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By Santorini Dave
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Skaros Rock below Imerovigli is a great hike, whether done as part of the Fira to Oia trail or by itself.
Skaros Rock is the huge rocky promontory below Imerovigli and one of my favorite short hikes in Santorini. The trail starts just below Grace Hotel and descends steeply from Imerovigli before continuing around the rock. There are lots of steps, some loose gravel, exposed sections without barriers, and a long climb back up. Wear decent shoes, not flip-flops.
Skaros Rock as seen from the dining area of Astra Suites in Imerovigli.
Allow about one to two hours for the hike, depending on how far you explore and how often you stop. The walk to Theoskepasti Chapel, hidden on the far side of Skaros, is worth doing and easy to miss if you simply walk toward the rock and turn around.
Do not climb to the summit of Skaros. The final scramble is steep and exposed, and signs now warn that access is extremely dangerous and strictly forbidden. You do not need to climb to the top for great views.
Skaros can be done by itself or as a detour from the Fira to Oia hike. If you’re doing the full Fira-Oia trail, remember that going down to Skaros means climbing all the way back up to Imerovigli before continuing.
Skaros was once the site of a large fortified settlement and the first Venetian capital of Santorini. The castle was built in the 13th century, with an upper castle on the rock and a lower settlement around its base. The 1650 eruption of the Kolumbo volcano and later volcanic activity and earthquakes badly damaged the settlement, and it was eventually abandoned.
Skaros Rock Information
- Location: Imerovigli, Santorini
- Hours: No set hours or entrance gate. Hike during daylight.
- Cost: Free.
- Parking: Free public parking is available in Imerovigli. There is no parking at the Skaros trailhead.
- Bus: Take the bus to Imerovigli, then walk through the village to the trailhead below Grace Hotel.
- Dining: Athenian House and Avocado are two of my favorite restaurants in Imerovigli.
Skaros Rock
Skaros Rock as seen from the infinity pool at Grace Hotel.
Skaros Rock as seen from Athina Luxury Suites in Fira.
The path leading from Imerovigli down to Skaros Rock.
The path begins with smooth and even concrete steps.
Some sections have a wire barrier, but much of the trail is unprotected.
At the bottom of the steps, the trail continues toward and around Skaros Rock.
The path gets rougher and more uneven as it continues around Skaros.
Much of the trail around Skaros is gravel and dirt with no barrier at the edge.
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