Kosmadei - Vigla (Kerkis) (Samos) (no. 9 / 10)

Access to starting point:
The starting point is on the Greek island of Samos in the village of Kosmadei (also Kosmadaioi, gr. Κοσμαδαίοι). Winding but paved roads lead to this point. The traffic slows down noticeably only through villages along the way, such as Lekka and Nikolaudes (it is 12 km from Karlovassi to the starting point).

On the road near the destination, in the middle of a dense forest, all alone, a graffito nicely greets visitors with "Welcome to Samos".

The paved road ends at the top of the village at a scenic location where there is a parking lot. From there, only a rough dirt road continues, which is suitable for driving only with off-road vehicles (the first slope of this mountain road has a concrete base due to its incline, but later it does not; some people may still drive over this slope and then a short descent with a regular car).

Route description:
It is highly recommended to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, long pants (to protect against thorny vegetation), and plenty of water before setting out on the trail. Already in June, the thermometer read 27°C upon return at 3:00 PM.

The route from Kosmadei to the Panagia Chatzimanolisa Monastery covers 4.2 km and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on foot. The monastery is located in the area known as Kakoperato, at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level, and is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. Nearby, you will find a cave containing a chapel (for more information, see: https://www.isamos.gr/en/kosmadei-2/).

Be aware that the road has several branches. While these are often distinguishable from the correct path by their poorer condition, they can be particularly misleading on the return journey. One specific branch bears signs for 'Iera Moni' (Greek: Ιερά Μονή). Stay on the narrow dusty road for another hour until the very sharp road turn already outside the forest (see the photos).

The road is remote, with little to no traffic (only one car was observed in three hours during my visit). According to the guestbook, the mountain area often sees no visitors for several days at a time.

At a bend, a hiking trail branches off, leading toward the ridge that rises above the road. The path initially ascends beneath the ridge heading west. As the view opens up to the scorching, rocky southern slopes of the neighboring Kerkis, the trail climbs onto the ridge and shifts to its southern side. There, it dips slightly before rising again, eventually offering stunning views of the island's southern side and the sea.

The path then leads past a water reservoir, which also serves as a natural stone shelter from the sun and wind. From here, the trail soon reaches the Chapel of Prophet Elijah (also: Old Profitis Ellas; Gr.: Παλαιός Προφήτης Ηλίας – Palaíos Profítis Ilías). The name is fitting, as Saint Elijah is traditionally the patron saint of hikers in Greece. In the courtyard, a large number of goats and sheep gather in the midday heat, among which the most notable is their sleeping four-legged guardian dog.

The trail continues along the southern slope, known for its wild nature and rare visits, yet remains clearly visible. It climbs northward, and at a small chapel standing like an island amidst the thorns, it turns west. In this direction, it leads to the ridge south of the summit, which is just a few minutes' walk away. Although the views from the peaks of Greek islands are often indescribable, it is hard to find a more beautiful one than this.

Option to return via the Zastano peak (see related description).

Along the route: Panagia Chatzimanolisa (Zoodochou Pigi) (575m), Old Profitis Ellas (1154m)

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