A Hike To Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery On Skopos… And Beyond
The Zakynthos Walking Group did this walk up to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery on Skopos a couple of weeks ago. It was the same walk we did two years ago on New Year’s Eve, but it was much warmer this time. It really was a glorious day, perfect for a walk.
There is more than one route to get to the top of Skopos, where the monastery is. All of them steep, but some easier to manoeuvre than others. This time we took the easier route up.
And as always I took plenty of photographs!
So Come On And Follow Me On A Walk Up Skopos
The walking group met on the far side of Argassi for the start of the walk.
This is what lay ahead as we started the walk up to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery on Skopos.
It was a beautifully sunny early spring day.
Some were more determined than others to get up the steep bits, look at Asa go! That is Zante town in the distance.
The hike up to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery is a very scenic one. This is the view towards Vassilikos.
The Little Church Of Agios Nikolaos Megalomatis
This little church on the way up to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery has recently been renovated.
The little church from the other side. I have no idea how old it is meant to be, I think it’s safe to say it is very old.
It’s both creepy and fascinating to think that someone long dead stood in this exact same spot probably looking out for the enemy.
Someone just messing about on the water. Did someone mention doughnuts?
Almost at the top of Skopos and the view is a testament to how high we have climbed. You can see Zante town to the right of the photo.
The Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery
At last, the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery comes into view!
The Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery dates back to the 16th century and has undergone quite extensive renovations. What a perfect place to sit and reflect.
I’m not sure what this part of the monastery was for. Judging by the interior it could well have been the ablution block.
Inside the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery is very typically Greek orthodox. The murals on the wall of the monastery are original and date back to the sixteenth century.
Then it was time for the beyond part of the walk. See that rock? That’s where we are headed next. Come on, follow me and mind your footing!
And Beyond…
We may as well stop and admire the view before the real climb. You can see Gerakas in the distance and the little island to the right is Peluso.
As we climb higher we can see both sides of Zakynthos. To the left is the main turtle nesting beach that runs between Lagana and Kalamaki. To the right is Zante town.
A view like this is enough to make a person want to become a monk. Are you still behind me?
Oh me, oh my! I told you it was worth it.
Just one last climb and we’ll be at the top. Stay close, but not too close.
There’s always one wally who has nothing better to do than to hang around all day!
Even if you are afraid of heights the climb to the very top of Skopos is totally worth it. I should know, I won’t even get into a lift.
We can take a breath now, we’re at the top!
I dislike the climb down more than the climb up.
One last photo of the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery as we descend from the top of Skopos.
I have no idea who this tomb, close to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery contains, I imagine it to be someone of importance, though.
Not a bad final resting place.
Then the Zakynthos Walking Group headed back down Skopos and back to their cars.
If you ever happen to find yourself on Zakynthos and enjoy walking, I can recommend a walk up Skopos. It’s just under nine kilometres in total from the Argassi side and is a challenge. Start early and don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
© 2017 – 2019, Debbie. All rights reserved.
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