The Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon is a working monastery near Volimes in northern Zakynthos, about a five-minute drive from the Navagio Beach viewpoint. Founded in the 16th century, it gives you a quiet stop for the church’s painted ceiling, colorful windows and a courtyard with views over Navagio Beach and the Ionian Sea. Monks live and work here, including in a mosaic workshop. You can also buy handmade olive oil, honey wine and limoncello made at the monastery.
A monastery near Navagio Beach
Agios Georgios Krimnon stands near Volimes in the northwest of Zakynthos. The monastery dates to the 16th century and remains a religious community where monks live and work. It is around a five-minute drive from the Navagio Beach viewpoint, so it can be a calm stop alongside a visit to the coast.
The monastery has a long history on the island. It was among Zakynthos’s important religious houses, and the monk Pahomios Rousianos and Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia spent part of their lives there. The monastery once held a notable library; its books were later moved to Venice.
The church and enclosed grounds
The main church, or katholikon, sits at the centre of a complex enclosed by monastery buildings and a high wall. The main entrance is linked to the bell tower. A tower built in 1561 was intended to protect the monastery from pirate attacks. Accounts of the monastery’s history also describe pirate destruction and later rebuilding, though the details differ.
Inside the church, look up at the painted ceiling and notice the colorful windows. The grounds include a courtyard with potted plants, along with the monks’ living and working spaces. Walk respectfully through the complex, which remains an active religious community.
Monks’ work and handmade products
The monks’ daily routine includes prayer and work, with a mosaic workshop among the activities visitors may learn about. Handmade goods available at the monastery include olive oil, honey wine and limoncello produced by the monks. Buying one is a way to support their work.
For a quieter visit, choose a time when fewer tourists are there. You can combine a walk through the grounds with time in the church, then continue to the nearby Navagio viewpoint.
Preguntas frecuentes
How close is the monastery to the Navagio Beach viewpoint?
It is about a five-minute drive from the viewpoint.
Is Agios Georgios Krimnon Monastery still active?
Yes. Monks live and work at the monastery.
What can you see inside the monastery?
The church has a painted ceiling and colorful windows. The complex also includes an enclosed courtyard and a tower built in 1561.
What handmade products can you buy there?
The monks make olive oil, honey wine and limoncello for sale.
