Skiathos, Greece — Panagia Kechria Monastery Georgios Michalagas · CC BY-SA 4.0

Monastery · Μονή Παναγίας Κεχριάς

Panagia Kechria Monastery

A deserted 16th-century monastery in the north-west, reached by a steep path across ravines with old watermills — the hardest to reach and the most rewarding to find.

Getting thereUphill path crossing ravines. Sturdy footwea…

AllowHalf a day

CostFree

What survives

A deserted monastery in the north-west of the island, at around 100m on the slope of Aradias, among olive and plane trees. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin and founded in the 16th century, though the church as it stands today is 18th century.

Only the katholikon — the main church — survives of the complex. Its interior walls carry frescoes described as of high artistic and historical value, which is the reason to make the effort.

Getting there is the hard part

The approach is an uphill path crossing ravines, past old watermills, streams and ferns. Visitor accounts consistently describe a steep climb requiring proper footwear. Trail ST9 passes through the Kechria area.

We found no confirmation of drivable 4x4 access, and we are not going to imply there is. Plan this as a walk.

Papadiamantis wrote a poem about the place — "At Panagia Kechria" — whose opening lines describe the landscape around it and the dome of the katholikon. Reading it before you go is a better preparation than any guidebook entry, this one included.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Panagia Kechria monastery in Skiathos?

On foot, up a steep path crossing ravines past old watermills and streams, in the north-west of the island. Sturdy footwear is genuinely necessary and trail ST9 passes through the area. We found no confirmation of drivable 4x4 access, so plan it as a walk rather than a drive.

What is at Panagia Kechria monastery?

Only the katholikon, the main church, survives of what was a 16th-century foundation — the building as it stands is 18th century. Its interior walls carry frescoes described as of high artistic and historical value, which is the reason people make the climb. Papadiamantis wrote a poem about the place.