, roads and tall and impressive buildings. Hearths, ovens and formatted floors have been discovered in several rooms located within the ruins of the buildings.

Many other interesting artifacts such as stone tools and appliances, a variety of vessels and vases, as well as tools made from bone have also been found and are exhibited at the island’s Archaeological Museum. The two rooms of the museum contain finds from sites on the island dating from the Early Hellenic period (2.800-1.900 BC) to Roman times.

Skyros was inhabited from the Neolithic period (5.500-2.800 BC) and flourished during the early Bronze Age (2.800-1.900 BC). It reached the height of its prosperity during the Mycenaean period (1.650-1.100 BC). Skyros was also an important island during the Geometric and Archaic periods.

Visitors can wander around Palamari and see the various paths and structures that have been unearthed. The Palamari beach right next to the site is there for a refreshing swim.

The Skyros Goat Festival has its roots in the Dionysian celebrations of ancient Greece. An extraordinary event, it leavies the privileged few non-Skyrians who have the chance to be part of it spellbound and enchanted by its mystery and potency.

The celebration culminates in a heady mix of non-stop partying by day and night - a 48 hour explosion of revelry and a carnival parade. Young men wrap themselves in goatskins and 50 kilos of goat bells and whirl frenetically round in order to release Persephone and bring on the Spring. Half human, half animal, they dance in the streets in an ancient, wild and primitive pagan abandon. Their street party is joined by the entire community in a frenzy of dance and good-humoured make merry.

Unlike almost every single such event, the Festival is completely free of  commercialism – the locals join it because they love it and not because of any material benefits it might bring to their community. It is also totally free of any central planning. Spontaneous events are the order of the day.