Description

At this point, approximately 800 meters south of Pyrgos on the left side of the road that ascends to the Prophet Elias monastery, we will see two signs for Paths One (1) and Four (4). Path 1 is a wide cobblestone path that ascends to the highest peak on the island (at 567 meters altitude) and the monastery of the Prophet Elias, and then descends (on ancient cobblestones) to Mesa Vouno, leading to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. The total distance from this point is 3,500 meters, estimated time 100 minutes. From here to Prophet Elias, the distance is 1,600 meters, 45 minutes. Path 4 ends at Episkopi, with the Byzantine church of the Virgin Mary, and on its way passes the castle/monastery of Saint George the Refuge (called Agios Georgios Katefio), which is wedged into the rocks, and the fortified fountain of Aga, or Vrysi tu Aga. The total distance from this point is 2,000 meters to Episkopi (40 minutes) and 800 meters to the castle/monastery of Saint George (15 minutes).