Evangelistria Monastery Kyparissi
A serene 18th-century monastery in the hills, offering tranquil courtyards, an informative museum, and a delightful cafe with stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the summer heat
Evangelistria Monastery Kyparissi
Best Time
Escape the summer heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 18th-century monastery in the hills, offering tranquil courtyards, an informative museum, and a delightful cafe with stunning views.
"An oasis of calm and tranquility with the best scrambled eggs you'll ever eat!"
Bring Cash for Purchases
Museum entry and cafe treats often require Euros. Card machines can be unreliable. :euro:
Quad Bike Adventure
Hiring a quad adds to the experience of reaching the monastery. :motorcycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Courtyard
Monastery Grounds
An oasis of calm and serenity, perfect for quiet contemplation amidst lush greenery.
Informative Museum
Monastery Building
Discover local history with informative labels and unique artifacts, including a Bulgarian coin.
Scenic Cafe Delights
Short walk from Monastery
Enjoy the best scrambled eggs and local sweets like baklava with breathtaking hilly views.
Monastery Shop Treasures
Monastery Shop
Find authentic handmade products, including local olive oil and honey, perfect souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Quad or Bus?
Cash is King for Cafes & Museums
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Purchases
Museum entry and cafe treats often require Euros. Card machines can be unreliable. :euro:
Quad Bike Adventure
Hiring a quad adds to the experience of reaching the monastery. :motorcycle:
Museum Entry Fee
A small fee of €2 grants access to the informative museum. :ticket:
Allow 2 Hours
Sufficient time for exploring, museum visit, and refreshments. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Purchases
Museum entry and cafe treats often require Euros. Card machines can be unreliable. :euro:
Quad Bike Adventure
Hiring a quad adds to the experience of reaching the monastery. :motorcycle:
Museum Entry Fee
A small fee of €2 grants access to the informative museum. :ticket:
Allow 2 Hours
Sufficient time for exploring, museum visit, and refreshments. :clock1:
Shop for Local Goods
Don't miss the olive oil, honey, and handmade items. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Evangelistria Monastery for its serene atmosphere, beautiful views, and the delicious offerings at its adjacent cafe. The informative museum and charming shop add to the appeal, making it a worthwhile stop for a few hours of tranquility and local flavor. Some minor inconveniences include the need for cash payments at the cafe and museum.
"What a place. High in the hills it was tranquil, serene , clean and green.
We hired a quad to get there to add to the experience.
We paid 2euros to visit the museum, it was def worth the money!
The courtyard was an oasis of calm and tranquility
THEN - there was the cafe ! We had brunch. It was the best scrambled eggs I have ever eaten.
NOTE - their card machine wasn’t working. So, if you want coffee or food take some euros"
Scott Mcdonald
"Well worth the visit, quite close, accessible by bus from bus station 0, 1 hour us quite enough for everything, even a cup of coffee. I loved how they used a 1 leva Bulgarian coin that features saint Ivan Rilski on the museum. Very informative labels even in the shop. The small coffee nearby is also quite good and scenic."
Marin “SayanMk” Kolev
"A small monastery with plenty of history.
Museum informative no photos allowed to be taken inside Museum.
Lovely cafe a short walk away"
Julie Banks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the monastery by an air-conditioned mini-bus from Skiathos Town, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, renting a quad bike offers a more adventurous route up the hills.
The drive involves hilly, winding roads, so if you're not comfortable with that, the bus is a safer option. Quad bikes are also a popular choice for navigating these routes.
The bus journey typically takes around one hour from Skiathos Town. If you're driving or on a quad, travel time can vary based on your pace and stops.
Yes, there is usually parking available for visitors arriving by car or quad bike.
The roads are paved but can be steep and winding. Standard cars and quad bikes are suitable, but be mindful of the terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the monastery grounds themselves is generally free. However, there is a small fee of €2 to enter the museum.
While specific hours can vary, the monastery is typically open during daylight hours. The museum may have more restricted hours, so it's best to check upon arrival or ask locally.
No, advance booking is not usually required for the monastery or its museum. You can typically pay the museum fee upon arrival.
Visitors are expected to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a religious site. Photography may be restricted inside the museum.
The monastery grounds are somewhat hilly. While the main courtyard is relatively flat, some areas might be challenging. The cafe is a short walk away.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely cafe located a short walk from the monastery grounds, offering refreshments and light meals.
The cafe is known for delicious dishes, including highly-praised scrambled eggs, as well as local sweets like baklava and lemon cake. Fresh orange juice and Greek coffee are also popular.
It's strongly advised to bring cash (Euros) as the cafe's card machine is frequently out of order.
While the monastery cafe is the most convenient, you might find other small tavernas or cafes in the surrounding villages if you explore further.
The cafe offers a good selection for brunch or a light meal, with options like scrambled eggs and pastries. It's perfect for a satisfying stop during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is generally not allowed inside the museum to protect the artifacts.
The monastery courtyard offers beautiful shots with its greenery and architecture. The views from the cafe overlooking the hills are also very scenic.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage, but it's generally advisable to avoid flying drones over religious sites or private property without explicit permission.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the monastery and its surroundings. Early mornings might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
The blend of traditional monastery architecture with the natural hilly landscape provides unique photographic opportunities. Look for details in the stonework and the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the travel time and the hilly terrain when planning your visit with young children. The bus is a comfortable option, while quad bikes offer a fun ride for older kids. Allocate about two hours for the visit, which should be enough time to explore without tiring out little ones. The scenic views and the unique experience of a monastery visit can make for a memorable family excursion.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for the bus instead of a rental car or quad bike will further reduce expenses. The experience of exploring the serene grounds, learning from the museum, and enjoying the views is rich in value without a significant financial outlay. It’s a perfect way to experience a piece of local culture and history on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Evangelistria Monastery
Today, the monastery continues to be a place of pilgrimage and a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility. The museum within its walls offers a glimpse into its past, housing artifacts and informative displays that detail its history and cultural significance. Visitors often remark on the unique items found, such as a Bulgarian coin featuring Saint Ivan Rilski, showcasing historical connections. The shop also plays a role, selling locally produced goods like olive oil and honey, further connecting visitors to the monastery's agricultural roots and the local economy.
The courtyard is frequently described as an 'oasis of calm,' emphasizing the serene atmosphere that pervades the monastery grounds. This peaceful ambiance, combined with the beautiful natural setting, makes it a perfect spot for reflection. The nearby cafe enhances the visitor experience, providing a place to relax and enjoy local flavors while taking in the scenic views. The combination of historical depth, spiritual atmosphere, and natural beauty makes Evangelistria Monastery a truly special place to visit.
Experiencing the Monastery Cafe and Local Delicacies
Complementing the food is the selection of beverages. Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a refreshing option, while the Greek coffee offers a taste of authentic local culture. The cafe's setting, overlooking the hilly landscape, transforms a simple meal or coffee break into a memorable experience. It's a place where visitors can unwind, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and beautiful scenery.
A crucial piece of advice for anyone planning to visit the cafe is to bring cash. Multiple reviews emphasize that the card machine is often non-functional. Therefore, having Euros on hand is essential to enjoy the cafe's offerings, from a full brunch to a simple coffee and cake. This practical tip ensures that visitors can fully appreciate this charming aspect of the Evangelistria Monastery visit without any payment hassles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit