Monasteries & short hike

This tour combines visits to three old monasteries in the area of Akrotiri, known for their historical significance and beautiful architecture.

Starting with the monastery of Agia Triada you will learn about the Venetian occupation of Crete, during which the monastery was built and the role it played during the period of Ottoman rule. In the monastery's museums you will see relics which were hidden by the monks and were not burnt by the Ottomans when they set fire to the monastery. The monks today continue the monastery's long tradition of producing wine, olive-oil and other products which you will have the chance to taste.

Your next stop will be the Gouverneto monastery, which still retains its authentic monastic character and is open only for pilgrims and small groups of people. It's one of the oldest monasteries of Crete known for its turbulent history.

From the Gouverneto monastery a steep path through the mountains, with an amazing view of the surrounding area and interesting caves, leads to the ruined Katholiko monastery and its cave-church which is carved into the rock and served as a shelter for St. John the Hermit.

This tour is available in: English, Greek, French, Italian & Spanish.