Kirchen & Klöster Geheimtipp

Kremasta Monastery

Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A monastery that seems to hang from the hillside.

The Kremasta monastery lies near Neapoli in Lasithi, perched on rocks so that from a distance it seems to hang from the green hillside. Its construction began in 1593.

Today visitors can explore its gardens, admire its architecture and learn about its charitable work.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, built around a lake and a harbour on the beautiful Mirabello gulf. The area includes Elounda, Plaka and the island of Spinalonga to the north, and Kritsa, Lato and the Katharo plateau in the hills behind. The coast has many small beaches and calm bays, and the town is lively in the evening with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Boats leave for Spinalonga and trips around the bay.

Around Agios Nikolaos

Nearest town: Elounda, about 14 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 52 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi