Chrisopigi monastery on Sifnos

Not far from Faros and Apokofto is Chrisopigi, which is the best bathing-place with rocks on Sifnos. I love to swim off the rocks, and this bathing-place with rocks belongs to my favourites in Greece, almost in the same class as Agia Anna on Amorgos. And it is not just because there is - like at Agia Anna - a monastery nearby.

On both sides of the rock it is possible to sunbathe on, and dive from, perfectly shaped rock formations. One do not necessarily have to dive, there are small ledges from which one can walk or jump in.

Rocks at Chrisopigi. Apokofto beach can be seen on the other side of the bay.

 

There is also a rock bath on this side of the monastery.

If you like snorkeling, you will find it here.

The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkelling. There is a deep underwater ravine a few metres out in the water to the right of the monastery. When you snorkel over the ravine it tickles in your stomach and you feel almost like Jacques Cousteau. Nudism is strictly forbidden since the bathing-place is within the monastery area.

Chrisopigi Monastery with surrounding rock baths.

Chrisopigi monastery.

Ring them bells. (Bob Dylan.)

The monastery is located on the rock that juts out into the sea, a small bridge connects the rock with the mainland. According to one legend - there are several - two young girls where on the rock when they were attacked by pirates. They prayed to the Virgin Mary for help and the rock was cut in two. The story do not tell if it helped.

The rock that cracked in the middle.

Here you can see the small bridge that connects the cliff with the mainland.

The monastery is very beautifully located. Apokofto beach on the right in the picture.

The baptismal font stands a bit outside the monastery.

In the monastery's church, as in all Greek churches, there is an important icon. This icon was found, like many other Greek icons, floating in the sea by a fisherman. The Panagia Chrisopigi icon is believed to have healing powers and is said to have performed more than 35 miracles. One of these miracles is that it is thanks to Chrisopigi that Camilla and I got married in Greece.

The miraculous icon in the church of Panagia Chrisopigi.

One of many weddings at the Chrisopigi Monastery.

Chrisopigi Monastery seen from Apokofto beach.

Stavros church to the left and the monastery Chrisopigi to the right.

Rocks at the monastery Chrisopigi. Faros on the other side of the bay.

If you stay in Faros, you see the rock and the monastery almost wherever you are. Most likely, you will be part of both weddings and baptisms if you stay in Faros a few days. It is not uncommon with several weddings and baptisms every week. Sometimes the bridal couples arrive by boat, and it is incredibly beautiful.

Chrisopigi (see arrow) seen from Faros.

ACCOMMODATION AT CHRISOPIGI MONASTERY

There are only a few hotels near the monastery. If you want to splash in a swimming pool overlooking the monastery, just book a room at Paradise Place Sifnos.

Book Paradise Place Sifnos here »

READ MORE ABOUT SIFNOS