Roukounas – Kastelli – Agios Mamas – Zoodochos Pigi Monastery – Kalamos
The route starts from the ancient port of Katalimatsa right after Megalos Roukounas (1). You can also start from the Chora-Monastery central road at the “Kasteli” bus stop (2).
First stop at the chapel of Panagia sto Dokari (3), that sits next to a roman sarcophagus which brings a unique charm to the area.
Heading uphill, you will find your- selves at the ruins of ancient Anafi (Kasteli) (4). A visit to this place is an exceptional experience since, apart from the visible walls and ruins, there are also underground reservoirs and tomb complexes. Before leaving the site you should head for the highest point of Kasteli (altitude of 325m) to enjoy the panoramic view.
To reach Agios Mamas church, built over an ancient temple, (5) follow the path at the eastern side of Kasteli hill. In antiquity, this alpine trail that begins here, leaded to the temple of Apollo (or to the Zoodohos Pigi Monastery, in modern times) and therefore it is called Iera Odos (Holy Road). A group of ancient tombs has been located north of Agios Mamas.
The trail leading from Agios Mamas to the Zoodohos Pigis Monastery
(7) is well-designed and in some sections paved with stones (6). Walking down the same road ancient Anafians used to reach their temple, is always a touching experience.
Built on the summit of the impressive monolithic rock of Kalamos, the rest of the route towards the Panagia Kalamiotissa Monastery (9) can be considered as an independent trail, as one can reach it by road starting from Chora.
Halfway to the Monastery there is a rutty path, leading to Drakontospilo (Dragon’s cave) (11) as locals call it, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites. The area is home to wild goats and birds due to the particular morphology of mount Kalamos (10), also known as “Gibraltar of the Aegean”.