Villa Tranquilla Chania
Beaches of Chania
Top rated beaches in Chania
The Turquoise Paradise!
Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece.
The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for a snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program.
515 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Balos
The Turquoise Paradise!
Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece.
The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for a snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program.
The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the water color tropical.
The area around Falassarna is magnificent and is a protected nature reserve. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete. How could this not be the best, when being in such an amazing landscape and there is no obstacle between the beach the horizon?
337 moradores locais recomendam
Falassarna Beach
The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the water color tropical.
The area around Falassarna is magnificent and is a protected nature reserve. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete. How could this not be the best, when being in such an amazing landscape and there is no obstacle between the beach the horizon?
Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells.
362 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Elafonissi
Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells.
The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves.
239 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Seitan Limania
The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves.
Favorite beach for naturists!
It is a very nice beach with white sand and some smooth and flat rocks in places. Fortunately, there are no facilities nearby, making this secluded beach, one of the latest untouched paradises in Europe. Moreover, since the beach is secluded, you should keep it clean and not littered.
144 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Kedrodasos
Favorite beach for naturists!
It is a very nice beach with white sand and some smooth and flat rocks in places. Fortunately, there are no facilities nearby, making this secluded beach, one of the latest untouched paradises in Europe. Moreover, since the beach is secluded, you should keep it clean and not littered.
Menies Beach
RodopouKrios Beach
Orthi Ammos
Ilingas Beach
Praia de Marathi
Neighborhoods
Kolymbari sits pretty on Crete's northwest coast. With majestic cliffs on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, this traditional fishing port is a tranquil spot. And what it lacks in nightclubs, it more than makes up for in cosy tavernas, fish restaurants, beaches and scenery. For a bit more buzz, Chania is a bus ride away.
50 moradores locais recomendam
Kolymvari
Kolymbari sits pretty on Crete's northwest coast. With majestic cliffs on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, this traditional fishing port is a tranquil spot. And what it lacks in nightclubs, it more than makes up for in cosy tavernas, fish restaurants, beaches and scenery. For a bit more buzz, Chania is a bus ride away.
Platanias is one of the most popular tourists resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina that they have essentially merged into a single large resort.
A busy nightlife, bars, restaurants and a large sandy beach are the basic features of Platanias, the main tourist resort of Chania Prefecture.
113 moradores locais recomendam
Platanias
Platanias is one of the most popular tourists resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina that they have essentially merged into a single large resort.
A busy nightlife, bars, restaurants and a large sandy beach are the basic features of Platanias, the main tourist resort of Chania Prefecture.
Ravdoucha Village is one of the most beautiful and traditional places in Rodopos Peninsula, in Chania, West Crete. Τhis small village, just 133 inhabitants, is located on a hill with the memorable view, overlooking the gulf of Kissamos-Kastelli and also is very close to the beach.
Ravdoucha took its name for the Greek name Ravdi, that means that the weather Ravdizei (affects a lot) all the area.
The Village although is not well known for tourists is quite fond of Cretans and especially to discerning foodies as here you will find two delicious tavernas hidden in the olive groves and below the amazing, wild rocks and just steps away from Ravdoucha Beach.
There are no shops at the village just a few cafenions, enjoying a Greek coffee, some raki and local wine or even a beer.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Ravdoucha
Ravdoucha Village is one of the most beautiful and traditional places in Rodopos Peninsula, in Chania, West Crete. Τhis small village, just 133 inhabitants, is located on a hill with the memorable view, overlooking the gulf of Kissamos-Kastelli and also is very close to the beach.
Ravdoucha took its name for the Greek name Ravdi, that means that the weather Ravdizei (affects a lot) all the area.
The Village although is not well known for tourists is quite fond of Cretans and especially to discerning foodies as here you will find two delicious tavernas hidden in the olive groves and below the amazing, wild rocks and just steps away from Ravdoucha Beach.
There are no shops at the village just a few cafenions, enjoying a Greek coffee, some raki and local wine or even a beer.
The unspoilt and historical village of Sfakia is built on the hill slopes, overlooking the natural bay. It is situated around the White Mountains range and the famous Samaria Gorge. Sfakia lies 72 km south east of Chania town. Most of the inhabitants here are involved in fishing and goat raining producing delightful cheeses such as anthotiri or mizithra.
The main town of Sfakia constitutes an excellent place to start your exploration of the southern coast of Crete. The village is very traditional and authentic and its calm atmosphere is only interrupted during the afternoon by the arrivals of hikers coming from the Samaria Gorge with small boats.
The village is known for its local cuisine and a few excellent restaurants can be found on the seafront and inside Chora. The picturesque port of Sfakia is surrounded by many cafes and fish taverns and nearby is the main beach of Sfakia which is an excellent choice for swimming. This part of Crete is linked regularly with the town of Chania. From Sfakia you can visit the remarkable cliffs of Imbros and Samaria gorge
13 moradores locais recomendam
Sfakia
The unspoilt and historical village of Sfakia is built on the hill slopes, overlooking the natural bay. It is situated around the White Mountains range and the famous Samaria Gorge. Sfakia lies 72 km south east of Chania town. Most of the inhabitants here are involved in fishing and goat raining producing delightful cheeses such as anthotiri or mizithra.
The main town of Sfakia constitutes an excellent place to start your exploration of the southern coast of Crete. The village is very traditional and authentic and its calm atmosphere is only interrupted during the afternoon by the arrivals of hikers coming from the Samaria Gorge with small boats.
The village is known for its local cuisine and a few excellent restaurants can be found on the seafront and inside Chora. The picturesque port of Sfakia is surrounded by many cafes and fish taverns and nearby is the main beach of Sfakia which is an excellent choice for swimming. This part of Crete is linked regularly with the town of Chania. From Sfakia you can visit the remarkable cliffs of Imbros and Samaria gorge
Paleohora is a lovely summer resort located 80 km south ewest of Chania town. The picturesque village lies between two coves where is also found a lovely port from where boats depart from Sougia and other villages of Crete.
The village consist of two wonderful beaches, one with soft sand and one with nice pebbles. Both are gifted with refreshing crystalline waters which are always protected from the strong winds making an ideal place to relax during the summer holidays.
Paleochora is a popular summer destination for tourists and is extremely busy during the high season but still there are many quiet places for those who care for some relaxation and tranquility. The village offers many types of accommodations, plenty of restaurants and taverns, shops and bars that remain open until the late hours.
The Venetian fortress of Paleochora is called "Selino" and stands at the top of the settlement. It was built on 1820. Among the things that captivate every visitor in Paleochora are the beautiful whitewashed little houses dressed in colourful flowers and picturesque alleys. Regular buses connect Chania Town with the village of Paleochora.
185 moradores locais recomendam
Palaiochora
Paleohora is a lovely summer resort located 80 km south ewest of Chania town. The picturesque village lies between two coves where is also found a lovely port from where boats depart from Sougia and other villages of Crete.
The village consist of two wonderful beaches, one with soft sand and one with nice pebbles. Both are gifted with refreshing crystalline waters which are always protected from the strong winds making an ideal place to relax during the summer holidays.
Paleochora is a popular summer destination for tourists and is extremely busy during the high season but still there are many quiet places for those who care for some relaxation and tranquility. The village offers many types of accommodations, plenty of restaurants and taverns, shops and bars that remain open until the late hours.
The Venetian fortress of Paleochora is called "Selino" and stands at the top of the settlement. It was built on 1820. Among the things that captivate every visitor in Paleochora are the beautiful whitewashed little houses dressed in colourful flowers and picturesque alleys. Regular buses connect Chania Town with the village of Paleochora.
Food scene
Argentina Kapenekis
PEO KolymvariouBest seafood in the west of Crete!
Fish reastaurant with great view of the Kolymvari's old fish harbor
6 moradores locais recomendam
Diktina Restaurant
Fish reastaurant with great view of the Kolymvari's old fish harbor
A family traditional taverna!
Kali Kardia ("the good heart") is a typical traditional tavern at the square in the middle of the village of Afrata. They serve simple Greek dishes, the owners are very friendly. We order several dishes such as tzatziki, pork chop, souvlaki, chicken from the oven and spinach pie.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Taverna Kali Kardia
A family traditional taverna!
Kali Kardia ("the good heart") is a typical traditional tavern at the square in the middle of the village of Afrata. They serve simple Greek dishes, the owners are very friendly. We order several dishes such as tzatziki, pork chop, souvlaki, chicken from the oven and spinach pie.
A substantial part of the Greek heritage is made from the traditions that the culinary culture of the country has passed down from one generation to the next. One such culinary landmark is the flavor of Bougatsa.
Bougatsa is a dish made with filo pastry and with fillings that can change from region to region. In Chania (Crete), the most famous pastry shop, Iordanis Bougatsa has been baking fresh bougatsa on a daily basis since 1922. Through the years, the uniqueness of his shop has been published in endless food and travel magazines.
37 moradores locais recomendam
Bougatsa Iordanis
24 ApokoronouA substantial part of the Greek heritage is made from the traditions that the culinary culture of the country has passed down from one generation to the next. One such culinary landmark is the flavor of Bougatsa.
Bougatsa is a dish made with filo pastry and with fillings that can change from region to region. In Chania (Crete), the most famous pastry shop, Iordanis Bougatsa has been baking fresh bougatsa on a daily basis since 1922. Through the years, the uniqueness of his shop has been published in endless food and travel magazines.
Chrisostomos
και IkarouGramboussa Restaurant
1 Emmanouil DiktakiElaias Thea
Kapileio Tavern
Leventis Taverna
Adespoto Music Taverna
SifakaSightseeing
Always the first thing you hear about Chania - the Venetian Harbour, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.
It is beautiful - that is to say much of the Chania you will want to see is clustered close to the harbour - old buildings, museums, churches and crafts shops (some with genuinely interesting and sometimes local, products on offer).
399 moradores locais recomendam
Porto Veneziano Antigo
8 Agiou MarkouAlways the first thing you hear about Chania - the Venetian Harbour, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.
It is beautiful - that is to say much of the Chania you will want to see is clustered close to the harbour - old buildings, museums, churches and crafts shops (some with genuinely interesting and sometimes local, products on offer).
The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in whole Greece, it is excellently equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well cared for, mostly with stones and soil. It is not considered a very difficult hike; a vivid proof is the fact that hundreds of people cross it every year.
517 moradores locais recomendam
Garganta de Samaria
The trail of Samaria is the most visited trail in whole Greece, it is excellently equipped with signals and signs which eliminate the danger of getting lost, it is comfortable and very well cared for, mostly with stones and soil. It is not considered a very difficult hike; a vivid proof is the fact that hundreds of people cross it every year.
Lake Kourna is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. It is situated in a magnificent location, just 4km away from Georgioupolis Chania. It is a rather small lake, known from antiquity with the name Korisia. Lake Kournas is a remarkable destination for an afternoon walk or a day trip. The relaxing and beautiful landscape is ideal for nature lovers.
In Lake Kournas, there are two fountains with only one of them being visible, especially during the end of the summer: the Eye, as the locals call the fountain. This natural lake was created by the holdback of the underwater that comes from the White Mountains, the resistant rocks and the lie of the natural cavity. Basically, the lake is a huge hollow which is fed from the southeast side with water due to its soil.
361 moradores locais recomendam
Lago Kournas
Lake Kourna is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. It is situated in a magnificent location, just 4km away from Georgioupolis Chania. It is a rather small lake, known from antiquity with the name Korisia. Lake Kournas is a remarkable destination for an afternoon walk or a day trip. The relaxing and beautiful landscape is ideal for nature lovers.
In Lake Kournas, there are two fountains with only one of them being visible, especially during the end of the summer: the Eye, as the locals call the fountain. This natural lake was created by the holdback of the underwater that comes from the White Mountains, the resistant rocks and the lie of the natural cavity. Basically, the lake is a huge hollow which is fed from the southeast side with water due to its soil.
Frangokastello is an important historical monument in the region of Chania, Crete. This castle was built between the period 1371-1374 BC. The construction work started by the Venetians, who had conquered Crete that time. In fact, this castle was set up to maintain a military base for the Venetian army. Apart from protecting the area and the properties of the noblemen from pirates and enemy attacks, this castle would also be used as a base for attacks in the island of Crete, who was still resisting to the Venetian conquerors.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Fortaleza de Frangocastelo
Frangokastello is an important historical monument in the region of Chania, Crete. This castle was built between the period 1371-1374 BC. The construction work started by the Venetians, who had conquered Crete that time. In fact, this castle was set up to maintain a military base for the Venetian army. Apart from protecting the area and the properties of the noblemen from pirates and enemy attacks, this castle would also be used as a base for attacks in the island of Crete, who was still resisting to the Venetian conquerors.
The Botanical Park of Chania is one of the most impressive attractions in Crete thanks to its wide variety of plants, herbs and animals. It is located in the Cretan White Mountains (Omalos), 20km away from the noisy Town, and occupies an area of 20 hectares with plants that originate from three completely different climates; Mediterranean, Tropical, and Temperature. The Park somehow revived the area after a big fire that had broken out in 2004 and which destroyed every kind of plant. Now, the Botanical Park is full of Mediterranean trees, vineyards, and aromatic herbs that enchant the visitor.
Spring is the ideal season for visiting this Park because the majority of flowers and trees has blossomed and you can observe the differences of all species. There are specially-designed trekking paths all over the Park and labels in each plant, herb, or tree with descriptions of the species along with useful information. While strolling around the cherry trees, the tropical or the citrus garden, you will encounter a beautiful artificial lake where various wild birds, ducks, butterflies, peacocks, and farm animals, such as donkeys or wild goats, live. An excursion to the Park is highly educational and entertaining for both children and their parents as they learn much new information on the flora and fauna of the Cretan climate.
219 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Botânico e Jardins de Creta
Eparchiaki Odos Chanion-OmalouThe Botanical Park of Chania is one of the most impressive attractions in Crete thanks to its wide variety of plants, herbs and animals. It is located in the Cretan White Mountains (Omalos), 20km away from the noisy Town, and occupies an area of 20 hectares with plants that originate from three completely different climates; Mediterranean, Tropical, and Temperature. The Park somehow revived the area after a big fire that had broken out in 2004 and which destroyed every kind of plant. Now, the Botanical Park is full of Mediterranean trees, vineyards, and aromatic herbs that enchant the visitor.
Spring is the ideal season for visiting this Park because the majority of flowers and trees has blossomed and you can observe the differences of all species. There are specially-designed trekking paths all over the Park and labels in each plant, herb, or tree with descriptions of the species along with useful information. While strolling around the cherry trees, the tropical or the citrus garden, you will encounter a beautiful artificial lake where various wild birds, ducks, butterflies, peacocks, and farm animals, such as donkeys or wild goats, live. An excursion to the Park is highly educational and entertaining for both children and their parents as they learn much new information on the flora and fauna of the Cretan climate.
Ancient Aptera (Roman Source)
Intzedin Fort
IMBROS GORGE ENTRANCE
Eparchiaki Odos Vruson-Choras SfakionAradena Gorge
Agia Irini Gorge
Museums
The Maritime Museum of Crete is housed at the Venetian Firka fortress, placed at the entrance of the old harbor in Chania. This location has historical importance because on December, 1st, 1913, the Greek flag was raised there and signaled the unification of Crete with the Greek state. The initial idea behind the museum was to build a place that would depict the Greek naval tradition and especially the naval history of Crete.
214 moradores locais recomendam
Museu Marítimo de Creta
14-16 DefkalionosThe Maritime Museum of Crete is housed at the Venetian Firka fortress, placed at the entrance of the old harbor in Chania. This location has historical importance because on December, 1st, 1913, the Greek flag was raised there and signaled the unification of Crete with the Greek state. The initial idea behind the museum was to build a place that would depict the Greek naval tradition and especially the naval history of Crete.
The Byzantine and post-Byzantine collection of Chania is housed in the church of San Salvatore, inside the Old Town. The Venetian church was built by Frangiskan monks in the 15th century A.D. This Byzantine Museum co0ncentrtes a large collection of items from Byzantine, post-Byzantine and Venetian times that come from the excavated sites in the wider region of Chania as well as donations.
The exhibits are presented in sections and include statues, tomb inscriptions, part of a floor mosaic from a paleo-Christian church, wall frescoes from the Byzantine times, coins from the Venetian and the Byzantine period, ceramic pieces, jewelry, and various ecclesiastical items. There are also interesting and rare Byzantine icons with vivid colors. The primary objective of the museum is to present the historical and artistic background of Chania during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Collection
78 TheotokopoulouThe Byzantine and post-Byzantine collection of Chania is housed in the church of San Salvatore, inside the Old Town. The Venetian church was built by Frangiskan monks in the 15th century A.D. This Byzantine Museum co0ncentrtes a large collection of items from Byzantine, post-Byzantine and Venetian times that come from the excavated sites in the wider region of Chania as well as donations.
The exhibits are presented in sections and include statues, tomb inscriptions, part of a floor mosaic from a paleo-Christian church, wall frescoes from the Byzantine times, coins from the Venetian and the Byzantine period, ceramic pieces, jewelry, and various ecclesiastical items. There are also interesting and rare Byzantine icons with vivid colors. The primary objective of the museum is to present the historical and artistic background of Chania during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period.
Museu Arqueológico de Chania
St ChalidonChurches
The Monastery of Gonia (Panagia Odighitria) in Kolimbari, Chania Crete: The Monastery of Gonia (Panagia Odigitria) is located 26 km from Chania Town and 2,5 km from Kolimbari, on a hill overlooking the Cretan Sea. The monastery was originally founded by the Zealots Monks around the 9th century and it was originally dedicated to Saint George.
Built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis Vritomartis, the monastery was rebuilt in 1618 due to the frequent pirate invasions of that time. As a result, the monks had been forced to pursue a safer place. During the 17th century, the monk Vlassios decided to build the new monastery at its present location, after a vision that he saw. The monastery is surrounded by a great yard with colorful flowers including a line up of the monk cells, the bank, and the storehouses.
The architecture was mostly influenced by the Venetians with a narthex and a dome and a number of smaller chapels around the monastery. Today, the Monastery of Gonia is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and it celebrates on 15th of August. Ever since it was founded, the monastery has suffered many great catastrophes but it has also been rebuilt many times.
Particularly, during World War II, it was destroyed by the German bombings, yet it became a shelter for injured people. Today, the monastery owns a great collection of precious relics, icons and religious treasures from the 15th and 17th century. In close distance to the monastery of Gonia, there is the Orthodox Academy of Crete, one of the most important contemporary religious and foundation of the Holy Archdiocese of Crete.
30 moradores locais recomendam
Mosteiro de Gonia Odigitria
The Monastery of Gonia (Panagia Odighitria) in Kolimbari, Chania Crete: The Monastery of Gonia (Panagia Odigitria) is located 26 km from Chania Town and 2,5 km from Kolimbari, on a hill overlooking the Cretan Sea. The monastery was originally founded by the Zealots Monks around the 9th century and it was originally dedicated to Saint George.
Built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis Vritomartis, the monastery was rebuilt in 1618 due to the frequent pirate invasions of that time. As a result, the monks had been forced to pursue a safer place. During the 17th century, the monk Vlassios decided to build the new monastery at its present location, after a vision that he saw. The monastery is surrounded by a great yard with colorful flowers including a line up of the monk cells, the bank, and the storehouses.
The architecture was mostly influenced by the Venetians with a narthex and a dome and a number of smaller chapels around the monastery. Today, the Monastery of Gonia is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and it celebrates on 15th of August. Ever since it was founded, the monastery has suffered many great catastrophes but it has also been rebuilt many times.
Particularly, during World War II, it was destroyed by the German bombings, yet it became a shelter for injured people. Today, the monastery owns a great collection of precious relics, icons and religious treasures from the 15th and 17th century. In close distance to the monastery of Gonia, there is the Orthodox Academy of Crete, one of the most important contemporary religious and foundation of the Holy Archdiocese of Crete.
The Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Tsagarolon is located about 20 km northeast of Chania town, in the peninsula Aktorini. This is an impressive monastery and in fact, it is the largest of all monasteries in Crete. Its architecture has elements of the Venetian and the Cretan Renaissance style and a rather austere style. A big yard is found in the center and a couple of beautiful chapels are included within the Monastery.
According to some old documents, the Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagaroli was founded in the early 17th century by the brothers Lavrentios and Ieremias Tsagarolon, from whom it took its name. These brothers were both monks and came from a Venetian Orthodox family.
The monastery flourished in the 18th century and its monks took part in the Greek Revolution and the Cretan fight for independence at the end of the 19th century, as all the monasteries of Crete did. Particularly famous for his action was abbot Gregorios Papadopetrakis, who played an important role in the Cretan Revolutions of 1866 and 1878. Because of the revolutionary action of its monks, the monastery was burnt and plundered by the Turks in 1821, who took most of the relics.
In 1855, the monastery was renovated and in 1892, it turned into a Theologian School. The library that is kept till today has many rare books and manuscripts. In the yard of the monastery, you will find the chapels of Saint Apostles and of Saint Crucifixion.
67 moradores locais recomendam
Mosteiro de Agia Triada
ΑκροτήριThe Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Tsagarolon is located about 20 km northeast of Chania town, in the peninsula Aktorini. This is an impressive monastery and in fact, it is the largest of all monasteries in Crete. Its architecture has elements of the Venetian and the Cretan Renaissance style and a rather austere style. A big yard is found in the center and a couple of beautiful chapels are included within the Monastery.
According to some old documents, the Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagaroli was founded in the early 17th century by the brothers Lavrentios and Ieremias Tsagarolon, from whom it took its name. These brothers were both monks and came from a Venetian Orthodox family.
The monastery flourished in the 18th century and its monks took part in the Greek Revolution and the Cretan fight for independence at the end of the 19th century, as all the monasteries of Crete did. Particularly famous for his action was abbot Gregorios Papadopetrakis, who played an important role in the Cretan Revolutions of 1866 and 1878. Because of the revolutionary action of its monks, the monastery was burnt and plundered by the Turks in 1821, who took most of the relics.
In 1855, the monastery was renovated and in 1892, it turned into a Theologian School. The library that is kept till today has many rare books and manuscripts. In the yard of the monastery, you will find the chapels of Saint Apostles and of Saint Crucifixion.
The Monastery of Gouverneto, or Our Lady of the Angels, is located on the northern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 19 km from Chania and 4 km from the Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon. This is considered among the oldest monasteries in Crete as it was established in 1537.
It must also have been among the largest monasteries of Crete in the past, as according to testimonies about 60 monks were living there the period before the occupation of Crete from the Ottomans. During World War II, the Germans established a guardhouse to control the region. The last years, the monks restored the monastery and repaired the damages of time.
The architecture of this monastery looks like a castle, with towers that used to protect it from enemies. Only two of the four towers survive today, but the remains of the other two can be seen in the yard. The katholikon of the monastery is dedicated to Virgin Mary. This is a cross-shaped church without domes and interestingly it has carved monsters at the entrance of the church. The style is influenced by the Renaissance and the Baroque.
The Monastery of Gouverneto was founded by Saint John the Hermit, which is why a small chapel is dedicated to him next to the katholikon. Also, his cave can be seen in the nearby Avlaki Gorge. Another chapel in the monastery is dedicated to the Ten Saints of Crete. Inside the Monastery of Gouverneto, there is a small ecclesiastical museum with precious relics.
56 moradores locais recomendam
Mosteiro de Gouverneto
The Monastery of Gouverneto, or Our Lady of the Angels, is located on the northern side of the Akrotiri peninsula, 19 km from Chania and 4 km from the Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon. This is considered among the oldest monasteries in Crete as it was established in 1537.
It must also have been among the largest monasteries of Crete in the past, as according to testimonies about 60 monks were living there the period before the occupation of Crete from the Ottomans. During World War II, the Germans established a guardhouse to control the region. The last years, the monks restored the monastery and repaired the damages of time.
The architecture of this monastery looks like a castle, with towers that used to protect it from enemies. Only two of the four towers survive today, but the remains of the other two can be seen in the yard. The katholikon of the monastery is dedicated to Virgin Mary. This is a cross-shaped church without domes and interestingly it has carved monsters at the entrance of the church. The style is influenced by the Renaissance and the Baroque.
The Monastery of Gouverneto was founded by Saint John the Hermit, which is why a small chapel is dedicated to him next to the katholikon. Also, his cave can be seen in the nearby Avlaki Gorge. Another chapel in the monastery is dedicated to the Ten Saints of Crete. Inside the Monastery of Gouverneto, there is a small ecclesiastical museum with precious relics.
Wineries & Olive Oil
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