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The Holy Trinity Monastery of Areti is situated near the village of Karydi (close to Neapolis) in the dry and secluded region of Mirabello province. Along with the neighboring Kardamoutsa monastery, these were the most significant monasteries in the area, which boasts the highest number of monasteries in Crete. In fact, it once managed to acquire seven other monasteries within the region. After being in ruins for many years, it has recently been restored and is now inhabited by monks.
From a distance, the monastery appears like a fortress, as part of it is fortified, making it one of the five most important fortified monasteries in Crete. At its entrance, there is a gallery that leads to large vaulted storage rooms, the barn, and the main gate of the courtyard. Within the main courtyard, there are tanks and several buildings, including cells, a kitchen, bakery, metalwork room, and other rooms. Outside the enclosed area, there are two large open tanks, an olive oil mill, a creamery, and 12 ancient cypress trees symbolizing the 12 Apostles.
The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the enclosure and features a single-spaced barrel-vaulted design with a pointed arch doorway. The bell is inscribed with the date 1618. Additionally, there is a second Venetian temple dedicated to Saint Lazarus, which likely had a funerary purpose. Lastly, the small chapel of St. Makarios of Egypt was recently founded within a small room.
A legend surrounds the founding of Areti Monastery: During the Venetian Occupation of Crete, a local worked at one of the many Venetian ports on the island and became close with some Venetians. One of them invited him to Venice for his daughter’s wedding. While there, he overheard guests discussing his homeland, Crete. Unaware that the Cretan could understand Italian, they plotted to go to the current location of Areti Monastery and unearth a hidden treasure. They also mentioned that the first person to lift the cauldron lid concealing the treasure would die. The Cretan, having heard everything, went to the area and searched for the cauldron. He found it and tied the lid to a donkey, which died upon uncovering the pot. The Cretan became wealthy and, in gratitude to God for his fortune, built the Areti Monastery in this rocky and desolate place.
Get directions to Areti Monastery in Karydi
Find below the list of hotels near Areti Monastery in Karydi:
Located in Chavgas and only 2.7 km from Plaka Beach, Falcon Villa provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at the villa.
Lake Voulismeni is 20 km from Falcon Villa, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 56 km from the accommodation.
from
€427
/night
Located in Chavgas and only 2.5 km from Plaka Beach, Eagle Villa provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 5 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at Eagle Villa.
Lake Voulismeni is 20 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 56 km from Eagle Villa.
from
€693
/night
Situated near Plaka Village of Elounda, Elounda Luxury Villas features a garden with trees and aromatic herbs. It offers fully equipped and stylishly decorated accommodation, each with a private pool and unobstructed sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Fitted with a fireplace, stone details, Coco-Mat items and hand-picked artwork, all split-level units are air conditioned and have a satellite, flat-screen TV and blu-ray player. All units include a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven with hobs, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle. Each has an indoor and outdoor dining area and 2 bathrooms, one with shower and one with bath or spa bath, along with bathrobes and slippers. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Elounda Luxury Villas also includes a barbecue.
Heraklion International Airport is 63 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€61
/night
Located in Elounda, 400 metres from Plaka Beach, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. This 5-star resort offers room service and a concierge service. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge and free WiFi throughout the property.
The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. At Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa every room has bed linen and towels.
Breakfast is available daily, and includes American, vegetarian and gluten-free options. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this resort and the area is popular for cycling.
Spinalonga Beach is 1.9 km from Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the resort.
from
€341
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Villa Elounda Blue is set in Pláka. Guests benefit from a balcony and a children’s playground.
With free WiFi, this villa offers a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Plaka Beach is 400 metres from the villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 1.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Villa Elounda Blue.
from
€242
/night
Located in Pláka in the Lasithi region, with Plaka Beach and Spinalonga Beach nearby, Plaka Beach Cottages provides accommodation with free private parking.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A private beach area is available on site.
Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from Plaka Beach Cottages, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
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