Day trips from Leonidio
A working women’s monastery built into a sheer cliff on Mount Parnon, about 650 metres above the sea. A short guide to getting there and what to know.
The short answer
Panagia Elona clings to a rock face above the Daphnon Gorge, reached by an easy paved road. It takes an hour or two, and it combines well with a walk in the gorge and a stop in the mountain village of Kosmas.
The setting is the main attraction, but the place is also tied to local history and tradition. It is an active monastery, so it asks for quiet and modest dress.
Written by the Sampatiki Suites team. Updated September 2026.
Height
About 650 metres
From Leonidio
About 25 minutes by car
Dress
Cover shoulders and knees
Combine with
Daphnon Gorge, Kosmas
Getting there
The monastery is about 16 to 18 kilometres from Leonidio on the road towards Kosmas, perched on the steep Parnon rock face. The road is paved and well maintained, and suits any car.
Parking is right by the site, with just a few steps up to the entrance gates.
Distance
About 16 to 18 km from Leonidio
Drive time
About 25 minutes
Parking
At the monastery, a few steps to the gates
Our tip
Go early in warm months, so you have the cool of the morning for the gorge walk too.
The monastery is built directly into the cliff.
Timing
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild weather and quieter trails. In summer, start early to avoid the midday heat.
Avoid visiting after heavy rain. The paths in the Daphnon Gorge below the monastery can be slippery and prone to flooding.
How to visit
Elona is an active women’s monastery. Modest dress is required, so cover your shoulders and knees before you enter the church or the courtyard.
Be quiet and respectful, and avoid loud behaviour inside the grounds.
Why go
It is one of the most visually striking monasteries in Greece, and many visitors are moved by its setting and its history. Tradition says it houses a miraculous icon linked to refugees from Elos in Laconia, and the monastery is associated with the Ottoman period and the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Check the details on the day, because opening hours can change.
Combine it
Walk
A short hike through wild vegetation, with views on both sides. Most people do the short version, about 3 km, from Hunters’ Spring.
Continue
Just beyond the monastery. A mountain village with a plane-tree square, riverside views and local tavernas.
Keep exploring
Questions
How far is Elona Monastery from Leonidio?
About 16 to 18 kilometres, roughly 25 minutes by car, on the road towards Kosmas.
Is there a dress code at Elona Monastery?
Yes. It is an active women’s monastery, so cover your shoulders and knees before entering the church or courtyard.
Can you walk to Elona Monastery?
Yes. A path runs through the Daphnon Gorge to the monastery. The full route is about 15 km, or 3 km on the short version from Hunters’ Spring.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Avoid visiting after heavy rain, when the gorge paths can be slippery.
Stay with us
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