Religious and pilgrimage tourism in Greece
Holidays in Greece are not just about long beaches, the Acropolis and delicious food. Pilgrimage tourism is gradually becoming a trend.
What is pilgrimage tourism
In organized groups or individually, you can choose one or more destinations of religious interest to visit, worship, give a religious offering, or participate in celebrations and Church services.
Visits can be made to Churches, Monasteries or caves in various parts of Greece. This type of tourism is widely known in other countries as well, and it concerns all religions. The Holy Land of Jerusalem, the Vatican in Rome, or the Mecca in Saudi Arabia, are some of the most famous places for religious tourism and pilgrimage tours.
See what the most important religious destinations on the greek islands are, and how to get there easily with Let’s Ferry.
Saint Nektarios, Aegina
How to get to Agios Nektarios in Aegina:
By ferry from the port of Piraeus, Agistri island, Methana and Poros. Itineraries for Aegina can be found in Let’s Ferry. The Monastery of Agios Nektarios is 6 km from the port. You can reach it by car, bus, taxi or bicycle.
When to go to Agios Nektarios in Aegina:
You can visit it all year round, but the largest number of visitors arrives on the 9th of November, the day of the Saint’s feast, starting from day before. Pilgrims also gather here on September 3, which is the day his relics were removed from the grave.
The Church of Saint Nektarios in Aegina
Saint Nektarios, miracles:
Before he was proclaimed a Saint, Nektarios performed many miracles in Aegina since 1908. He healed a possessed man and brought rain on the island after 3 years of continuous drought.
Offerings, Saint Nektarios:
Saint Nektarios is considered the protector of the weak, the poor and those searching for work. Gold and silver offerings by the faithful asking the Saint for good health, work, fertility, etc are found all around the Monastery.
History of the Monastery of Agios Nektarios in Aegina:
It started operating in 1904 under the supervision of Agios Nektarios himself, while he was director at the Rizarios School. It is one of the largest monasteries in Greece and one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in the Balkans. Today it is home to 14 nuns.
Agios Nektarios Aegina, opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 06:00 - 19:00. During the winter it usually closes earlier, so it would be wise to contact the Monastery before your visit.
Extra info: The visit to the Monastery is only allowed to those who wear long clothes and have their shoulders covered. Short skirts, dresses, bermuda shorts and open blouses are not allowed.
What else will I see near Agios Nektarios, Aegina:
Very close from here is the Monastery of Agia Aikaterini and the medieval settlement of Paliachora.
Our Lady of Tinos
How to get to Our Lady of Tinos:
By ferry from Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Andros, Vathi in Samos, Evdilos in Ikaria, Ios, Karlovasi in Samos, Kea, Koufonisi, Kythnos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Syros. Itineraries for Tinos can be found at Let’s Ferry. The Church is 900 meters from the port.
When to visit Our Lady of Tinos:
The main celebrations at Our Lady of Tinos take place on the following dates: The largest one, where thousands of believers from all over the country gather, is on August 15, at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. On January 30, the discovery of the miraculous image of Megalohari (She of Great Grace) is celebrated. March 25 is the date of the Annunciation of the Virgin. On July 23, we celebrate the Vision of Agia Pelagia, which led to the discovery and excavation of the icon of the Virgin Mary.
The Church of Panagia Megalochari in Tinos
Our Lady of Tinos, miracles:
The Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary was found in 1823 on the island, after years of excavations and searches. According to legend, those who touched the image once it was discovered, were cured of all diseases.
Offerings, Our Lady of Tinos:
The faithful come to ask the Virgin Mary for help or to thank her for her benevolence. The heroes of the Greek Revolution, Makrygiannis, Miaoulis and Kolokotronis, were among the first to pay their respects, since the icon’s discovery was considered a very good omen or their Cause. The roof of the Temple is filled with all kinds of votive offerings such as body parts, baby cots, houses, etc.
History of Our Lady of Tinos:
The Gates of the Temple were opened in 1825, while its construction was completed in 1823, at the spot where the icon was found. In the temple you will find an exact replica of the icon, since the original is kept sealed for its protection.
Our Lady of Tinos, opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 07:30 - 20:00. It is recommended to contact the Temple before your visit.
Extra info: Very often you will see believers walking on their hands and knees from the port and all along the uphill road that leads to Our Lady of Tinos. That's why there is a rug that makes it easier for them to crawl without hurting their knees.
Tinos island with traditional houses
What else will I see near Our Lady of Tinos:
Between the port and the Church you will also find the Archaeological Museum of Tinos.
Agios (Saint) Dionysios, Zakynthos
How to get to Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos:
By boat from Kilini. Itineraries and tickets for Zakynthos can be found at Let’s Ferry. The Church is located in the port of the island.
When to go to Agios Dionysios, Zakynthos:
On the 24th of August is the celebration of the Transfer of the Holy Tabernacle of the Saint from the Monastery of Strofades, and the celebrations take place from the 23rd to the 26th of August. The Assumption of Saint Dionysios is honored on December 17 and the celebrations last from the 16th to the 19th of the month.
The town of Zakynthos
History of Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos:
The Church has endured various damages over the years and while it was built in 1708, it took its final shape in 1948. Agios Dionysios is the patron Saint of Zakynthos and the largest Church on the island.
What else will I see near Agios Dionysios, Zakynthos:
The National Marine Park is located 5 km from the Temple. On the other side, 4 km away, is the Venetian Castle of Bohali.
Agios (Saint) Spyridon, Corfu
How to get to Agios Spyridon, Corfu:
By boat from Igoumenitsa, Kephalonia and Patras. Itineraries and tickets for Corfu can be found at Let’s Ferry. The Church is 2 km from the port of the island.
When to go to Agios Spyridon, Corfu:
Every year, on the Sunday before Easter, a litany takes place here, in remembrance of the Saint who protected the island from the plague in 1629. Every Holy Saturday there is a litany for the miracle of the Saint who protected the island from famine. On August 11, a procession is held to honor the island being saved from a Turkish invasion. Every first Sunday of November a procession is held to honor him saving the island from the second plague epidemic in 1673. December 12th is the celebration for the memory of the Saint.
Traditional street in Corfu
History of Agios Spyridon, Corfu:
He is the patron Saint and protector of Corfu. The Church was built in 1594. The Saint never lived on the island, but his body fled here secretly from the Turkish-occupied Constantinople, after many stops along the way.
What else will I see near Agios Spyridon, Corfu:
Very close to the Church of Agios Spyridon in Corfu there is the Old Fortress, the New Fortress, the Spianada, the Peristyle of Maitland and of course, the impressive Old Town of Corfu.
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos, Patmos
How to get to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Patmos:
Take the ferry to Patmos from Piraeus, Agathonisi, Ikaria, Arkios, Samos, Kavala, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, Syros, and many other ports. Itineraries and tickets for Patmos can be seen with just one click on Let’s Ferry’s website.
The Monastery of Saint John in Patmos
When to go to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Patmos:
Easter is the best time to visit the island and the Monastery.
History of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Patmos:
The Monastery, together with the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Chora of Patmos, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built around 1100 by Blessed Christodoulos.
What else will I see near the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Patmos:
The Cave of the Apocalypse is 2 km away while the Windmills of Patmos are only 700 meters from here.
The windmills of Patmos
Explore new types of tourism and get to know the religious tradition of the land. Tradition, history and architecture create a beautiful setting in different parts of the country. Get to know them by traveling with tickets from Let’s Ferry!