The successful installation and operation of the first small, 0.3m diameter telescope, confirmed the excellent weather conditions at the top of Skinakas for high quality astronomical observations[5] in the Mediterranean region.

As a result, the partner institutions decided to further develop the Observatory by installing a larger and more modern Ritchey-Chrétien type telescope with a mirror diameter of 1.3 meters.

The telescope, which was inaugurated and commenced operations on October 21, 1995, was placed in a metal building to minimize local thermal disturbances (atmospheric turbulence).

To further improve the observation of extended objects, a focal reducer had been developed which nearly doubles the field of view while offering the possibility of spectroscopy.

In the following years funds were secured, the old building was replaced by a new larger one, along with a fast 5.3m diameter dome which was built, as the other two that house the 0.3m and 1.3m telescopes, by Baader Planetarium.

Since 2023, the ESA project SkinUP[12] upgrades the Skinakas Observatory to optical and quantum communication with low Earth orbit satellites.

In October 2021, the "Greece 2021" Committee [el] visited the observatory and about year later donated €1.000.000 for the construction of an education centre and €500.000 for the purchase of a new telescope.

The Observatory is used for the practical training and teaching needs of undergraduate students of the Department of Physics of the University of Crete, as well as for postgraduate research programs.

[18] In addition, since 1996 and during the summer months, regular "Open Days"[19] have been organised[20] during which the public can visit the facilities of the Observatory and, weather permitting, observe[21] through the 1.3m telescope using an eyepiece.

[14] It was financed by a €1.000.000 donation of the "Greece 2021" Commitee [el] and it will be operated by the Foundation for Research & Technology – Hellas and the University of Crete in collaboration with the municipality of Anogeia.

When completed in 2025, it is expected to be a major astrotourism destination as well as a location to support educational and cultural activities for the local community.