Mandamados - A village with rich history and religious tradition

🏛️ Historu & Culture

Mandamados, a village with rich history and deep religious tradition, was born out of the need to protect its people from pirate raids. The legend of Archangel Michael and his miraculous icon—crafted from blood and clay—has made the Monastery of Taxiarchis renowned across the world. The village keeps memory and tradition alive through its master potters, ceramic artisans, and unique natural landscapes.

🌿 Villages & Locations

🕊️ Mandamados
Famous for the Pilgrimage Church of Archangel Michael (Taxiarchis), which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Known for its dairy products—especially its yogurt served in traditional clay pots (“gragoudes”)—as well as its ceramic art. In its narrow streets, you’ll find potters, local kilns, and artisans keeping traditional crafts alive.

⚱️ Agios Stefanos
A preserved potters’ village with workshops that follow traditional techniques. Notable for the Kouvdis workshop and its small Byzantine-style chapel. A must-visit for lovers of folk art and authenticity.

🌊 Kapi
A village whose name possibly derives from “kapes” (tobacco leaves) or the shepherds’ capes. It maintains its agricultural and pastoral identity, offering peace and authenticity. The charming “Yeni Limani” (New Port), with tavernas and crystal-clear waters, is a hidden gem away from tourist crowds.

🏞️ Pelopi
A mountainous village with stone mansions, a folklore collection, traditional products, and hiking trails. It is the birthplace of Olympia Dukakis and Michael Dukakis. Highlights include its stone bridge, the trail to Prophet Elias, and panoramic 360° views.

🐐 Kleio – Tsonia
A rural village known for its honey and dairy products. Nearby, Tsonia Beach is a small treasure: red sand, turquoise waters, seafood tavernas, and—if you’re lucky—dolphins swimming offshore.

⛪ Religious Sites

Church of Archangel Michael (Mandamados) – A major pilgrimage site, home to a miraculous icon and thousands of annual visitors
Saint Stephen (Agios Stefanos) – A church of unique architecture, located next to traditional pottery kilns
Village Churches (Kleio, Pelopi, Kapi) – Present in every community, showcasing architectural beauty and spiritual significance

📸 Activities & Nature

Boat trip to the volcanic islets of Tokmakia
Hiking to the Man’ Katsa waterfall and along the Aspropotamos stream
Beaches: Aspropotamos, Pedi, Chrysi Ammos (Kamila), offering natural shade from cedars and pines
Cycling routes and hiking trails across all the villages

🍽️ Gastronomy

Ladotyri cheese, yogurt in “gragoudes” (clay pots), honey, trachanas, feta
Local meats, meze, and seafood from village tavernas and seaside eateries
Traditional tavernas in Kapi, Pelopi, and Tsonia serving authentic homemade flavors