Illustrative view of a monastery in the hills near Souroti

For travellers searching for cultural and religious places to visit near Thessaloniki, Souroti offers a peaceful experience away from the busy city centre. The Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is closely associated with Saint Paisios of Mount Athos and is one of the most meaningful day trips from Perea.

Why visit Souroti during a stay in Thessaloniki?

Golden Star City Resort is located on the seafront of Perea, giving guests easy access to beaches, restaurants, sunsets and the wider Thessaloniki region. A visit to Souroti offers a completely different atmosphere. The road leaves the coast and leads towards a quieter landscape of hills, villages and countryside.

Many visitors choose the monastery as a half-day excursion because it can be visited without sacrificing a full day at the beach. Guests can have breakfast at the hotel, drive to Souroti in the morning, spend time at the monastery and return to Perea for lunch or an afternoon walk along the Thermaic Gulf.

The Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian

The women’s Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is located near Souroti, east of Thessaloniki. The monastery was founded with the spiritual guidance and support of Saint Paisios, and the grounds include the tomb of the well-known elder of Mount Athos.

For Orthodox visitors, the site is an important place of pilgrimage. For other travellers, it is also an opportunity to learn about the spiritual, historical and cultural traditions of Northern Greece. The visit is best approached calmly and respectfully, as this is a living religious community rather than a conventional tourist attraction.

The monastery can become particularly busy around important religious celebrations and the feast days connected with Saint Paisios. If you are planning a visit during a popular weekend or religious festival, allow additional time for traffic, parking and queues.

How far is Saint Paisios Monastery from Golden Star City Resort?

Approximately 25–30 km · 30–40 minutes by car

From Golden Star City Resort at Pavlou Kountouriotou 73 in Perea, the monastery near Souroti is approximately 25–30 kilometres away by road. The drive normally takes around 30–40 minutes, although the exact journey time depends on traffic, road conditions and the route selected by your navigation app.

This makes the monastery a convenient day trip from Perea and from the Thessaloniki Riviera. For an accurate journey estimate on the day, guests should use live navigation from the hotel entrance. Our team can also help with local transport suggestions and planning the rest of the route.

Open the route from Golden Star City Resort in Google Maps

What should visitors expect?

Visitors should expect a quiet, spiritual setting. The pace is slower than in the city, and the experience is about reflection, prayer and respect for the monastery. Walk quietly, follow instructions and avoid treating the grounds like a photo attraction. Photography may be restricted in some areas.

Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are useful, especially during summer. The surrounding area can feel warm in the middle of the day, so a morning visit is often more comfortable. There may be limited facilities close to the monastery, so prepare what you need before leaving Perea.

Practical advice before your visit

  • Check the latest visiting hours and visitor rules before departure.
  • Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
  • Plan extra travel time on Sundays, weekends and feast days.
  • Keep your phone on silent and respect services or prayer.
  • Ask the hotel team for help with a taxi or a combined itinerary.

Opening hours and access arrangements can change. Confirm the current information with the monastery before travelling, particularly if your visit is connected with a religious service or a major celebration.

What else can you combine with Souroti?

Souroti works well as part of a wider day in eastern Thessaloniki. You can stop for lunch in the Thermi area, continue towards the airport and nearby coastal destinations, or return to Perea for a sunset by the sea. Guests interested in history can dedicate another day to central Thessaloniki, its museums and its Byzantine monuments.

For more ideas, read our guide to easy day trips from Perea or return to the Golden Star travel journal.