
Agios Arsenios Monastery
A serene Orthodox monastery on Paros, offering spiritual solace, breathtaking island views, and a unique pilgrimage experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Agios Arsenios Monastery
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Orthodox monastery on Paros, offering spiritual solace, breathtaking island views, and a unique pilgrimage experience.
"You can feel the power of Lord! It is very blessed place."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Panoramic Island Views
From the monastery grounds
Enjoy breathtaking views over the island of Paros from this elevated vantage point.

The Donkey Ride
Experience a unique pilgrimage feel by ascending to the monastery on well-trained donkeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
There is no mention of an entrance fee in visitor feedback. However, donations are often appreciated at religious sites.
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.
Advance booking is not typically required for Agios Arsenios Monastery. Visitors can usually arrive during opening hours.
As a religious site, it's respectful to dress modestly. This generally means covering shoulders and knees.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Pilgrims and Spiritual Seekers
Consider visiting during the early morning or late evening opening hours to experience the monastery in its most tranquil state. The views from the monastery also offer a moment of quiet contemplation, connecting the earthly beauty with the divine.
Day-Trippers and Sightseers
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. Consider the donkey ride for a memorable and less strenuous ascent, or arrange a taxi for convenience. 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
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. The serene environment and the presence of lovely churches contribute to the overall contemplative experience.
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. It's a place where faith is not just observed but deeply felt.
Navigating the Ascent
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. 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. 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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit