Summer vacation in Greece offers a unique opportunity to explore many monasteries and churches, each with its own historical significance and story of survival through the centuries. Below, we bring you suggestions of places you can visit during your holiday throughout Greece, in the regions where Nikana Travel operates. By clicking on the link (in blue), you can read more detailed information about each of them.

THASSOS

Monastery of Archangel Michael and Holy Spring
The Monastery of St. Archangel Michael is located 15km from Potos, on the cliff itself, offering a fantastic view towards the sea and Mount Athos. This monastery has been of great historical importance throughout the history of Thassos, as it is today. The monastery is significant primarily because of the holy nail from Christ’s hand from the crucifix that is kept in it, as well as because of the spring of holy water that has healing powers. Thousands of pilgrims come to Thassos to pay homage to St. Archangel Michael. The monastery is affiliated with the Filotej Monastery on Mount Athos, and to this day, holidays are celebrated there according to the old calendar, as in Serbia. The holy spring is located in a cave below the church, and a long narrow tunnel leads to it, which is so low and narrow that one must approach the spring on their knees. You can watch a video about the monastery here.

Kazaviti and Monastery of St. Panteleimon
In one of the oldest villages in Thassos, Kazaviti, lies the Monastery of St. Panteleimon, located 4-5 km from the village, by a new road. According to tradition, the monastery church was originally built at another location, but the materials mysteriously moved to a cave, where it was eventually built. It is believed that St. Panteleimon lived in the cave, hence the monastery is dedicated to him. The holy spring, known for its healing powers, is still present in the cave. The monastery was officially founded in 1987, and every year on July 27th, a festival is held in his honor.

KASSANDRA

The Cave Church of St. Paul and the Holy Spring
In Nea Fokea, on the eastern border of the village, there is the cave church of St. Paul, carved into the rock, from which holy water still flows today. According to legend, St. Paul found refuge here during his preaching of Christianity. The church is located opposite the fishing marina, near the fortress, and you will recognize it by the large stone arch at the entrance to the courtyard, where there is also a parking lot.
Watch a short video of the church here.

Church of Panagia Faneromeni
The church of Panagia Faneromeni, located on the seashore, 2 km south of Nea Skioni, preserves the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, painted on marble and found floating in the sea, in whose honor the church was built. Inside the church there are also footprints of the Turkish bey, who, according to legend, kicked the slab with the icon in anger, but his feet fell into the stone. Terrified, he begged the locals for help, and after his liberation he allowed them to build a church. Today, visitors can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful church courtyard, surrounded by shade and a Mediterranean ambiance, ideal for rest, prayer, and spiritual peace.
Watch the video HERE.

SITHONIA

Ormylia Monastery
The women’s monastery in the village of Ormylia on Sithonia is widely known for its humanitarian work, as well as for organic olive and oil production. The nuns are educated and engage in icon painting, with mosaics adorning the monastery. The monastery is not a tourist attraction; it is only open to visitors during evening service. Visitors are welcome, but the monastery is primarily a place for the faithful.

ASPROVALTA

Monastery of St. Lydia
This women’s monastery is located above the town and is widely known for its humanitarian work. It is dedicated to St. Lydia, the first person and woman to receive Christianity in Europe directly from the Apostle Paul, whom she hosted in her home. Within the monastery, there is a missionary center with a modern printing press that prints editions of Hilandar Monastery, as well as the radio and television stations Lydia Philippisia and 4E. In the 1990s, the monastery hosted thousands of children from Serbia, Republika Srpska, and Kosovo, organized aid convoys for the Serbian people, provided assistance to war orphans, and awarded scholarships to students. You can watch a short video about the monastery here.

MOUNT ATHOS

Kakovo Monastery
The Kakovo Monastery, a metochion of Hilandar, is located 9 km from Jerisos and 24 km from Ouranoupolis, serving as the first stop for pilgrims to Mount Athos. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, it represents a peaceful spiritual oasis surrounded by natural beauty. Although outside Mount Athos, it administratively belongs to Hilandar and preserves its tradition. According to tradition, the name Kakovo comes from the Greek word “kako” (trouble), as it was once infertile land that the monks transformed into a fertile oasis. Visitors can enjoy the natural environment, visit the fishpond, buy souvenirs, and the monastery is open to women as well. Contact: +30 2377 023797.

LEFKADA

Faneromeni Monastery
The Faneromeni Monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is the patron saint of Lefkada. Located in the village of Tsoukalades, not far from Lefkada town, it was built on the spot where, according to tradition, the disciples of the Apostle Paul preached Christianity to the local population. The monastery houses a rich library, ancient manuscripts, as well as a nautical museum and a small zoo. From the eastern gate, there is a beautiful view of Agios Ioannis beach.

CORFU

Church of St. Spyridon
The Church of St. Spyridon in Corfu houses the relics of the saint and is considered the soul of the island. Known for its miraculous relics, it has helped the people of the island in numerous troubles. The feast of St. Spyridon is held on December 11, when believers come to pray for help and protection. Located in the center of the city, locals have told us that every resident passes by the church and lights a candle to their saint and protector. In the text, we have described in detail the history and significance of St. Spyridon for the people of Corfu.

KEFALONIA

Monastery of St. Gerasimos
The Monastery of St. Gerasimos, the protector of Kefalonia, is located in a beautiful setting, and the church houses his intact Holy Relics. The feast days of St. Gerasimos, on August 15th and October 20th, gather a large number of pilgrims. The monastery is known for the tradition of snakes appearing during these holidays, considered sacred animals and protectors of the monastery. The snakes pose no danger and are believed to bless the pilgrims. The monastery is about 13 km from Argostoli and Sami, and the road to it is hilly and winding. You can see a description and photos of the monastery’s unique feature of appearing snakes here.

THESSALONIKI

Churches and monasteries on the UNESCO list
Thessaloniki is so rich in historical monuments that we have selected only those on the UNESCO World Heritage list for this text. In the text at the link above, you can read about all the notable churches from the early days of Christianity to the present. Depending on your plan and the time you have available for sightseeing, you can choose the ones closest to you and visit them.

The list is not exhaustive; you can supplement it with your knowledge and suggestions.

We recommend you also read our article Friendly Greece about the assistance provided by church communities and sent to our people during the hardships of the 1990s.

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