Cape Maleas got its holy nickname given that, in the past, the area around the rocky promontory was filled with monasteries. From the one-time 20 byzantine edifices, only two survived till today and can be visited. To get there you have to walk for about an hour on a path which turns out to be quite creepy at times (e.g next to the rocky heights when it’s windy). Recommended only for those who want to do something different!
[sam id=”7″]
If you don’t mind driving your motor-home on dirt roads, then continue for another 3 km after the petrified forest to the spot indicate in the photo (on the left) [GPS N 36.439509, E 23.170936]. Here you must leave your car and continue on foot. Don’t worry about the trail, it is marked quite well from start to finish. Make sure to bring enough water as you’ll be exposed to the sun the entire time (no tree or shadow) and remember to wear the right shoes and preferably long pants. Snakes and spiders are permanent residents of the place. It’s also a good idea to bring something to eat, so you can enjoy to the maximum the day trip.
We left in the morning and it took us about an hour and a quarter to get there. On the way back, although the heat was much more intense, we made it in one hour. The reason is simple: the path was criss-crossed with cobwebs blocking our way, and it took some time to ‘remove’ them.
Below: the monastery of Agia Irini, the first along the trail.
The trail continues for another 10 minutes and you arrive to the church of Agios Yiorgos that contains frescoes from the Byzantine period, altough ruined by pirates.
Between the two monasteries there is a path that leads to the small pier, used by who want to reach the churches by sea. It is said that the creek was used by pirates to hide their treasures.
[sam id=”7″]