Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
4.5
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4.5
130 reviews
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86
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36
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6
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1
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1
TaoChunyu
Champagne-Ardenne, France5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
It is not easy to reach the monastery by driving from bottom to the top for half an hour, very steep and uneven road with a side cliff. Beautiful island view along the road.
Beautiful view on the peak. Very impressive.
I got bitten by a wide donkey, which bite my jacket and hold it. After pat his head for 5 minutes, finally he was calmed down and released my jacket.
Beautiful view on the peak. Very impressive.
I got bitten by a wide donkey, which bite my jacket and hold it. After pat his head for 5 minutes, finally he was calmed down and released my jacket.
Written December 22, 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.
Paul B
Huddersfield, UK68 contributions
Oct 2019
A long winding uphill walk brings you to the Monastery. It was closed the day we went but the (strenuous) walk was worth it for the views. There were wild crocuses and cyclamen growing freely.
Written October 13, 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.
amrfh
Brussels, Belgium151 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Walked to the monastery from Kalamaki. Parts of the walk are not easy. We had to walk up what looked like a very stoney path/dry river bed. The views from the monastery are fantastic. Well worth the long walk.
Written July 14, 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.
Faridhasanov88
Baku, Azerbaijan73 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Old monastery on the mount Skopos is amazing. If you drive carefully you can reach it by a car. Every turn you do you can see the beauty of the view in front of you. And on the top the ruins of old monastery with small church and private place where priest leaves. You feel something divine in the place. The view... cant be described. Definitely, worth of seing.
Written July 13, 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.
Gina K
65 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Well,if you want to really explore the island and be compensated with an incredible view,this is the place to be!The only problem is access by normal car.It might be wise hiring a jeep because most of the road is a track road and not ideal for any car.Half way up to Mount Skopos you'll see the ruins of another old monastery too.Reaching the top you won't believe your eyes!The view is a dream!!!The Monastery and church were actually first built in 1446 (on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo and Artemis) but with the passage of time it was destroyed by earthquakes and it was rebuilt in 1638.A couple of years ago it was renovated and open to the public.It is dedicated to Virgin Mary of Skopiotissa.Find a 'cloudless' day for your visit to get the best view.You'll be able to see Argasi,Zakynthos town,Vasilikos and the Peloponnese.This is an ideal adventure for those who love hikes!But if you decide on it,take water with you.There is a canteen at the top but just in case it's closed,it's better you bring some along!Unfortunately fires that broke out last year have 'changed' the surrounding scenery in some places but that doesn't mean it's not worth the trouble.This sight is breathtaking and historical taking you back centuries to a lost era!!!Just love it!
Written May 21, 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.
June S
Liverpool, UK113 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We started our 'walk' from the centre of Agrassi. I'm in my 40's and although I like walking on the flat, I don't usually do anything to strenuous. It wasn't easy but the views and experience was well worth it. It took us 2 1/2 hours up (stopped of at a little church for photos) and 1 1/2 down. It was more about the walk and the views for us but the Monastery is worth a look. Wouldn't want to risk driving a hire car up them steep gravel roads (paths) and also wouldn't do it with kids. I just also need to add that my calf muscles were really sore the next day(s). Just off the top there is a little caravan where you can take a break with a cold drink. There is what was once a portaloo there and served the purpose as no where else to go but princess will not like this at all.
Written October 25, 2017
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.
GH
Liverpool, UK7 contributions
Sep 2017
Overlooking Kalamaki (where we stayed on our trip to Zakynthos) is a mountain that I couldn't find the name of, with Skopos Monastery on top.
On a cloudier day, we took a walk up the mountain. Google reckoned it would take us a couple of hours there, and a couple back, walking. Google also tried to take us via a path that didn't exist anymore due to a landslide.
Basically, don't pay attention to Google maps too much.
It ended up taking us around 3 hours each way, scrambling up rocks and full-on trekking. There were a few giant hornets on the way which we dodged but didn't see any other creatures (the missus was scared of snakes jumping out at us, so we were armed with a giant stick for the duration of the climb).
We're far from the fittest 24 year olds, but it wasn't a simple little walk up the mountain - we were knackered.
The views, however, were incredible, so if you're up for setting a day aside for a trek then we can't recommend it enough. You can see the majority of the island from the top, along with Zante town at the base, Greek mainland to the east, and the island of Kefalonia to the north.
The Monastery at the top was only okay. We got plenty more satisfaction out of being there having known we had just trekked up the mountain to get there. If you drive up (Which I believe you can only do from Argassi side), I can't imagine it being that satisfying. Only really a few ruined walls, the little church room, and a small builing with a couple of beds in it.
On a cloudier day, we took a walk up the mountain. Google reckoned it would take us a couple of hours there, and a couple back, walking. Google also tried to take us via a path that didn't exist anymore due to a landslide.
Basically, don't pay attention to Google maps too much.
It ended up taking us around 3 hours each way, scrambling up rocks and full-on trekking. There were a few giant hornets on the way which we dodged but didn't see any other creatures (the missus was scared of snakes jumping out at us, so we were armed with a giant stick for the duration of the climb).
We're far from the fittest 24 year olds, but it wasn't a simple little walk up the mountain - we were knackered.
The views, however, were incredible, so if you're up for setting a day aside for a trek then we can't recommend it enough. You can see the majority of the island from the top, along with Zante town at the base, Greek mainland to the east, and the island of Kefalonia to the north.
The Monastery at the top was only okay. We got plenty more satisfaction out of being there having known we had just trekked up the mountain to get there. If you drive up (Which I believe you can only do from Argassi side), I can't imagine it being that satisfying. Only really a few ruined walls, the little church room, and a small builing with a couple of beds in it.
Written October 2, 2017
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.
Tony R
Essington, UK73 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
A very hot ride to the top of Skopos with a visit to the Monastery. Very old and interesting which dates back to the 1400's.
Written August 9, 2017
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.
Nikos K
176 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
The mountain of Skopos can be seen from town. It's the mountain above Argassi. On the very top of it stands the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa. The icon of Panagia Skopiotissa is really important for the locals. On the 14th and 15th of August the icon is celebrated. A litany and a feast takes place. The monastery is not staffed. We would say that it is a historical and religious sight nowadays.
The family that owns the monastery through years and years is there during summer season and opens the church for tourists. It is free of charge. They run a canteen as well in a place lower on the mountain. You can find sunbeds there!
The access is difficult because the road is earthen. We have achieved to reach the place with an Opel Astra, though, during summer season and on good weather conditions of course. With a jeep it would be a lot easier. Many tourists chose to reach it on foot. It is a great place for hiking as you can enjoy the view, the nature. Be careful when it is too hot.
The monastery is in a very good condition. The place is organised. The family- caretaker takes great care of it! The view is the best on the island. You can see everything except for the west coast.
It is sincerely worth a visit! I can't wait to visit it again next summer.
The family that owns the monastery through years and years is there during summer season and opens the church for tourists. It is free of charge. They run a canteen as well in a place lower on the mountain. You can find sunbeds there!
The access is difficult because the road is earthen. We have achieved to reach the place with an Opel Astra, though, during summer season and on good weather conditions of course. With a jeep it would be a lot easier. Many tourists chose to reach it on foot. It is a great place for hiking as you can enjoy the view, the nature. Be careful when it is too hot.
The monastery is in a very good condition. The place is organised. The family- caretaker takes great care of it! The view is the best on the island. You can see everything except for the west coast.
It is sincerely worth a visit! I can't wait to visit it again next summer.
Written March 4, 2017
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.
Διονύσης Κ
Zakynthos, Greece117 contributions
Jul 2016
At the top of the Skopos mount, at the back of the town of Argasi, there is a small monastery castled build in honour of the Holy Mother in the 15th Century.
Written July 5, 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.
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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