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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  • bcsystems
    Ann Arbor, Michigan4,028 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Part of Fira to Oia Hike
    We were hiking from Fira to Oia. You hit the Skaros rock maybe 1/4 of the way into the hike. It looked interesting but it be at least a 30 minute detour down and back up to the trail. We decided not.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 4, 2023
  • jimles7
    Princeton, Kentucky684 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cool big rock
    When is Santorini come by and see this amazing rock formation. We stayed at a hotel directly across from it. We also took a nice hike over to it and circled around it experiencing gorgeous views of the Calderon.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 7, 2023
  • Dulcie
    England, United Kingdom9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful!
    Was pretty awesome to see and the walk and view from the top has some absolutely stunning views! We did the walk from Fira to Oia and stopped to walk down to the castle ruins. The walk is extremely hard and a little treacherous with unsure footing surrounded by some quite steep drops but the views are 100% worth it! Views and the rock can also be seen without diverting from the main path which makes the walk easier.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 29, 2023
  • StacyMacDonald
    Calgary, Canada243 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do this over the back-end of the Fira-Oia hike
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Harald Gracholski
Cologne, Germany6,898 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Steve K
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

hargoul
47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 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 January 20, 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, NY1,155 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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.

Stacy L
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

JJOH
Doha, Qatar715 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 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 September 26, 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, UK20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 June 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.

bsmando
Braunschweig, Germany89 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Excellent! Wonderful view round the rocks and the Caldera. Do not miss it.
Just have in mind the use some nice shoes. Robust! To have real fun.
Take a beer and some snacks and do not forget to return your rubbish back in civilization. 30 min. one way including climbing.
Written January 5, 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.

JJ Flute
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
You really want to climb to the top of Skaros Rock to see the fantastic 360-degree view. It may feel daunting and scary when one looks up to the sharp cliff and contemplates "can I do this?" YES, you can. You will feel "on top of the world".

This hike is my best activity in Santorini. Oia offers fabulous sunset. Kamari offers beautiful beach. Skaros is where you feel the energy of Santorini. In addition, every step of the way to and on the Rock is a photo op. You much go.
Written November 12, 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.

jimles7
Princeton, KY684 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
When is Santorini come by and see this amazing rock formation. We stayed at a hotel directly across from it. We also took a nice hike over to it and circled around it experiencing gorgeous views of the Calderon.
Written June 8, 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.

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Skaros Rock - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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