Agios Arsenios Monastery - Image 1
1 / 3

Agios Arsenios Monastery

4.8
·146 reviews·Moni Christou Dasous, Greece

A serene Orthodox monastery on Paros, offering spiritual solace, breathtaking island views, and a unique pilgrimage experience.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning (8 AM - 12 PM)

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Agios Arsenios Monastery - Image 1

Agios Arsenios Monastery

Best Time

Morning (8 AM - 12 PM)

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Orthodox monastery on Paros, offering spiritual solace, breathtaking island views, and a unique pilgrimage experience.

4.8
(146 reviews)

"You can feel the power of Lord! It is very blessed place."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours are 8 AM-12 PM & 6 PM-8 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:

Uphill Walk or Donkey Ride

It's an hour's walk uphill. Donkeys are available and well-trained for the journey. :donkey:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Monastery Itself

The Monastery Itself

A beautiful and blessed place radiating spiritual power, with lovely churches.

Panoramic Island Views

Panoramic Island Views

From the monastery grounds

Enjoy breathtaking views over the island of Paros from this elevated vantage point.

The Donkey Ride

The Donkey Ride

Experience a unique pilgrimage feel by ascending to the monastery on well-trained donkeys.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Plan your visit around the monastery's specific opening hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Arriving early or late in the day can help you avoid the midday heat and potential crowds, especially if you're walking uphill.

Getting There

The monastery is about an hour's walk uphill from Paros town. Consider taking a taxi for convenience or, for a unique experience, use the well-trained donkeys available for the ascent. This offers a true pilgrim-like feel.

Best Times

When
Morning (8 AM - 12 PM)
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evening (6 PM - 8 PM)
Why
Enjoy cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Life of Saint Paisios-Saint Arsenios and Saint Paisios-From the Mega Channel's TV series " Saint Paisios from Farasa to Heaven " #christian #christiantiktok #christianity #christianitytiktok #christ #christjesus #jesus #jesuslovesyou #jesuschrist #jesusisking #jesussaves #jesuscristo #jesusiscoming #orthodox #greekorthodox #easternorthodox #greekorthodoxchristian #greekorthodoxchurch #eastern...
@kixem777
21K likes • 259.6K views

Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours are 8 AM-12 PM & 6 PM-8 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:

Uphill Walk or Donkey Ride

It's an hour's walk uphill. Donkeys are available and well-trained for the journey. :donkey:

#agiospaisios #saintpaisios #orthodox #fy #fyp
@jesus_is_the_truth25
13.8K likes • 124.9K views
Axios! ☦️ #orthodoxy #truth #mountathos #agiosoros #fyp #christianity #foryoupage #4you #☦️☦️ #monastery #orthodox #axios
@dyophysite77_
11.4K likes • 102.2K views

Warm Welcome

Nuns are lovely and may offer gifts like cake. They're proud of their beautiful monastery. :cake:

Spiritual Atmosphere

Feel the power of the Lord in this very blessed and spiritual place. :pray:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours

Monastery hours are 8 AM-12 PM & 6 PM-8 PM. Plan accordingly! :clock1:

Uphill Walk or Donkey Ride

It's an hour's walk uphill. Donkeys are available and well-trained for the journey. :donkey:

Warm Welcome

Nuns are lovely and may offer gifts like cake. They're proud of their beautiful monastery. :cake:

Spiritual Atmosphere

Feel the power of the Lord in this very blessed and spiritual place. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(146 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Agios Arsenios Monastery for its beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and the warmth of the nuns. The panoramic views are a significant highlight, and the unique donkey ride adds to the memorable experience. Some visitors have found the monastery closed unexpectedly, emphasizing the importance of checking opening hours.

"The monastery is beautiful. The nuns are lovely people. We did not want to bother them while visiting but they guided us towards the visit and we even got a piece of cake as a gift. They're very proud of this place (and we understand why)"

Raphaël Gris

"You can feel the power of Lord! It is very blessed place. If you go up with donkeys you feel like a pilgrim. Those donkeys were very well trained and know where to go and how to go. The owner Gianni was amazing to guide"

Zeynep Ugurlu

"Unfortunately the Moni Agiou Arseniou was closed when we wanted to visit it. It is situated approximately an hour walk uphill from Paros town. From the monastery you have a beautiful view over the island.

Be aware that if you want to visit the opening hours are between 08:00 – 12:00 and 18:00 – 20:00. Plan it at the start of your day of at the end."

Ben Schenkeveld (Benniemast)

What People Like

Beautiful and blessed place
Lovely nuns
Panoramic island views

What People Dislike

Unexpected closures
Uphill walk can be strenuous

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The monastery is approximately an hour's walk uphill from Paros town. For a more comfortable ascent, you can hire a taxi or opt for a donkey ride, which are described as well-trained and knowledgeable about the route. Reddit

The walk is uphill and takes about an hour, so it can be strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Many visitors find the donkey ride a more enjoyable and less taxing option. Reddit

Information on direct car access is limited, but the walk or donkey ride are the commonly recommended methods of reaching the monastery. It's best to confirm local driving access with your accommodation or a local taxi service. Reddit

Given the uphill walk, a taxi directly to the monastery's vicinity, if possible, or arranging for a donkey ride with assistance would be the most suitable options. It's advisable to contact the monastery or local services in advance to discuss specific needs. Reddit

While specific tours focusing solely on the monastery might be rare, some island tours on Paros may include it as a stop. It's worth checking with local tour operators for options that combine it with other nearby attractions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The monastery has specific visiting hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's crucial to plan your visit within these times to ensure entry. Reddit

There is no mention of an entrance fee in visitor feedback. However, donations are often appreciated at religious sites. Reddit

Unfortunately, the monastery is closed outside of its designated hours (8 AM-12 PM and 6 PM-8 PM). Visitors have reported it being closed when they arrived at other times. Reddit

Advance booking is not typically required for Agios Arsenios Monastery. Visitors can usually arrive during opening hours. Reddit

As a religious site, it's respectful to dress modestly. This generally means covering shoulders and knees. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

While exterior photos are generally welcome, it's always best to be discreet and respectful when taking photos inside religious buildings. Check for any posted signs regarding photography restrictions. TikTok

The panoramic views over Paros from the monastery grounds are a major highlight for photographers. The architecture of the monastery itself also offers beautiful photographic opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted at religious sites and historical locations. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone. TikTok

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photography, though you'll need to align this with the monastery's opening hours. Midday can be harsh, but the views are still impressive. Reddit

While visitors have noted the nuns are lovely, it's important to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography. Focus on the serene atmosphere and the beauty of the place itself. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Pilgrims and Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, Agios Arsenios Monastery offers a deeply moving experience. The 'power of the Lord' is palpable here, and the serene atmosphere is conducive to prayer and reflection. Reddit The uphill journey, whether by foot or donkey, is often seen as part of the spiritual discipline, enhancing the sense of devotion. Reddit Visitors have described the nuns as 'lovely people' who contribute to the welcoming and blessed environment. Reddit

Consider visiting during the early morning or late evening opening hours to experience the monastery in its most tranquil state. Reddit The views from the monastery also offer a moment of quiet contemplation, connecting the earthly beauty with the divine. TikTok+1

Day-Trippers and Sightseers

If you're visiting Paros and looking for a unique cultural and scenic experience, Agios Arsenios Monastery is a worthwhile stop. The panoramic views over the island are a major draw, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit The monastery itself is beautiful, and the chance to interact with the friendly nuns adds a personal touch to the visit. Reddit

To make the most of your day trip, plan your visit around the monastery's opening hours (8 AM-12 PM and 6 PM-8 PM) to avoid disappointment. Reddit Consider the donkey ride for a memorable and less strenuous ascent, or arrange a taxi for convenience. Reddit Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Butterfly Valley for a fuller itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance

Agios Arsenios Monastery is a place deeply connected to Orthodox Christianity, often associated with spiritual figures like Saint Paisios. Visitors frequently describe feeling a profound sense of peace and the 'power of the Lord' upon visiting. TikTokReddit+1 The atmosphere is often described as 'blessed,' making it a destination for those seeking spiritual reflection or a connection to religious heritage. Reddit

This sense of spirituality is amplified by the journey to the monastery. The uphill trek, or the traditional donkey ride, is often framed as a pilgrimage, enhancing the feeling of devotion and dedication. Reddit The serene environment and the presence of lovely churches contribute to the overall contemplative experience. Reddit

For those interested in the history and lives of saints, the monastery offers a tangible link to these figures. The videos mentioning Saint Paisios highlight the monastery's role in preserving and sharing these narratives. TikTok+1 It's a place where faith is not just observed but deeply felt.

Navigating the Ascent

Reaching Agios Arsenios Monastery involves a significant uphill journey, typically taking about an hour from Paros town. Reddit This ascent is a key part of the visitor experience, often described as a 'pilgrim-like' journey. Reddit

Two primary methods are recommended for the climb: walking or using donkeys. The donkeys are noted for being 'very well trained' and knowing the path, offering a unique and traditional way to reach the top. Reddit This option is particularly appealing for those who want to experience the journey in a more authentic, historical manner.

For those who prefer not to walk or ride a donkey, taxis can be hired to get closer to the monastery, though the final approach might still involve some walking. Reddit It's advisable to confirm with taxi drivers about how far they can go and to plan your visit during the cooler parts of the day to make the ascent more comfortable. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2