Panagia Eikonistria Monastery

The Monastery of Panagia Eikonistria, also known as Panagia Kounistra, is a further picturesque monastery on Skiathos island, tucked away in the middle of a pine forest on the southwestern side of the island. According to legend, in1650, an ascetic monk named Symeon was one night surprised to see a twinkling light in the forest. Upon approaching it, he saw a small icon of the Virgin Mary, swaying in a tall pine tree.The next day, having reported the incident to the priest Frangoulis in Kastro, where the villagers lived, the inhabitants followed Symeon back to where the mysterious light had been shining.

When all saw the icon hanging from the tree, the youngest priest, John, climbed up to retrieve it, placing it in the chapel where Symeon served. Legend also has it that the people approaching the icon in the tree saw its light shine brighter, the closer they got. Panagia Eikonistria Monastery was built in honor of this miraculous event, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as the island’s patron saint and protector.

She has since been celebrated annually, on November 21st. On November 20th, the faithful carry the icon from the Three Hierarchs church of Skiathos town to the monastery, by feet and lots of people saying as the icon approaching the monastery become lighter.

Come marvel at the monastery’s wooden iconostasis, frescoes and icons as beautiful works of art dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Enjoy being welcomed by Mrs. Argiro, the caretaker of over 30 years, whose warm smile, and offer of a coffee and a sweet make your visit a special delight.