Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
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4.5
130 reviews
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Panagiotis
Piraeus, Greece189 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Once you manage to get up there, everything is amazing. The old church is beautiful,the view is magnificent,you really feel you are far from everything. However the road is extremely difficult and your car will really suffer.You need to drive slow and carefully. If you trust your skills give it a try.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElinaMirjami
Oulu, Finland181 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Old church at the top of Skopos mountain. 7km distance from Argassi. Took about 1,5 h to walk. Nice countryside road to walk. Nice little cafeteria at the top, where you can get frappe, fresh orange juice etc.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily B.
United Kingdom258 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
The monastery is situated on Mount Skopos. You can take some lovely pictures, there are benches where you can sit and rest and the place is quiet - all yours, in fact. You get there by an ATV or you can walk - I did. The view from the top of Mount Skopos is amazing. You can see Zakinthos town and the gorgeous blue see. The sad part is that fires burnt a lot of the vegetation there last summer.
Written May 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marno S
Rotterdam, The Netherlands163 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is a great half day hike if you're staying in Kalamaki or Argassi. From both towns it's about a two hour climb (one way). From the Argassi side, you will also run into a small Byzantine church before reaching this monastery. The monastery is situated at the top of the Skopos mountain, so next to the monastery itself (built in the 17th century), you will be rewarded with a great view. Nice detail: just before reaching the monestary there is a small bar (follow the sign which says 'kantina') where you can have a drink after the climb. The owner has the key to the monastery and will gladly open it for you and show you some panoramic views.
Written May 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lymbo32
United Kingdom154 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We walked up - I can’t quite believe so many people suggest driving up, especially as your hire car insurance won’t cover you on non tarmac roads!
We went early in the day to avoid the heat but it was still very manageable in the August temperatures. There are a couple of steeper bits but in the main it is just a keep it steady and you’ll get there type of walk.
When you do, what rewards you is the slowly opening panoramic views of the entire island.
The lady in her little caravan in the shade just short of the top could not have been more welcoming. Not much English, but between her bits of English and our bits of Greek we had a nice chat. She poured us an ice cold glass of water each whilst we caught our breath and decided what cold drink to have - it had to be a frappe and a Fanta Lemon (so hard to find in the UK!) before the last 200m to the monastery.
We stopped again on the way back down for an ice cream too!
Took a little under two hours to get up from Kalamaki and about 1.5 to amble down. The trick, in both directions, is to stick to the track and not be tempted by any little paths or the google maps attempt at getting you to follow an old dry river bed. Both are steep and impassable in places. Just stick to the track and it gently winds up the mountain.
The monastery is basic but worth it for the views alone!
We went early in the day to avoid the heat but it was still very manageable in the August temperatures. There are a couple of steeper bits but in the main it is just a keep it steady and you’ll get there type of walk.
When you do, what rewards you is the slowly opening panoramic views of the entire island.
The lady in her little caravan in the shade just short of the top could not have been more welcoming. Not much English, but between her bits of English and our bits of Greek we had a nice chat. She poured us an ice cold glass of water each whilst we caught our breath and decided what cold drink to have - it had to be a frappe and a Fanta Lemon (so hard to find in the UK!) before the last 200m to the monastery.
We stopped again on the way back down for an ice cream too!
Took a little under two hours to get up from Kalamaki and about 1.5 to amble down. The trick, in both directions, is to stick to the track and not be tempted by any little paths or the google maps attempt at getting you to follow an old dry river bed. Both are steep and impassable in places. Just stick to the track and it gently winds up the mountain.
The monastery is basic but worth it for the views alone!
Written September 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaineeM
London, UK281 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We went to Zakynthos for our holiday this year with the plan of hiking to the monastery. We looked at google map and tripadvisor and still, had no idea how we’re going to get there. Thankfully, upon arriving in our hotel, a lovely local lady told us valuable informations, stressing that it would take us 3 hours of walking, and a quad bike/car would take half an hour. So the following morning we got ready and started our journey, and walked.
The roads were very very steep, and the surfaces were rough, rocky and slippery/sandy near to the top (make sure you wear suitable shoes) But as we walked, we had an amazing view of Argassi and Zante town, and also Laganas, where we could see planes landing on the airport.
It was worth it up there! It was amazing and very unforgettable. The monastery itself was incredible, and woah the view, the panoramic scenery was pure beauty. It took us 2 hours from Argassi to Skopos Mountain, which included stops for pictures, and a short break in a kantina (it was an oasis for us, as we ran out of water, but luckily it was close to the monastery)
There were a few people when we got there, but they all left for lunch, and the five of us were the only people there. We ate some food and enjoyed the peace, the cool breeze, and the history.
TOP TIP: Always Follow The Main Road, the Only Way is Up! I am pleased to say we didn't get lost. We asked some locals (in car) coming down the mountain, and they said we were on the right way.
It was a wonderful hike and experience! Definitely will come back again!
The roads were very very steep, and the surfaces were rough, rocky and slippery/sandy near to the top (make sure you wear suitable shoes) But as we walked, we had an amazing view of Argassi and Zante town, and also Laganas, where we could see planes landing on the airport.
It was worth it up there! It was amazing and very unforgettable. The monastery itself was incredible, and woah the view, the panoramic scenery was pure beauty. It took us 2 hours from Argassi to Skopos Mountain, which included stops for pictures, and a short break in a kantina (it was an oasis for us, as we ran out of water, but luckily it was close to the monastery)
There were a few people when we got there, but they all left for lunch, and the five of us were the only people there. We ate some food and enjoyed the peace, the cool breeze, and the history.
TOP TIP: Always Follow The Main Road, the Only Way is Up! I am pleased to say we didn't get lost. We asked some locals (in car) coming down the mountain, and they said we were on the right way.
It was a wonderful hike and experience! Definitely will come back again!
Written August 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RowanandFamily
Sittingbourne, UK44 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
The start of this walk is difficult to find. Take the main road out of Argassi towards Vasilikos. Just after the road sign marking the end of Argassi, the road takes a sharp left turn over a small bridge. Continue on past a small quarry type area on the right, then as the road bends to the right take a right turn then immediately fork right through a set of gates. The monastery is about 4Km up a rough quarry track. I set off at about 6am in an attempt to avoid walking in the heat of the day, the gates at the track entrance were closed but if you're on foot you can just walk around the right hand side with no problem.
About half way up the mountain, just as it was starting to get light, I came to a large quarry, as I rounded a bend two dogs started barking and growling at me and for a few horrible moments I thought they were running down the track towards me. I stood my ground and listened and the barking and growling continued but luckily got no closer. In the half light I could see the track turned back on itself and cut across above me. I took out my torch and shone it upwards towards where the barking was coming from and could see the reflection of two eyes peering back at me. I seriously considered turning back at this point, I was alone and didn't fancy getting mauled by a dog on my holiday. I stood there for about 15 minutes wondering what to do, by this time it was getting lighter and I could see some old timber lying to the right of the track. I grabbed a length of wood and continued on. I passed the quarry and started to round a right hand bend and the barking began again very close to me. I pressed on and a trackway opened on my right and there was a german shepherd type dog barking ferociously but I think it was tied up because it came no closer. I hurried on and soon was well past the dog and my heart rate started to drop again. I think there was only one dog but the echo of the quarry made it sound like two.
The remainder of the walk was uneventful, the views are fantastic and the monastery is lovely, I was the only person there at 8 in the morning. unfortunately the tavern was shut at that time of the day. Obviously I had to pass the dog again on the way back down, but knew what to expect this time.
Don't let the dog put you off and enjoy the walk.
About half way up the mountain, just as it was starting to get light, I came to a large quarry, as I rounded a bend two dogs started barking and growling at me and for a few horrible moments I thought they were running down the track towards me. I stood my ground and listened and the barking and growling continued but luckily got no closer. In the half light I could see the track turned back on itself and cut across above me. I took out my torch and shone it upwards towards where the barking was coming from and could see the reflection of two eyes peering back at me. I seriously considered turning back at this point, I was alone and didn't fancy getting mauled by a dog on my holiday. I stood there for about 15 minutes wondering what to do, by this time it was getting lighter and I could see some old timber lying to the right of the track. I grabbed a length of wood and continued on. I passed the quarry and started to round a right hand bend and the barking began again very close to me. I pressed on and a trackway opened on my right and there was a german shepherd type dog barking ferociously but I think it was tied up because it came no closer. I hurried on and soon was well past the dog and my heart rate started to drop again. I think there was only one dog but the echo of the quarry made it sound like two.
The remainder of the walk was uneventful, the views are fantastic and the monastery is lovely, I was the only person there at 8 in the morning. unfortunately the tavern was shut at that time of the day. Obviously I had to pass the dog again on the way back down, but knew what to expect this time.
Don't let the dog put you off and enjoy the walk.
Written September 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia3107
London, UK22 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
The road up to 'Skopos' isn't an easy one, in some places it is steep and in others there are rocks and ditches but upon reaching the top you will see that the views make the walk up here all worth while! The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa. The church was built in the shape of a cross on the site of a temple of Artemis and is surrounded by the ruins of a once thriving monastery.
The view from here really is magnificent, and even more enchanting is the view from a rocky hill on the east side of the church. You can climb to the back side with relative ease as there are ropes that guide and support you - you should definitely check it out, you will see beneath you a panoramic view of the landscape, villages, hills, vegetation and the Mediterranean sea.
The view from here really is magnificent, and even more enchanting is the view from a rocky hill on the east side of the church. You can climb to the back side with relative ease as there are ropes that guide and support you - you should definitely check it out, you will see beneath you a panoramic view of the landscape, villages, hills, vegetation and the Mediterranean sea.
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lexi M
Caerleon, UK45 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Tranquility with history and amazing panoramic views.
We got here by large quad.
Near the top is a caravan with a really lovely couple who look after the skopos cafe.
Words cant even describe the beauty of this place.
We got here by large quad.
Near the top is a caravan with a really lovely couple who look after the skopos cafe.
Words cant even describe the beauty of this place.
Written August 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline H
Chester, UK126 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Absolutely stunning views from the top. The drive up is dicey to say the least, but at least you can say a prayer at the top! The monastery is gorgeous!! The lady in the cafe is so helpful and welcoming!! So worth a visit!!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sono organizzate visite vuidate da Argassi al monastero?
Written August 29, 2019
Por que o percurso é dito como perigoso? Ir de carro é arriscado?
Written June 24, 2018
It is a very steep dirtroad with a lot of turns and no rails on the side. No problem for experienced drivers, but can be a challenge for the less experienced.
Written June 26, 2018
Where do I start the walk in agrassi or kalimaki, any site I can put into a sat nav. I want to walk the mountain not drive.
Written April 5, 2018
Hi there, noticed you drove up to the Monastery. Could you tell me how you got there and if a 4 x 4 is needed please?
Written May 27, 2017
Hi,
I drove there with Fiat Panda.
By the way from Argassi you should turn right just after small querry with direction to St.Nicholas Church-ruined(3km).Skopiotissa Church is 1 km farther.Next turn left according sign SKOPOS.There is small cafe Skopos.Ask the woman about opening the church.From cafe to church is about 200m , you can drive by car.I think that way down is more exciting😆
Written September 25, 2018
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