Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock
4.6
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, Canada9,393 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 March 23, 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.
StacyMacDonald
Calgary, Canada232 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend the Skaros Rock hike. In fact, if you're doing the Fira-Oia hike, maybe just stop after Skaros Rock, then take a taxi or bus to Oia. The back-end of the other hike is very "meh". Rather, use your energy reserves to walk the paths on Skaros.
There's no way to safely climb to the top of the rock, but the pathways around the rock and partway down gives you great views and gives you access to the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti which is a beautiful blue dome, three bell church built into the rock. You also get to see castle ruins from the 13th century.
There's no way to safely climb to the top of the rock, but the pathways around the rock and partway down gives you great views and gives you access to the Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti which is a beautiful blue dome, three bell church built into the rock. You also get to see castle ruins from the 13th century.
Written October 15, 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.
Lucilene Oliveira
Slovakia146 contributions
Aug 2021
I really enjoyed the experience, I have to be honest that it is a long walk, from Atlantis Hotel in Fira to the end of Oia I marked 13.1 KM, but the trail is not tough at all if you are used to hiking you are going to be just fine. Just make sure you wear a proper shoe (you see lots of people going with flipflops, in this case please don't blame the trail lol), avoid going after 10.00 a.m. in special during summer, the heating will make the hiking experience a hell and bring enough water, but there are plenty of places to buy it during the way.
I walked all the way from Fira to Oia, walked around Oia a bit, decided not to eat in there because everything is super overpriced, so I took the bus back to Fira for Lunch.
NOTE: It is the most obvious hiking trail in Santorini, I wouldn’t recommend you a private tour for the trail itself, it is worth only if you want historical explanations about the surrounds.
NOTE: When you arrive to Imerovigli don't miss the opportunity to visit Skaros Rock, it was formed though Vulcanic activities. Also don't forget walk down to visit church Ekklisia Theoskepasti.
The whole path can be a bit slippery so make sure you wear good shoes.
I walked all the way from Fira to Oia, walked around Oia a bit, decided not to eat in there because everything is super overpriced, so I took the bus back to Fira for Lunch.
NOTE: It is the most obvious hiking trail in Santorini, I wouldn’t recommend you a private tour for the trail itself, it is worth only if you want historical explanations about the surrounds.
NOTE: When you arrive to Imerovigli don't miss the opportunity to visit Skaros Rock, it was formed though Vulcanic activities. Also don't forget walk down to visit church Ekklisia Theoskepasti.
The whole path can be a bit slippery so make sure you wear good shoes.
Written September 5, 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
Bestwina9,469 contributions
Sep 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 December 6, 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.
Dirk_VDA
Holsbeek, Belgium278 contributions
Jun 2021
From every point in the island you see this rock rising form the sea and it's a must visit. Best to put on convenient and sturdy shoes (no flip flops). You can follow a hiking trail to reach 90% of the top. The last 10% require a bit of climbing and might seem a little tricky but it can be done. It's worth it to get a nice view of the Caldera and oppostie Imerovigli village
Written June 23, 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
Jul 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 July 29, 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 August 19, 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.
Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany7,145 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 April 18, 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.
Stacy L
14 contributions
Jul 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 August 4, 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.
Mónica M
Bronx, NY1,692 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 August 28, 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.
Is this ok to do with older kids (ages 11 & 16)? Is the path really narrow?
Written July 8, 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 May 15, 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 May 16, 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 March 29, 2019
Ciao! Purtroppo non vi sono luci su Skaros Rock..dovrai rientrare al buio utilizzando una torcia. Enjoy!
Written May 16, 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 November 19, 2018
To the very top is super steep. Personally, I wouldn’t do it in the dark.
Written November 20, 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 September 15, 2018
Sure is, the view is great.
Remeber to bring water.
Written September 23, 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 June 8, 2018
They are there also to predict earthquakes I was told by the bussboy at our hotel.
Written November 22, 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 June 8, 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 June 8, 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 September 5, 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 September 5, 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 August 27, 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 August 27, 2016
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