High Cross (Psilos Stavros

At 305 meters, the church of the High Cross (Psilos Stavros) is located at the highest point (aside from the even higher village of Imerovigli) of Path 9, which connects Oia with Fira. Its name, Psilos Stavros, which means “High Cross,” emphasizes that height. It is 500 meters from the church of the Prophet Elias, and you can reach it in a little less than 20 minutes. The climb is strenuous, but once you get here, you can sit and relax, enjoying the view of the entire caldera in front of you, with Imerovigli and the Castle of Skaros in the background. The trail descends from here, and after about 750 meters it meets the main vehicular road that heads from Fira to Oia. At this point there is also a snack bar where we can purchase refreshments and relax a bit in the shade.