General information about the island of Skantzoura
Strengths:
Sea and beaches, not crowded.
Average:
Points of interest, excursions, prices.
Weaknesses:
Connections, little nightlife, not very suitable for families with children.
- Population: 0
- Area: 8 km²
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: no
- Car and motorcycle rental: no
- Campsites: no
Skantzoura (from the Greek Σκάντζουρα) is part of the Sporades, specifically the archipelago of Alonissos islets. It is located southeast of Alonissos (13 nautical miles) towards Skyros.
It has an area of 8 km² and is uninhabited.
The island is flat and consists of many rocky and sometimes colorful land tongues that have collapsed into the sea. In the past, white marble was extracted here. Around the island, many other islets form a kind of small archipelago.
Since 1988, Skantzoura, along with the other islets in the archipelago, has been declared a marine park to preserve the environment still frequented by the rare monk seal. Around the island, swimming, snorkeling, photography, and filming are allowed, but fishing and hunting are not permitted.
The interior of Skantzoura consists of plateaus covered with fruit trees, cedars, olive trees, and Mediterranean scrub. The highest point on the island is only 107 meters. The island is now deserted, but in the past, it was mainly inhabited by monks and is still owned by a monastery on Mount Athos.
It has only small beaches but with very clear water. There is no real port, and the best landing spot is in the southwest, where the islet of Praso makes the coast more sheltered. Noteworthy is the presence of rare bird species, including birds of prey (Eleonora's falcon), and many vipers.
