The Katholiko Monastery, nestled in the mountainous region of Arkoudovounia, lies 20km east of Chania, near Cape Akrotiri or Meleha’s northern shores. Accessible through a stepped cobblestone path that originates from the Gouverneto Monastery, the journey takes you past the Saint Anthony Church and the Cave of Panagia Arkoudiotissa, culminating at Katholiko. Continue along the trail, and you will find yourself at a charming fjord, Katholiko Bay, with azure waters, home to the remnants of the monastery’s old harbour.
The origins of the monastery can be traced back to the 11th-century cave where Saint John the Hermit, or Xenos, drew his last breath. Post his demise, this secluded area, known as Arkoudovounia, evolved into one of Crete’s key ascetic hubs. The cave was transformed into a temple, and the adjoining spaces provided refuge to hermits, with monk cells being added later on.
In the 17th century, under Jeremiah Tzagarolo’s supervision and guided by Sebastiano Serlio’s architectural designs, the cave-front area underwent a major transformation, giving the monastic complex its present grandeur. You can still see the decayed hermit cells, the bell tower, and the magnificent bridge spanning the gorge’s river, forming a large square to connect the two sides. At the bridge’s base, you can find vast vaulted storage spaces, flanked by a two-story building and a string of vaulted rooms designed to accommodate pilgrims.
Saint Ioannis’ worship proliferated so much in the broader Chania area that the 1637 census records one of the largest incomes derived from pilgrims. This is particularly noteworthy considering the arduous trek the visitors had to endure to reach Katholiko. However, as the pirates targeted Crete’s shores, fear set in, the monastery was abandoned, and the monks retreated to the safer confines of the Gouverneto Monastery. As per legend, a large rock resembling a ship near the gorge’s exit is said to be a petrified pirate ship, a result of the Katholiko abbot’s curse.
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Find below the list of hotels near Katholiko Monastery:
Located in the village of Stavros, Paradisio Baby & Kinder Hotel offers a variety of children’s facilities, such as a 400-m² play area, a go kart track, a tree-house, and ping-pong table, as well as animal farm, just a 15-minute walk from the beach.
It offers self-catering accommodation with 2 separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a private bathroom. All apartments open out to 2 balconies. The fridge is filled in daily with local products, while own-produced wine and olive oil can be found in the room upon arrival.
The scenic town of Chania with its Venetian harbour is 10 km away. Souda Port is also at 10 km. Free WiFi throughout and free private parking are provided.
from
€173
/night
Featuring garden views, Villa Luz offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 3.7 km from The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 12 km from Villa Luz, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
from
€117
/night
Set in Khordhákion, 6.1 km from The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada and 15 km from House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos, Villa of Light Heart offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Archaeological Museum of Chania is 15 km from the holiday home, while Saint Anargyri Church is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 2 km from Villa of Light Heart.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Amina features accommodation with a private beach area, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a terrace, around a few steps from Gold Coast Beach. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Amina, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Stavros Beach is 300 metres from the accommodation, while Sunset Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Villa Amina, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€469
/night
Boasting mountain views, Helios a modern large villa with private pool set in a quiet location features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.4 km from Stavros Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Gold Coast Beach is 1.4 km from the villa, while Sunset Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8 km from Helios a modern large villa with private pool set in a quiet location.
from
€396
/night
Boasting garden views, Levanda Home features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Stavros Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 100 metres from Gold Coast Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The holiday home features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Sunset Beach is 500 metres from Levanda Home, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 8.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€115
/night
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