Skaros Rock, archaeological site on a rock promontory in Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece

Skaros Rock is a steep volcanic promontory of dark brown and grey layered stone rising from the Aegean Sea off Santorini's western coast, its flanks covered in low scrub and loose scree. A narrow path of roughly cut stone steps zigzags up the face. Near the summit, a flat-topped plateau edged by vertical rock faces holds low ruined walls and rectangular foundations.

A fortress was built on this rock formation in the 13th century and served as the island's main center for many years. The structures were gradually destroyed by natural forces such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, leading to its slow abandonment.

The Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti, built at the base of the rock, remains in use on the cliffs below the ruins. Its name means "covered by God", and the chapel is reached on foot from Imerovigli. The settlement around Skaros once held over 200 homes and several hundred inhabitants by 1336.

The climb starts from Agios Georgios Church and takes about an hour for the complete round trip. The terrain is exposed and can be windy, so proper sun protection and sturdy footwear are important.

Skaros was the largest settlement on Santorini and the de facto capital of Venetian Santorini, with over 200 homes by 1336. The Ottomans kept a garrison there after 1566, but the end came from the volcano: the 1650 eruption and its earthquakes collapsed part of the town into the sea, and the eruptions of 1701–1711 pushed most residents to Fira and Imerovigli.