Höhlen

Cave of Saint John the Hermit

Platanias, Chania · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A pilgrimage cave on Akrotiri.

The cave of Saint John the Hermit lies on the Akrotiri peninsula, near the ruined Katholiko monastery. Saint John, known as Xenos (the stranger), lived here as a hermit in the 11th century.

The cave is about 135 m long, with stalactites and stalagmites. A small chapel stands at the entrance. Every year on 7 October, a big festival is held here.

The walk from Gouverneto monastery takes about 30 minutes.

Saint John the Hermit, also known as Xenos or the Stranger, came from Cyprus or Egypt and founded several monasteries in Crete in the 11th century. The cave where he lived is near the ruins of Katholiko monastery, built into the rocks of a small gorge. The festival on 7 October attracts many pilgrims, who walk down from Gouverneto.

Around Platanias

Nearest town: Kissamos, about 14 km by road
Nearest airport: Chania airport (CHQ), about 44 km by road

The west of Crete is the island at its most dramatic. Chania has the most beautiful Venetian old town on Crete, wrapped around a harbour with a lighthouse and a domed mosque. In the evening the narrow lanes of Splantzia and the old Jewish quarter fill up with tavernas and small bars. More about Chania