Katholiko Monastery

Σχετικά

Ruined cave monastery in a gorge on Akrotiri.

The monastery of Katholiko lies in a deep gorge on the Akrotiri peninsula, below the Gouverneto monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, connected with Saint John the Hermit, who lived in a cave here in the 11th century. The buildings were abandoned after pirate raids and today stand in ruins, carved partly into the rock.

A path of about 30 minutes leads down from Gouverneto past the Arkoudospilio cave to the monastery, where a stone bridge crosses the gorge. From there the path continues to a tiny rocky inlet where the monks once kept their boats. The walk is short but steep in places, and the atmosphere is very special.

The Chania area is the green heart of western Crete. Around the city, olive groves and orange orchards stretch towards the White Mountains, whose peaks stay snowy until late spring. The old town, with its Venetian harbour, the market hall and countless tavernas, is never far away, and the Akrotiri peninsula adds sandy beaches, old monasteries and the Venizelos graves. Food here is a highlight: try boureki (a bake of courgettes, potatoes and cheese), kalitsounia pies and fresh fish, with a glass of local raki to finish.

Πώς θα πάτε

About 19 km from Chania by road.

Στον χάρτη

35.58800, 24.15200 · Στον χάρτη