Trekking in Zakynthos in Skopos Mount

Mount Skopos represents a unique setting for trekking in Zakynthos. The mountain is located south of Zakynthos a couple of km from the city of Argassi. It has an altitude of 492 m and on top as well as admiring the splendour of a large part of the island, it is also possible to visit the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa, the place where the ancient temple of the goddess Diana was located. The trekking route is immersed in the characteristic Mediterranean vegetation and scrub of the Ionian Islands. The splendid panoramic view will fascinate you at every point of the route, which for the most experienced ends with a descent to the Bay of Laganas.

Begin of the trekking route

The start of the route is south of the city of Argassi. On the right you will find a small road (here the position) and at the crossroads turn left, uphill. Park immediately after the gate.

Duration

The summit can be reached in about an hour and a half. For the more experienced off-roader, once you reach the top, there is a further descent that leads to Kalamaki.

Panoramic Viewpoint

At the summit there are two panoramic points. The first is the more challenging viewpoint and where more attention must be paid, it is on top of the rocky hill located on the east side of the church. To the rear of the hill there is a rope that guides and supports the visitor to the top. The view from here is truly magnificent. The second viewpoint is a hundred meters beyond the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa and offers sweeping views across the bay of Laganas.

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa is one of the oldest monasteries on the island. It was built before the middle of the 15th century and in 1534 it was given to the “Logothetis” noble family to which it still belongs today. The church was built in the shape of a cross on the site of a temple of Diana and is surrounded by the ruins of a once thriving monastery. Inside the church there are beautiful murals of saints and an icon of the Panagia Skopiotissa.