Churches & monasteries

Toplou Monastery

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A fortified monastery with its own wine.

The monastery of Toplou lies in the far east of Crete, on the road from Sitia to Vai. It's one of the most important monasteries in Crete, probably founded in the 14th or 15th century. The name comes from the Turkish word for cannon, after the cannon that once defended it.

The monastery looks like a fortress, with high walls and a tall bell tower. It has a famous icon, "Great art thou, O Lord", painted in 1770 by Ioannis Kornaros, with 61 scenes. A museum shows icons, manuscripts and engravings.

The monks produce excellent wine, olive oil and raki, sold in the shop.

Sitia is the far east of Crete, a quieter, less touristy area of dry hills, olive groves and vineyards. The town of Sitia has a pretty harbour, a Venetian fortress and museums, and the area includes the palm beach of Vai, the Toplou monastery, the Minoan palace of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead. Much of the area is part of the Sitia UNESCO Geopark. The local olive oil is among the best in Greece.

Around Sitia

Nearest town: Palekastro, about 6 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 14 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