Virgin Mary Katefiani
(Genessio Theotoku)

The little church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Katefiani is built on the rock of Mesa Vouno, high above the beach of Perissa. The name 'Katefiani' comes from the word katefio, or katefygio, meaning a place of refuge, since the inhabitants sought refuge there in times of hostile raids. It dates back to 1537 to 1650 AD. We can reach the little church by following Path 3 (which connects Perissa and Kamari after passing Ancient Thera at the top of Mesa Vouno) for 10 minutes. Then we turn right where we see a cross attached to a rock. At this point, the vertical rock of Mesa Vouno is also used as a climbing field (Perissa climbing field).