Hozoviotissa Monastery was built in 1017 C.E. as a feat of sheer willpower. It’s hard to fathom how the eight-story building was carved from the cliff face, 984 feet above the sea. It’s a spectacular hike, up hundreds of steps to an entrance so low and narrow, you literally have to bow down before God. In the chapel, dazzling silver-plated icons and clouds of incense leave you feeling light-headed, especially as you emerge onto a tiny balcony floating between sky and sea. In the 18th century, 100 monks lived there; now there are only three. Dress modestly and go early to beat the heat and crowds—ideally for the morning liturgy, which starts at 4 a.m., to watch the sunrise from what feels like heaven.
