Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock
4.5
About
Skaros was considered the most important of Santorini's five castle fortresses. The rock was inhabited in medieval times, because the fortress constructed there offered protection from pirates.
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Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,617 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We came here for the sunset and a quick visit to the old Venetian fortress. We arrived around 5 pm for a 6:30 pm sunset which gave us enough time to hike down and up to the fortress and then get back up on the town side to watch the sunset with the Skaros rock in front of us which was a highlight in Santorini for us. It is one of the best spots on the island to see a sunset and there wasn't many people when we went. We didn't want to stay on the far side of the Skaros rock because we were worried about tripping if we came back after the sunset.
The fortress is is ruins but there is signage in the area to show what it used to look like as well as a brief history. The walking path is pretty rocky and uneven and there is a sign in the area warning about the dangers of entering. There are a few ruins in the area so you could spend an hour here. The viewpoint is worth it but I found we spent more time catching our breath than exploring as there are quite a few steps to get down.
Finding the path from Imerovigli was tricky but if you navigate to the Saint John the Beheaded or Katiforis Holy Orthodox Chapel you should see the path clearly from there. It took about 10 minutes to walk from the chapel to the front of the rock. Bring a good pair of shoes and consider bringing some sunscreen and water for the warmer months. You can include the Skaros Rock as you hike the west coast of Santorini or make a trip of its own from Fira.
The fortress is is ruins but there is signage in the area to show what it used to look like as well as a brief history. The walking path is pretty rocky and uneven and there is a sign in the area warning about the dangers of entering. There are a few ruins in the area so you could spend an hour here. The viewpoint is worth it but I found we spent more time catching our breath than exploring as there are quite a few steps to get down.
Finding the path from Imerovigli was tricky but if you navigate to the Saint John the Beheaded or Katiforis Holy Orthodox Chapel you should see the path clearly from there. It took about 10 minutes to walk from the chapel to the front of the rock. Bring a good pair of shoes and consider bringing some sunscreen and water for the warmer months. You can include the Skaros Rock as you hike the west coast of Santorini or make a trip of its own from Fira.
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany7,182 contributions
Oct 2020
We had the great fortune of having our resort just above the rock, so the sight was Skaros was a daily delight we could to enjoy while visiting Santorini, but of course we also took the chance to do the hike. Being naive and unprepared we simply walked there in our flip flops, which people advised us against, but wasn't all that terrible really, depending on how high you aim to go. It is rather easy to moderate to come to the foot of the rock, but there is no prepared path of reaching the top, which means that there are some challenging bits to conquer in order to come out on top. For this bit I would definitely advise people to wear solid footwear. The last bit is also not recommendable for most older folk, people that are scared of hights, intoxicated hikers and children.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve K
6 contributions
July 2022
Skaros was positioned right in front of our Suite at the Astra Suites. Some buddies and I hiked to the base of the summit and then hiked down the back side where there is a beautiful church. You experience quite a change of elevation in short amount of time. However, it's not too strenuous for anyone who is moderately active.
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hargoul
46 contributions
June 2019
You have to hike once during your stay in the island.I have visited the rock twice,early in the morning and at sunset time.Great experience,felt the connection with the nature..Avoid windy days. 20min walking time from Imerovigli village,bring sport shoes,a hat and water and enjoy
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mónica M
Bronx, NY1,683 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
Came upon path to Skaros rock without planning to hike it today. Glad I wore sneakers. The path down can be a bit slippery since the path is hosed down to get rid of the donkey dung. So yes it can be a bit pungent. I could hear people all out of breath that were returning as I made my way there. I consider myself in good shape as I jog and walk daily but the return trip was challenging. Make sure to take water with you since there is none to buy along the path. The sun beaming down can add to the trip. Luckily there are some areas where the breeze can cook you off. I was amazed at how many people were hiking in flops, don’t do that.
I am glad I did the hike. Great views.
I am glad I did the hike. Great views.
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stanisław Ł
Bestwina8,733 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Skaros Rock is a large rocky promontory jutting out into the sea on the eastern shore of the Santorini caldera in the northern part of the largest island of the Thera archipelago. The headland is located in the village of Imerovigli, a few kilometers north of the capital of the island - Fira. The headland created as a result of volcanic activity was a good place to fortify it, which was the first to be done by the Byzantines in 1207. 130 years later, this place and the entire island were taken over by the Republic of Venice, and in 1566 it was taken over by the Ottoman Empire. While on the island, it is worth visiting Skaros Rock. Here you can see the ruins of a former Venetian fortress and admire wonderful views of the Santorini caldera and the islands beyond. Due to the fact that the headland protrudes into the sea, you can see the eastern shores of the caldera with the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani and the capital Fira on the tops of the cliffs. From the village of Imerovigli to the headland there is a quite steep stepped path, which first goes sharply down and then more gently up.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacy L
14 contributions
July 2022
This was an adventure. First are the stairs down. Just remember they you have to climb back up. The first part up the rock is not too bad but after that it can get a bit challenging. I actually could not do the whole thing but my daughter did. She was so happy she made it to the top. She said however that getting up and down the top part really is like rock climbing. I watched some people head down in sandals. Would not recommend that at all. Not sure how well they did. The views however are so worth it. Just hold onto your hat because it gets pretty windy. If you like a good climb, do it..
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Constantin S
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
An impressive rock with a great view. Of course there is a risk of falling and you have to be careful. There is a sign at the bottom of the path saying that it is forbidden to go any further for safety reasons, but nobody follows it. At the back right (no path, not signposted) you can first climb over rocks to a small ledge and then free climb up to the actual Skaros. This is easy for experienced climbers, but dangerous for inexperienced climbers. You can fall several meters and then land on the hard rock floor.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJOH
Doha, Qatar703 contributions
Sept 2021
You can find a path to this Rocky outcrop in Inverovigli. It’s a good few hundred steps down and then back so suited to those with a reasonable degree of fitness. Once on the Rocky outcrop you do get a different perspective of the Caldera. Also best to do early in the day before the temperatures rise
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey Ay
London, UK38 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Exploring Skaros Rock was well worth it, in our opinion. A good walk/hike - appropriate footwear definitely a must! Amazing views. We couldn’t quite make it to the top of Skaros Rock as the climb was too difficult, but this didn’t take away from the views we were able to see. Well worth a visit.
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this ok to do with older kids (ages 11 & 16)? Is the path really narrow?
Written 8 July 2023
How long is the walk between the church (not the rock) and imerovigli?
Quanto dista la chiesetta (non la roccia) da imerovigli? Quanto si deve camminare?
Grazie
Written 15 May 2019
Ciao! La chiesetta e' sulla roccia di Skaros..quindi se vai sulla roccia trovi la chiesetta!:) Dista dal centro di Imerovigli circa 30 minuti! Enjoy!
Written 16 May 2019
vorrei andarci per il tramonto, ma visto che il sentiero non sembra essere dei piu agevoli, come si fa per il ritorno...AL BUIO???? grazie per i suggerimenti che vorrete darmi
Written 29 March 2019
Ciao! Purtroppo non vi sono luci su Skaros Rock..dovrai rientrare al buio utilizzando una torcia. Enjoy!
Written 16 May 2019
Hi
We are moderately fit couple. I want to go right to the top to veiw the sunset there. Will it be bad coming down in the dark? And how steep is it and are they proper stairs till the top?
Written 19 November 2018
To the very top is super steep. Personally, I wouldn’t do it in the dark.
Written 20 November 2018
Hello! This sounds amazing. Are the views still great if you only hike the path and not the final steep ascent? Going with the family and do not want to put my 13 year old's safety at risk. Thanks you!
Written 15 September 2018
Sure is, the view is great.
Remeber to bring water.
Written 23 September 2018
We climbed Skaros Rock today and found many little stacks of rocks arranged along the trail. What are these little Rock stacks for?
Written 8 June 2018
They are there also to predict earthquakes I was told by the bussboy at our hotel.
Written 22 November 2018
We climbed Skaros Rock today and found many little stacks of rocks arranged along the trail. What are these little Rock stacks for?
Written 8 June 2018
They're called cairns. "Cairns are used as trail markers in many parts of the world, in uplands, on moorland, on mountaintops, near waterways and on sea cliffs, as well as in barren deserts and tundra." 😉
Written 8 June 2018
can you get to the church without scaling the rock to the top? Where exactly is the [path to the church? thank you in advance!
Written 5 September 2016
Yes, you can get to the church without scaling to the top of the rock. It's actually near the bottom on the far side of the rock.
The path is relatively easy to find, then you'll chose to go down or up. Going down is how to get to the church. Have a great time!
Written 5 September 2016
We hiked the beautiful Skaros rock trail the other day and we found several pottery fragments of terra cotta and some green glazed ceramic pieces up in the ruins. Has anyone else found similar pieces? Does anyone know the origin and/or approximate age of such pieces? From my research, I reckon they could have been from the 17th century when the last settlement left after an earthquake. Any further thoughts? Thanks,
Suzanne
Written 27 August 2016
As this is a well traveled trail, it is highly unlikely that you have found anything that is really old. Most likely it is fragments of something purchased in a local souvenir shop on the island. To be sure, you could take the found fragments to a anthropology department at a local college.
Written 27 August 2016
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