The most beautiful religious buildings Iles grecques

Outside the fortifications of the medieval kastro, this large church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is the most important in Astypalaia, and certainly the most beautiful. Founded in 1762 by Saint Anthime the Blind, an ascetic from Cephalonia in the Ionian Islands, it houses a magnificent carved wooden iconostasis. The Virgin is celebrated here on Dormition Day (August 15), the biggest religious and folkloric celebration of the year. Residents and visitors gather for two days on the square to enjoy traditional dishes.

This immaculate nunnery, drowned in lush green plants and lovingly tended by the resident nuns (who sometimes jealously guard the premises, even during official opening hours...), is located not far from the town hall square, to the west of the main monastery. Founded in 1607, its katholicon houses some of the finest frescoes painted between the ^16th and ^18th centuries. Among the highlights is an icon venerated as miraculous: the icon of the Virgin Eleousa or Panagia Eleousa - known as the Three-Eyed Virgin.

Skirting the bay of Xirokambos on the only road beyond the To Kima tavern, a path leads down to the tiny, rock-encrusted church of Panaghia Kavouradena. This touching chapel is distinguished by its small size and red roof. Inside, note the icon of the Virgin of the Crab that gives it its name. It is said that a crab fisherman found a miraculous icon here. The Virgin's nativity is celebrated here on September 8. Be sure to stop off at this little corner of the world as the sun sets over Kalymnos.

The road leaving Kefalos to the south winds through a totally unspoilt and wild area. At a fork in the road, you can continue towards Agios Theologos beach or the chapel of St. John the Baptist. The panoramic views that open up change at every turn, and are enchanting. The chapel overlooks the endless Aegean, shaded by centuries-old plane trees. Here, a small café offers shade, refreshments and mezzedes.

This monastery, on an islet, is mainly used as a central stage for a major celebration celebrated each year on August 15. Historically, the existing monastery seems to have been built on the site of an old Christian church. It is mentioned in some writings of 1686 as already old and in ruins. It has probably since been restored by the Vellianitis family. In 1720, a monastery composed of ten monks was created, whose income was considerable. August 15 is an important holiday and a beef soup is offered to the faithful.

A cute little chapel, built in 1910, which makes for a nice walk (with a 100-metre gradient). Although the chapel is often closed, the site is pleasant, with a lovely view over the bay. Nearby, there's also a spring with cold water and benches and a table where you can sit in the shade of century-old trees and take a break from the heat. The chapel is particularly lively on its feast day, July 25, with a procession.