Getting to the Grave

Until 1994, the best way to reach the grave was to take a boat to Tris Boukes Bay, and then follow the route taken by Brooke’s pall bearers up the valley. This way has now been closed off by the Greek Navy.

Instead, you can take a taxi from Skyros Town. The typical package includes a return trip with a 10-15 minute stop at the Grave itself. In 2000 this cost around 30 Euros.

Alternatively you may be able to rent a car or motorcycle, and combine a visit to the grave with a tour of the rest of the island. This should take around a day, allowing for a few stops for swims or exploration.

This journey starts on the main road southwards to Linaria. A mile or so outside Skyros Town, there is a small turning to the left, sign posted Achili. This eventually leads to the village of Kalamitsa. South of here, the island is almost entirely uninhabited.

At Kalamitsa, the road surface becomes unmetalled, and it rises through barren mountains above the sweep of the bay. Do not be put off by signs saying that this is a military area - the restricted zone starts well after the Grave. As the road descends again towards Tris Boukes Bay, the Grave is about fifty yards on the left in the centre of a grove of olive trees.