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Located at the northeastern edge of Crete, near the base of Sidero Cape, Toplou Monastery is situated 10km east of Sitia and 6km north of Palekastro. This historic monastery, one of Crete’s most significant, is known for its extensive real estate holdings. In religious contexts, it is referred to as the Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani, while locals simply call it the Great Monastery.
Although Toplou is a 2.5-hour drive from Heraklion, it is worth visiting, as you can combine the trip with visits to the area’s beautiful beaches, the ancient Itanos site, and the renowned Vai palm grove. This part of Crete is one of the most arid and inhospitable, and the persistent strong winds have led to the establishment of one of the island’s first wind farms.
The monastery is secured by a 10m high wall that has protected it from enemy invasions. It covers an 800 square meter square area and features three floors, 40 rooms, and a 33m high bell tower. Legend has it that the monastery has 100 doors, but only 99 have been discovered. A well with water, which sustained the monks during various sieges by Turks and pirates, is located in the center of the monastery. Opposite the well is a two-aisled basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary and John the Theologian.
The entrance to the monastery is on the west side of the fort, and its robust door is mounted on wheels. Above the main entrance, there is a hole known as the “killer” where monks would throw stones or pour boiling hot liquids onto anyone attempting to break through the door.
Get directions to Toplou Monastery near Sitia
Find below the list of hotels near Toplou Monastery near Sitia:
Pelegrines V. Is set in Palekastron. Situated 10 km from Vai Palm Forest, the property features a terrace and free private parking.
The holiday home with a balcony and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 18 km from the holiday home.
from
€45
/night
Villa Amalia is nestled on Palekastro amidst olive groves. It features a courtyard with sun loungers and panoramic sea view. The family-run property offers self-contained units with private balcony and free WiFi throughout.
Each of the studios and apartments features a kitchenette and a private bathroom.
Guests can relax at the garden and enjoy the scenic view. Barbeque facilities are available for all guests to use.
Kouremenos Beach is an 1-minute drive away and it is ideal for windsurfing. Villa Amalia is 21 km from Sitia, and 6 km from the famous palm beach of Vai. The traditional village of Palekastro is just a 10-minute walk.
Featuring garden views, Lydia Guest House provides accommodation with a garden, around 12 km from Vai Palm Forest. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is composed of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from the holiday home.
from
€69
/night
Located in Palekastron and only 2.6 km from Kouremenos Beach, Kalithea Studio 1 provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2.9 km from Chiona Beach.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment features a barbecue and a garden.
Vai Palm Forest is 9.3 km from Kalithea Studio 1. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 20 km from the accommodation.
from
€79
/night
Situated in Palekastron, within 2.5 km of Kouremenos Beach and 2.9 km of Chiona Beach, Kalithea Nest features accommodation with a garden and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Built in 2022, the property is within 9.3 km of Vai Palm Forest. Each room includes a terrace with views of the sea.
At the guest house, the rooms include a desk. Rooms have a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At Kalithea Nest all rooms have bed linen and towels.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 20 km from the accommodation.
from
€52
/night
Situated in Sitia, 2.2 km from Kouremenos Beach and 2.6 km from Chiona Beach, Palaikastro Holiday Apartment offers air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Vai Palm Forest is 8.8 km from the holiday home. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 19 km from Palaikastro Holiday Apartment.
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