Panagia

Distance from Chora: 5,8 km
Distance from Livadi: 10,3 km

On the north part of the island you will meet Panagia, a beautiful village amphitheatrically built on the hill, around the homonymous byzantine church. The “Xylopanagia” (/ksilopαna’yα/), as it is called, is the oldest and most important one of the island and is celebrated on August 15. This monastery area is where the first residencies were built in. The village expanded during the Greek Revolution and counted up to 1830 locals. Besides visiting the charming church, you should also enjoy a walk on the picturesque cobblestone narrow alleyways, with the traditional houses and the colorful yards and -why not- visit the two cute groceries-coffee shops that operate in the settlement. As you leave, take some time to marvel the view offered by the village’s altitude towards the north part of the island, the beach of Sikamia and the Aegean. From here on starts the hiking trail (Signage #5), which goes down to Sikamia bay.