Skarkos is an Early Bronze Age settlement on Ios and one of the Aegean’s best-preserved prehistoric sites. Excavations have revealed carefully planned streets and multi-storey homes, with high stone walls around inner courtyards. From above, the settlement’s curved walls resemble a snail’s coils, a shape behind its local nickname, Karavola. The site sits in a fertile valley near the island’s port. Some areas have limited access, so a walk from Chora can also give you a view of the remains and surrounding landscape.
An Early Bronze Age settlement
Skarkos is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Aegean. The settlement dates to the Early Bronze Age, and its remains show a planned community rather than a collection of isolated buildings. Excavations have uncovered domestic architecture on both sides of the hill.
The site was first excavated in 1896. Its well-preserved remains include multi-storey homes, built with high stone walls around inner courtyards. These details offer a sense of how people arranged their homes and shared space within the settlement.
The walls and the view
Look across the settlement from above to see how its curved walls form a spiral-like pattern. The shape prompted the local nickname Karavola, meaning snail. Skarkos lies in a fertile valley near one of the Cyclades’ largest natural harbors.
Access to parts of the site is limited, and on-site interpretation may be sparse. Reading about the settlement before you arrive can help make its layout easier to understand. A walk from Chora gives you a view of the remains and the surrounding landscape.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Skarkos archaeological site?
Skarkos is on Ios, in a fertile valley near the island’s port and Chora.
What can you see at Skarkos?
The Early Bronze Age settlement includes planned urban remains, multi-storey homes and high stone walls enclosing inner courtyards.
Is Skarkos open on Tuesdays?
No. The site is closed on Tuesdays.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
