Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission)
Explore the 13th-century ruins of Sissia Monastery, a historical gem undergoing restoration, offering stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission)
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 13th-century ruins of Sissia Monastery, a historical gem undergoing restoration, offering stunning views.
"A fascinating historical site with impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Bring Water
Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Monastery Ruins
Province of Leivathos, near Simotata
Explore the grand, ancient architecture of this 13th-century Catholic monastery, now a fascinating ruin.

Restoration in Progress
Within the ruins
Witness ongoing restoration efforts, offering a unique glimpse into preserving this historical gem.

Scenic Views
Path to the monastery
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Zakynthos across the sea and the imposing shadow of Mount Ainos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Ruins
Restoration & Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Bring Water
Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path.
📸 Capture the Views
The drive and walk offer stunning panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Don't forget your camera!
🥪 Pack a Picnic
There's a shaded seating area near the ruins, perfect for a relaxing lunch amidst the historical site.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Bring Water
Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path.
📸 Capture the Views
The drive and walk offer stunning panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Don't forget your camera!
🥪 Pack a Picnic
There's a shaded seating area near the ruins, perfect for a relaxing lunch amidst the historical site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sissia Monastery ruins to be a fascinating historical site with impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding views. The ongoing restoration efforts are noted as a positive aspect, offering a glimpse into preservation work. However, some reviews highlight a distressing incident involving an animal at the adjacent modern monastery, which has impacted the overall perception for some.
"I loved this ruined monastery which you can walk to and visit. We walked for about 40 mins each way from Lourdata beach but Sissia beach is much nearer. If you take the walk from Lourdata it is a partly shaded gravel path, no one around and such an amazing surprise to suddenly come to the ruins. On the day we visited (in May) the only other people were a group of people working on the reconstruction and we walked into the ruins and watched them at work and they said hello. It was great to see this place was being restored. It is a really quite big and grand and it would be shame to continue let it go to ruin.
Just outside the ruins was a covered seating area that was a bit worn out but such a welcome treat to sit down and have our lunch in the shade beside the restoration works (see photo).
We didn’t have time otherwise we would have carried on the path down to Sissia beach."
Sue Vogt-Skard
"This Monastery does not even deserve one star. The two monks, who live in the new Monastery situated above the old one, have a dog on a chain and mistreated the poor anxious dog. We brought him water. When one of the monks realised that we care for the dog, he shouted at us. The next day the dog was dead!!! The animal welfare thinks that he was poisened by the monks to not get any troubles. We informed the Police who now takes care of this horrible case."
Tina Zeilinger
"Ruins of an old monastery that enables you to see how life might have been for the monks.
Parking is at the modern monastery and then a walk of about 300m down a rough dirt road to reach the ruins.
The drive down gives you a fantastic view of Zakynthos across the sea. The whole site sits in the shadow of Mount Ainos."
Mark Careless
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to drive to the modern Monastery of Sission, where parking is available. From there, it's a walk of about 300 meters down a rough dirt road to reach the old monastery ruins.
Yes, it's possible to walk from Lourdata beach, which takes about 40 minutes each way. The path is partly shaded and gravel. Sissia beach is much closer to the monastery.
The road leading to the modern monastery is generally accessible by car. However, the path from the modern monastery to the ruins is a rough dirt road, not suitable for all vehicles.
The monastery is located in the province of Leivathos, near the village of Simotata, just outside Argostoli. Follow signs for the Monastery of Sission.
Public transport options are limited. It's recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange a taxi to reach the vicinity of the modern monastery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees for the ruins. Entry is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the historical site.
As it is a ruin, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can typically access the site during daylight hours.
No, visitors can explore the ancient ruins without purchasing a ticket.
The ruins are accessible year-round, though weather conditions might affect the comfort of the walk.
There is no dedicated visitor center at the ruins. Information is primarily gained through exploration and signage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive ruins of a 13th-century Catholic monastery, witness ongoing restoration work, and enjoy scenic views of the sea and Mount Ainos.
The walk down a rough road and exploring ruins can be managed with children, but supervision is essential. The historical aspect might be more engaging for older children.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the ruins themselves. A covered seating area is available for resting.
Founded in the 13th century, it was originally a Catholic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, later becoming Orthodox. Tradition links its founder to Francis of Assisi.
Absolutely! The ancient architecture, surrounding landscape, and views make it a picturesque location for photographers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The monastery is in a somewhat remote area. You'll find dining options closer to Lourdata beach or in nearby villages like Simotata.
There are no restaurants within the ruins. However, visitors often bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the shaded seating area.
Tavernas and restaurants are available in the coastal village of Lourdata, offering local Kefalonian cuisine.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend time exploring or walking from further away.
Cafes are more commonly found in the nearby villages and beach areas rather than directly at the monastery site.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the weathered stone arches, the scale of the ruins against the natural landscape, and the panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stones.
Yes, visitors have observed and photographed the restoration efforts. It adds a unique dimension to the site's story.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones. It's advisable to check local drone laws and be respectful of the site and any ongoing work.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit