Skoutaros is some eight kilometres west of Petra.
A large semi - mountain village, it stands on the green northern slope of Skoteino,
from which in α11 probability it takes its name.
Its residents are chiefly farmers, stockbreeders and olive - growers,
but in recent years, considerable numbers have been involved with tourism. It
has two olive presses, one private and one belonging to the Skoutaros Agricultural
Co - operative.
It has an infants' school, α primary school, and a rural doctor's
surgery. The "Anaxos" Cultural and Sports Club plays α major part in
the life of the village.
The residents of Skoutaros have α keen amateur interest in traditional
music and theatre.
In the village square is the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin;
a three aisled basilica of 1880 with α fine carved wooden sanctuary screen and
a bell - tower of grey trachyte. Near the church we can see the renovated neo
Classical building of the old Elementary School, also of trachyte and built in
1909. Today. A school of carpet weaving operates on the premises.
The port of the village is Anaxos,
on the road from Petra to Skoutaros, with a vast beach, picturesque tavernas,
rooms to let, and hotels.
West of Anaxos is Mikri Tsichranta (Ambelia), an idyllic beach with
green valley behind it. Further to the west is Megali Tsichranta, with the Chapel
of St. Panteleimon, where a fair is held on 27 July to which the villagers attach
great importance.
This text is cited Mar 2003 from the Municipality of Petra URL below, which contains images.
