This was a great experience. The views on the top are truly astounding! I walked the trail from Kolymbia. The entrance is a bit “hidden” in the end of a road in between some resorts. It is well marked on google maps for instance. So easy enough to find. The hike upwards to towards the beginning of the stairs of 300 steps was very nice. It was a great experience to glance out over Kolymbia as I got higher and higher in the terrain. At the top was the monastery which was visited by several deeply religious people when I was there, so behaving respectfully would be a good idea.

The views are spectacular once you reach the top!!! We drove part way up, then climbed up a steepish hill to reach the 300 steps that you have to climb to get to the top. Having a fear of heights it took me some time but I did get to the top. It was well worth it. The steps are not very steep and wind around the mountain to the top. What was helpful was that they were numbered so you could see how many more you had to go.

I stayed at the Leonardo Kolymbia Resort and overlooking it is the Monastery Tsambika, situated at a height of 240m. I had no idea of the existence of the monastery but was keen to see if it was possible to climb up on foot. I eventually found a gate, (see picture), marked for the monastery and in making an initial scouting trip, could not see any clear path and it was fairly steep. I did try again a couple of days later but since it was 6pm, and having established a route up, I decided to make my climb the next day. It was a hot day and I did stumble once but eventually came to a path alongside a restaurant near the top which led to 300 marked steps which were easy after what went before. There are some marvellous views from the small monastery which had a small shop. I walked back down and having left the hotel at 8.30 am, I was back by 12. I found it a very satisfying and challenging walk which is possible if you are reasonably fit and I am in my mid 70’s.

It was a magical trip me and my boyfriend had. Our travel manager has told us about this monastery, so we decided to visit. We drove our way up the hill on our scooter, and walked the 300 steps to the top. On a hot day, bring water! But I will suggest to do it early morning or last on the day. And the view is just amazing!!

Excellent walk up which we started from the rear of Cooks Club via the gate in the photo. Walk from the hotel took around 1 hour 40 minutes return trip and from the hotel to the top of the Monastery and back was 3.2km. Walk is fine for persons wearing trainers and take plenty of water! Great views at the top, however, the old man working in the shop based at the car park was extremely rude to customers - shouting excessively loud over people trying to pay for bottled water in cash notes. Thankfully never happened to us but he was clearly heard repeatedly shouting at people! Great walk none the less and amazing views! Remember and give the goats you'll encounter some water ;)