
Eikosifoinissa Monastery
An ancient, serene monastery perched high above Kavala, known for its miraculous faceless icon and breathtaking panoramic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Eikosifoinissa Monastery
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient, serene monastery perched high above Kavala, known for its miraculous faceless icon and breathtaking panoramic views.
"A truly peaceful and impressive place, surrounded by beautiful nature and offering a sense of serenity."

🚗 Easy Drive from Kavala
The road to the monastery is in good condition and toll-free. Any car can make the 40-minute journey. :car:
🍯 Shop for Local Delicacies
Don't miss the monastery shop for excellent olive oil and honey – highly recommended! :honey_pot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary
Main Church
Witness a unique, ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, famously without a face, drawing pilgrims for centuries.

Panoramic Terrace Views
Near Parking Area
Relax on the terrace with a drink and enjoy breathtaking views of the plain stretching out below.

Monastery Shop
Within Monastery Complex
Browse high-quality local products, including highly recommended olive oil and honey.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Eikosifoinissa
What to Expect at Eikosifoinissa
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Drive from Kavala
The road to the monastery is in good condition and toll-free. Any car can make the 40-minute journey. :car:
🍯 Shop for Local Delicacies
Don't miss the monastery shop for excellent olive oil and honey – highly recommended! :honey_pot:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this holy site. Shoulders and knees should be covered. :pray:
☕ Relax with a View
After your visit, enjoy a coffee or juice on the terrace for stunning panoramic views. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Drive from Kavala
The road to the monastery is in good condition and toll-free. Any car can make the 40-minute journey. :car:
🍯 Shop for Local Delicacies
Don't miss the monastery shop for excellent olive oil and honey – highly recommended! :honey_pot:
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this holy site. Shoulders and knees should be covered. :pray:
☕ Relax with a View
After your visit, enjoy a coffee or juice on the terrace for stunning panoramic views. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Eikosifoinissa Monastery to be a deeply peaceful and impressive spiritual destination with a rich, miraculous history. The unique icon of the Virgin Mary is a highlight, and the panoramic views from the terrace are stunning. While the monastery itself is the main draw, the drive is pleasant and the shop offers quality local products.
"I visited the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Eikosiphoinissa on Friday, June 27, 2025, together with my wife and our little boy. This is a truly peaceful and impressive place, surrounded by beautiful nature and offering a sense of serenity. Tradition says that the apostles of Jesus passed through this area. Inside the church, there is a miraculous icon without a face, which is a unique and moving sight. We spent about half an hour in the church, enjoying the spiritual atmosphere. At the end of the visit, you can relax with a frappé or a glass of juice at the terrace near the parking area, where you have a stunning view of the plain through the tree crowns."
Alexandru Gabriel Serban
"The history of this Holy Monstery is amazing. The Virgin Mary's holy picture is very old with a great history. The celebration of the Assumptionof Mary Day is magnificent. The Monastery was full of people waiting patiently to kneel before the holy picture of Virgin Mary. The monastery offered food to the believers and the whole celebration was touching."
Ellh Chris
"One of the oldest Monasteries in the whole region and in the whole of Greece, apparently, which makes it one of the primordial Orthodox worship and learning centers in Europe ... Of course, the compound and the church itself we can see nowadays are rebuilds of the old structures, many times destroyed and risen again. If one searches for it, the history of the place would sound miraculous .
The road there is in good condition , any car would do it. There is parking available near the site. Driving time is 40 mins from Kavala, toll free roads."
Radu Dumitru Nica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is approximately 30 km from Kavala, a scenic 40-minute drive on toll-free roads. The road is well-maintained and suitable for any car. Parking is available near the site.
No, the road is reported to be in good condition, making the journey accessible for all types of vehicles.
The monastery is situated at an altitude of about 700 meters, offering cooler temperatures and impressive views.
The drive from Kavala to Eikosifoinissa Monastery is toll-free.
Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip, taking only about 40 minutes to reach from Kavala, leaving plenty of time to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit the monastery grounds and church. Donations are always appreciated.
While specific hours can vary, monasteries are generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or visit during typical visiting times to ensure access.
Yes, visiting on holidays like the Assumption of Mary Day is possible, but expect large crowds as it's a significant event.
No advance booking is usually required for general visits. It's a place of worship and pilgrimage, not a ticketed attraction in the typical sense.
While the main church and some areas are accessible, the terrain can be uneven in parts. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The monastery houses a unique and miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, famously depicted without a face, which is a deeply moving sight for visitors.
After exploring the spiritual heart of the monastery, you can relax on the terrace with a drink and enjoy the stunning views.
Yes, there is a shop selling church items and local products, with olive oil and honey being particularly praised.
It's one of the oldest Orthodox worship centers in Europe, with a history of destruction and rebuilding that many find miraculous.
Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as peaceful, serene, and spiritual, offering a sense of tranquility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full restaurant, you can enjoy a frappé or juice at the terrace cafe near the parking area.
The monastery shop offers high-quality local products, with olive oil and honey being especially recommended by visitors.
During major celebrations like the Assumption of Mary Day, the monastery has been known to offer food to believers.
Dining options are limited directly at the monastery. It's advisable to plan for meals in Kavala before or after your visit.
Visitors can enjoy simple refreshments like frappé (iced coffee) or juice while taking in the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the church, especially of the icons, may be restricted to maintain the sacred atmosphere. It's best to observe local customs or ask for guidance.
The panoramic views from the terrace are spectacular for photos. The exterior architecture and surrounding natural landscape also offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites to respect the sanctity and privacy of the location. Always check local regulations before flying drones.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Beyond the iconic views, consider capturing the architectural details, the natural surroundings, and the spiritual ambiance of the monastery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge






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