Agios Ioannis

Saint John the Theologian or Siderianos (Meaning made of iron)
 

The monastery of Saint John the Siderianos (Aghios Ioannis Siderianos) is located in the southwest side of the island, in Halakas. The date of its establishment and operation remains unknown even though it is mentioned in documents since 1582. Its architecture is that of a basilica with dome and this church is quite spacious, very well preserved and it is surrounded by many cells of different dimensions for the housing of its pilgrims. Saint John’s icon which is inside the church, is a very old one and it is said to have been painted by the Evangelist Luke.

This monastery was named after one of Saint John’s miracles. According to folklore tradition on the feast of Saint John, pirates showed up and the people trying to save themselves from their raids, were locked into the church and there praying intensely  full of with tears to Saint John, they asked him to secure the door with iron so that the pirates would not enter. Their prayers were answered and finally the pirates did not manage to open the church door. Then, a furious pirate climbed up on the church’s dome, aimed at the pilgrims with his gun and tried to shoot them. Then, Saint John caused the paralysis of  the pirate’s hand and the gun fell into the church, where it is kept till the present day along with other religious objects.

The miracles performed by Saint John do not end there. In the Second World War, an English war ship threw  an bombshell to a German fort in the region, which lodged in the church wall. The bombshell did not explode and it can also be seen today inside the church.

Visit this church and later on enjoy your swim on the magnificent beach of the like sands. Also, should you visit Milos around the 25th of September, which it the feast of Saint John the Siderianos, do not forget to participate in the great festival in honor of Saint John Siderianos which lasts many days.

A pretty beach with rich yellow sand, next to Triades.
In order to get there you pass by Aghia Marina, you pass by the monastery of Saint Ioannis the Siderianos, and turning right you proceed on the earth-road.

A cave of unique natural beauty, accessible only from sea.
The cave of Sykia does not have a roof, as a result the sunbeams come into the cave lighting up its emerald colored waters and creating a visual feast of colors and shine.

The beach was named after the monastery of Saint Ioannis the Siderianos.
In order to find this white-yellow beach separated into three parts that are interconnected with paths, you will have to cross an earth-road of approximately 12 km. The first one is accessible by vehicle, whereas to get to the other two you, will have to walk far enough and also to climb down some rocks.