Best Monasteries in Greece

The Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is a prominent Greek Orthodox monastery located in Chora on the island of Patmos. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is still active and only a portion of it is open to the public. It is surrounded by heavy fortifications, including tall walls and towers. There is a museum onsite with a rich collection of manuscripts and relics, including the skull of Saint Thomas the Apostle.

Known as the oldest monastery in Greece, Mega Spileo dates back to 362 AD. Located near Kalavryta, it is built into the cliffs at a cave entrance. The monastery has survived multiple fires and played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

Located in Skiathos, Greece, the Evangelistria Monastery was founded in 1782 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is known for its beautiful architecture, with many monastic buildings featuring traditional Greek designs. However, the main attraction is its impressive dome and stunning view of Skiathos town and the Aegean Sea.

Located in the western suburbs of Athens, Daphni Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in the 6th century, its current buildings date from the 11th century. The monastery is renowned for its exquisite mosaics depicting religious scenes.

Located in Meteora, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and most significant of the Meteora monasteries. Built by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite in the 14th century, it sits 400 meters above the ground, providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

Mount Athos, also known as Holy Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki. It has about twenty Orthodox monasteries and, for that reason, is also called the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. Only men are allowed to enter Mount Athos. There are caves and monastery cells, and people often access the place by ferries.

The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani is inside an 8.5m deep cave within the mountains and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and preserves a marble icon now broken into five pieces. Embedded in a rock, the icon is locally revered and considered miraculous. It also offers spectacular views of Pythagoreio and the Aegean Sea. A 95-steps staircase will lead you down to the church's altar. Inside the cave church, there is a natural spring that is considered holy water.

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery situated in Rethymnon. It dates back to the 16th century, marked by the presence of the Renaissance. Within the monastery is a museum where the sacred banner of the Arkadi tragedy is housed, weapons from the revolutionary era and items belonging to the legendary Father Gabriel.

Hidden in the rocks of the Epirus region near the village of Kalarites, Kipina Monastery is a 13th-century marvel. Built into a steep cliff, it served as a hideout during the Ottoman occupation. The monastery offers visitors a unique blend of natural and architectural beauty.

On the island of Amorgos, this 11th-century monastery clings to a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Built by Alexius Comnenus I, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and offers visitors breathtaking views and a deep sense of sacredness.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in the early 10th century by Venerable St. Luke, is a masterpiece of Middle Byzantine architecture. Located on the slopes of Mount Helicon, it houses the relics of its founder and features stunning mosaics and frescoes.

The Agia Triada Monastery is a 17th-century Greek Orthodox monastery in the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete. It also houses a museum. It is known for its beautiful Cretan architecture and the breathtaking surrounding landscape with lush olive groves and views of the Cretan Sea.

Near the village of Stemnitsa in the Peloponnese, this monastery is also known as St. John the Baptist’s Monastery. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Lousios Gorge, it features historical frescoes and a remarkable blend of natural and man-made structures.