Profitis Ilias Monastery, Santorini

Profitis Ilias Monastery, Santorini tickets: which one to buy

The Monastery of Profitis Ilias stands on the summit of the highest mountain on Santorini, above the village of Pyrgos, at a height of about 565 metres, and the main reason to go up is the view: the whole island, the caldera, the black beaches of the east coast and, on clear days, the neighbouring islands. The monastery shares the summit with military and communication installations, and access to the monastery itself is limited;

the church may be open on certain days or for services, so do not count on seeing the interior. The road up from Pyrgos is narrow and winding, and there is limited parking at the top. Hiking tours follow the old path from Pyrgos to the summit and then down to the ruins of Ancient Thira, a rewarding walk in cooler weather. Pyrgos itself, a hilltop village with a Venetian castle, is worth exploring. Wear sturdy shoes for the hike, as the path is rocky and unshaded.

Visiting Profitis Ilias Monastery, Santorini: what to see

The monastery was founded in 1711 and dedicated to the Prophet Elijah, to whom many Greek churches on mountain tops are dedicated, perhaps because in the Bible Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire. For centuries the monks played an important role in island life, running a school during the Ottoman period and collecting books and manuscripts. The monastery buildings are white and fortress-like, with a bell tower, and inside the church there is a carved wooden iconostasis and old icons. The monastery holds a collection of ecclesiastical treasures, manuscripts and folk objects, shown at times in a small museum.

The earthquake of 1956 damaged the buildings, which were restored. The views from the summit are the chief attraction for most visitors, especially at sunset, when the island and the sea are spread out below. On the mountainside below the summit lie the ruins of Ancient Thira, a city founded in the ninth century BC with remains of temples, houses and a theatre. From the top, the whole outline of the caldera is visible, showing how the island was shaped by the great volcanic eruption of the Bronze Age.

Profitis Ilias Monastery, Santorini opening hours and the best time to go

The summit is most rewarding on clear days in spring and autumn, when the air is less hazy and the heat is bearable for walking. Summer brings very hot afternoons, so early morning or late afternoon is best. Sunset from the summit is spectacular and much less crowded than Oia. The feast of the Prophet Elijah on 20 July is celebrated with a service and festivities at the monastery.

Winter is windy and cold at the top. The walk from Pyrgos to the summit takes about an hour, and the continuation to Ancient Thira another hour or more. Allow about half an hour at the top if you drive, and longer if you hike. Pyrgos has several tavernas and wine bars with terraces, and the island's wineries lie on the slopes nearby.