PROPHET ELIAS MONASTERY

Prophet Elias Monastery is a beautiful tourist destination in Santorini. It is located on the highest peak and at a height of 565 m. It was constructed in 1712 and is the oldest one in the town. You can trek and enjoy the scenic beauty of Santorini to reach the monastery.

Within the initial 20 years of its construction, the place played a crucial role in building the cultural and economic life of Santorini. As part of any Greece tour, visitors often learn that in the initial years of the 19th century, there was a school which taught Greek literature and language. The monastery first began to decline in the 1860s when a major earthquake hit it.

Today, Prophet Elias Monastery is home to a museum where you will find Byzantine sculptures, handwritten books, and Church items. There are monks who still live here and produce wine. You can taste and purchase fine wine as a memory of Santorini.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the breathtaking view of Greece from Prophet Elias Monastery, the highest point of the island and the perfect spot to capture pictures.
• Learn about the history of the monastery and how it suffered major damage in the 1860s while witnessing a real-life example of Cycladic architecture.
• Explore the museum housed inside the monastery and check out the huge collection of handwritten books, church-related goods, and Byzantine sculptures and icons.
• Get the authentic feel and flavour of Santorini as you interact with the monks residing in the monastery and produce wine every day for selling.
• Attend different workshops conducted on candle making, printing, and shoemaking to understand the world of Greece and its numerous trade practices.

How To Reach

• By Car: Prophet Elias Monastery is 4 km from Pyrgos Village and can be easily covered via private car or cab. It will take approximately 10 minutes to reach the destination.
• By Bus: You can take a bus from Fira to Kamari which runs every hour. From Kamari, Prophet Elias Monastery is merely 3 km away. You can hike from there to reach the destination. You can also take a bus from Fira to Perissa, depending on your convenience.

Best Time To Visit

Prophet Elias Monastery is open to the public throughout the year.

• Best Season: Visit between January and December as events are generally organised during this time.
• Best Day in the Week: Visit on a Saturday when celebrations are conducted for everyone.
• Best Time of the Day: Visit in the evening to get a serene experience of this place.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips:

• Dress modestly and cover yourself from shoulders to knees as this is a religious site.
• The monastery has specific visiting hours, so it’s advisable to check in advance to plan your visit.
• Don’t miss out on the adventure as the monastery is accessible via a scenic hike from Pyrgos village.
• The monastery has a small shop where you can purchase local products made by the monks.
• Check the scheduled events in advance so that you don’t miss out on the experiences.