Ai Mathias

The St. Mattheos (Ai-Mathias) on the south-western edge of Mesia is a capital village of 1500 inhabitants built at the foot of the mountain of the same name. A village with a strong personality, nice cafes on the road and a Philharmonic from 1965. A large and dense forest of oaks, fruit trees and wild olives surrounds the village. The outlaws of the early 19th century hid in its myrtles, heathers and fences. Higher up is the monastery of Pantokrator, built at the beginning of the 4th century. On the 6th of August, which the church celebrates, there is a remarkable all-night festival that you should not miss. Next is the entrance to a cave that is rumored to reach the sea. The historical value of the place is undoubtedly great, the traces of the first man of the Mesolithic Age were found here. From the village of Ai-Mathias, a road goes down to Paramonas, the excellent beach with the sand, the islets in the background and the two or three tavernas on the beach. To the south, keep the small, homely and quiet beaches of Prasoudi, Kanuli and Skidi in mind if you want peace and seclusion on busy days.