AGHIOS PANTELEIMON MONASTERY

This 15th century monastery, the only one on the western coast of Tilos, is located in an oasis of giant cypress and plane trees. Founded in 1470, it is built at the level of a clear spring from which you can drink and refresh yourself. The spring irrigates all the surrounding gardens and vegetable plots and explains the vegetation, unique to Tilos. The site is sumptuous and the church, renovated in the 18th century and again in 2019, is charming. Note its frescoes and the pebble mosaic floor. The view from the upper floor is worth a few moments of meditation. You can reach the monastery on foot from Aghios Antonios by taking the path from the Kamariani church, overlooking the asphalt road to Plaka. It takes about an hour to climb the almost continuous and steep path. If you want to continue beyond the monastery after the visit, there is a beautiful path that loops around to Eristos Bay. It takes about 4 hours to complete this hike which is made difficult by the lack of markings, especially in the last third of the walk. The landscapes are sumptuous and serene, isolated and solitary. You will come across a clear water spring about an hour's walk away, then a succession of Byzantine chapels. The arrival on the beach of Eristos sounds like a divine reward.

July 25 launches three days of wild celebrations at the monastery. These great panigyria are a must, with dances, music and feasts that bring the whole island together