Monastery of Profitis Ilias
Μονή Προφήτη Ηλία
An 18th-century monastery at the highest point of the island (about 567 meters). From the summit, you can see all of Santorini in a 360-degree panorama.
The Monastery of Profitis Ilias was built in 1711 on the summit of Santorini's highest peak, Profitis Ilias, at about 567 meters above sea level. Its exterior looks like a white fortress. From the top, you have a 360-degree view of the entire island. To the north are the caldera and Fira. To the east are the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa and the airport. On very clear days, you can even see Crete in the distance. The interior of the monastery has irregular opening hours, but the views from the summit are always available. There are military radar and communications antennas on the mountain, so avoid them when taking photos. You can drive or ride a motorbike up the winding road from Pyrgos, or hike from Pyrgos to the top in about 1 hour.
Opening hours
Summit open all day; monastery hours vary
Nearby sights
- Ancient Thera
- Perissa Black Beach
- Kamari Beach
- Pyrgos
- Emporio & Kasteli
- Megalochori
- Santo Wines Winery
- Vlychada Beach