Prophet Elias Monastery (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Prophet Elias Monastery?
A solo visitor can hike or drive up, enjoy 360-degree island views, photograph, attend evening prayers, and browse the small museum without needing special facilities.
Positives:
- Unmatched Vantage Point: Perched at 567 m above sea level, see the Cyclades and distant Crete on clear days.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Fewer visitors mean quiet spots for meditation and photography.
- Free Entry: No admission fee for the grounds, chapel, or museum.
Challenges:
- Steep Access Road: Road and hillside path are steep and uneven; not ideal in rain or high heat.
- Basic Facilities: Restrooms are basic; no food outlets or water refill stations on site.
- Limited Shade: Few shaded areas on the trail and in the courtyard during midday.
What is Prophet Elias Monastery?
- A Greek Orthodox monastery founded in 1711 by monks from Pyrgos, commanding the summit of Mount Profitis Ilias—the highest elevation on Santorini
- Comprises a whitewashed chapel dedicated to Prophet Elias, attached monastic quarters, and a small museum preserving 18th-century icons and liturgical manuscripts
- Includes terraced vineyards and a historic wine cellar managed by resident monks, reflecting the island’s long-standing viticultural heritage
What is so special about Prophet Elias Monastery for solo trip?
- Highest point on Santorini with 360° island views
- Free entry to chapel, museum, and grounds
- Moderate 2.5 km hike from Pyrgos for active solo travelers
- Quiet setting ideal for meditation, photography, and stargazing
- Small gift shop offers monk-made soaps and prayer ropes
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to hike, explore the chapel and museum, and enjoy the 360° views
Solo-Friendly Activities in Prophet Elias Monastery
Hike the Pyrgos–Monastery Trail:
Follow the 2.5 km path up Mount Profitis Ilias from Pyrgos.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; allow 1–1.5 hours round-trip.
Panoramic Photography and Meditation:
Set up a camera or sit quietly at the highest point on Santorini.
Tip: Visit at sunrise for soft light and fewer visitors.
Attend the Evening Prayer Service:
Experience the Greek Orthodox vespers at 5 pm.
Tip: Arrive early to find a spot inside and listen to Byzantine chants.
Explore the Icon and Relic Collection:
Self-guided tour of the small museum inside the monastery.
Tip: Look for 18th-century Byzantine icons and handwritten religious texts.
Stargazing After Dark:
Enjoy the clear night sky from the monastery grounds.
Tip: Bring a blanket; there are no bright lights to spoil your view.
Buy Monk-Made Souvenirs:
Shop for olive-oil soap, komboskini prayer ropes, and wine.
Tip: Prices start at €3 for soap; cash only at the small gift shop.
When is the best time to visit Prophet Elias Monastery (Santorini, Greece)?
In summer, go early to avoid the heat and bring sunscreen. Spring and autumn offer mild hiking weather. In winter, pack layers for wind at the summit and check weather before you go.
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Reviews of Prophet Elias Monastery (Santorini)
Minja Stojkovic
You can feel the peace here. Highest spot on island with spectacular view to Santorini caldera! Must go spot!
liran rothenberg
Nothing to write home about, but if you‘re already on your way, you should just pay it a visit of 15-20 mins and tick the box you went to the highest point of Santorini. Not much more than that honestly.
Mir iam
Beautiful place for a stunning view of the island. A bit adventurous to get on top of, but with a car it is manageable. Make sure to dress modestly as it is a place of worship, but to enter the chapel they will also provide you with a cover.
Sid Calle
One of the highlights of Santorini – breathtaking views! Moni Profiti Ilia was without a doubt one of the best spots we visited on the island. The panoramic views from the top are absolutely stunning , you really get a sense of how unique Santorini is from up here. It’s definitely worth going early in the day, as it gets quite busy later on with tour buses arriving. Luckily, there’s a small vendi...
Inga S
Will give 2 stars for just the view as you can see almost the same view elsewhere on the island. The monastery was closed and it was only really run down abandoned buildings that you could see there. Very disappointing drive up and down.
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Public bus fare (Fira to Pyrgos) | EUR 2 |
| Souvenir olive-oil soap | EUR 5 |
| Coffee in Pyrgos before hike | EUR 3 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 10 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Prophet Elias Monastery
- Start Early or Late: Visit at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat.
- Use Public Transport: Catch the bus to Pyrgos to skip parking hassles and save on rental costs.
- Download Offline Maps: Ensure you can follow the trail without cell signal on the mountain.
Map of Prophet Elias Monastery
Address: Epar.Od. Pirgou Kallistis - Profiti Ilia 10, Pirgos Kallistis 847 00, Greece
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About Prophet Elias Monastery
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+30 2286 031210See available options
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