Kirchen & Klöster Geheimtipp

Attali Monastery

Mylopotamos, Rethymno · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A monastery with sea views near Bali.

The monastery of Agios Ioannis Attali stands on a hill west of the village of Bali, with panoramic sea views. It was built in the late Venetian period.

The monastery is restored and has a beautiful church.

The monastery of Agios Ioannis Attali stands on a hill above Bali, with great views over the bay and the coast. It was built in the late Venetian period and has been restored. The church is small and peaceful, and the courtyard is full of flowers. The walk up from Bali takes about 20 minutes.

Mylopotamos lies between Rethymno and Heraklion, stretching from the north coast up the slopes of Psiloritis. The coast has the pretty resorts of Bali and Panormos, while inland you find the pottery village of Margarites, ancient Eleftherna, the Melidoni cave and the mountain villages of Anogia and Zoniana. The area is known for its strong traditions, Cretan lyra music and hearty mountain food, especially lamb and cheese. It's a great area for exploring away from the main resorts.

Around Mylopotamos

Nearest town: Bali, about 2 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 49 km by road

Rethymno sits between the mountains and two seas, and it is the easiest region to combine with the rest of the island. Its old town and Fortezza are among the best preserved on Crete, with Venetian doorways, Ottoman wooden balconies and a long sandy beach right next to the centre. More about Rethymno