Athens is often linked with ancient temples, museums and lively city life. Just beyond the city center, Attica reveals a calm, more spiritual side, with peaceful monasteries, mountain landscapes, Byzantine architecture and important Orthodox pilgrimage sites. This one day route connects three religious stops. It starts on Mount Hymettus, continues to Penteli and finishes in Nea Makri with time for a relaxed meal by the sea.
The Route for a Religious Day Trip in Attica
Departure from Your Hotel
The day starts with a morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation in Athens. Your driver will meet you at the agreed location and you will begin your journey towards the first monastery. The city gives way quickly and within twenty minutes you are on mountain roads.
Kaisariani Monastery on Mount Hymettus
The first stop is Kaisariani Monastery. Set among the pine trees on Mount Hymettus, it combines Byzantine architecture, old stone paths and shaded courtyards. The main church dates from the 11th century, while parts of the complex were added later, including a 17th century domed porch and chapel.
It is a good place to begin the day quietly. There is time to walk around the monastery, see the frescoes, take in the forested surroundings and photograph the stonework without feeling rushed.
Third Stop: Monastery of Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri
The final monastery stop is the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri. It is located on Mount Amomon, on the eastern side of the Pentelic mountain area, in the Xylokeriza region. The area had many hermitages from the 10th century and that an older male monastery existed on the same site. Today, the monastery is one of the best known Orthodox pilgrimage destinations in Attica. It is closely connected with Saint Ephraim, whose relics were discovered there in 1950 and whose memory is honoured on 3 January and 5 May. This stop is especially important for visitors interested in pilgrimage, prayer and contemporary Orthodox devotion. The atmosphere is quiet and devotional so guests should allow time to enter respectfully, light a candle if they wish and experience the place at an unhurried pace.
Food Stop in Nea Makri
After the monastery visit, the route continues to the coast of Nea Makri for lunch or an early dinner. The coast is fifteen minutes away. Two reliable options on Poseidonos Avenue: Η Tράτα, a family run fish taverna in business since 1981, known for fresh catch, grilled octopus and marinated anchovies and Cheimona Kalokairi, Zoumperi, which has a shaded garden of pines and bougainvilleas and a menu that mixes Greek and Mediterranean cooking.
Return Journey
After the food stop, your private transfer takes you directly back to your hotel in Athens. The return journey is arranged in advance, so there is no need to coordinate different transport options after a full day of visits.
Athens Monasteries and Religious Tourism Tour with a Private Transfer
Duration 7-8 hours
280€ Up to 5
Mercedes V Class Minivan
Points of Interest: Kaisariani Monastery, Mount Hymettus, Penteli Monastery, Saint Ephraim Monastery, Nea Makri, religious tourism, Byzantine monuments, Orthodox pilgrimage, seaside lunch
* Suggested timing is flexible and may be adjusted depending on monastery opening hours, church services, and guest preferences.
The Monasteries
Kaisariani Monastery
Kaisariani sits on Mount Hymettus, surrounded by trees and stone paths. The preserved frescoes, old masonry and forested setting make it a strong introduction to the religious history of Attica. One detail worth knowing: in 1458, when the Ottomans took Athens, the keys to the city were handed to Mehmed the Conqueror inside this monastery. South of the main church, a Byzantine bathhouse from the 11th century survives, later converted into an olive press during Ottoman rule, with the original stone presses still in place. The monastery is open daily 08:30 to 15:30 and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Penteli Monastery
Penteli Monastery, officially the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, is one of the most important monastic sites in the northern part of Attica. It was founded in 1578 by Saint Timothy, Bishop of Euripus, and belongs to the Archdiocese of Athens. The monastery has a museum and a library. The permanent exhibition on the “Kryfo Scholeio” – the secret schools where Greek language and Orthodox faith were kept alive during Ottoman rule – is housed in the underground galleries of the old monastery. The monastery’s mountain setting is part of what makes the visit worth the drive. As this is an active religious site, the visit should be quiet and respectful. Confirm access details before the tour.
Monastery of Saint Ephraim
The Monastery of Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri is the most pilgrimage focused stop of the day. Its full name is the Holy Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Saint Ephraim. The monastery is connected with the older monastic life of Mount Amomon, where hermitages existed from the 10th century. Saint Ephraim is deeply venerated by Orthodox Christians, and the monastery attracts pilgrims from across Greece and abroad. The discovery of the saint’s relics in 1950 and the feast days on 3 January and 5 May are central to the monastery’s identity. In the monastery grounds, a mulberry tree marks the spot where the saint was martyred by the Ottomans in 1426, now enclosed within a small structure. The tomb of Fotis Kontoglou, the celebrated iconographer and writer, is also in the grounds. The monastery is open daily 07:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.
Practical Tips
Dress Respectfully
All three stops are religious sites and visitors should dress accordingly. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and casual clothing is not suitable inside the monastery grounds. Women may be asked to wear a skirt or covering in some monasteries, and men should avoid sleeveless tops. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as there may be stone paths, steps and uneven surfaces.
Check Visiting Hours Before the Tour
Kaisariani Monastery operates as an archaeological site with official visiting hours and ticket information published by the Ministry of Culture. Penteli Monastery and Saint Ephraim are active monasteries, so access may depend on services, feast days, or internal monastery schedules. A quick confirmation before the tour helps avoid delays or unexpected closures.
Private Transfer Makes the Route Easier
The three monasteries are spread across different parts of Attica, Mount Hymettus, Penteli, and Nea Makri. A private transfer connects them in one smooth route and removes the need to coordinate taxis or public transport between mountain and coastal areas. It also allows the schedule to remain flexible, especially if the group wants to spend more time at one monastery or extend the food stop in Nea Makri.
Tour Information
Monasteries / Religious Tourism
Kaisariani Monastery – Hymettus
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Kaisariani Monastery
Penteli Monastery – Penteli
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Saint Ephraim Monastery
Saint Ephraim Monastery – Nea Makri
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Saint Ephraim Monastery
Book your private transfer here for a full day through Attica, from the Byzantine calm of Kaisariani to the historic monastery of Penteli and the pilgrimage site of Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri.
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