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The Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, also known as Virgin Mary of Gournia, is situated northwest of Pachia Ammos and 24km south of Agios Nikolaos. This male monastery is perched on a steep slope at an altitude of 540 meters, offering breathtaking views of the sea. The two-aisled monastery church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Zoodohos Pigi (Source of Life), is built within a cave.
As one of the most renowned monasteries in eastern Crete, the Panagia Faneromeni Monastery attracts pilgrims from all over the island, especially on August 15th, its celebration day. Some even arrive on foot to fulfill a vow.
Constructed on a steep incline, the monastery resembles a fortress overlooking the sea. Its strategic position reflects the defensive nature of the Faneromeni Monastery against the frequent pirate attacks along the Cretan coast. The architecture is reminiscent of monasteries that were restored in the late 16th and 17th centuries.
Legend has it that a shepherd once lost his best ram every afternoon. One day, he decided to follow the ram and witnessed it drinking water flowing from the cave. As the shepherd approached, the icon of the Virgin Mary was “revealed” to him. When he took the icon home, it vanished, only to be found again in the cave where the monastery was eventually built. It is said that the same icon reappears and mysteriously disappears again, particularly on the Assumption and other Marian feasts.
Get directions to Faneromeni Monastery near Gournia
Find below the list of hotels near Faneromeni Monastery near Gournia:
Just 80 metres from the beach, Istron Collection Villas offers modern Mediterranean villas with unobstructed sea views. The private seawater swimming pools are complete with sun chairs and loungers.
Istron Collection Villas come with an open-plan kitchen with dining area, and large windows with mosquito nets. The two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas feature an elegant living room with fireplace. Amenities include Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, home cinema and hi-fi equipment.
Guests can relax in their private terrace with a direct view to the bay. Table and chairs for open-air dining are featured.
Wine, water and fresh fruits will welcome you on arrival. Laundry and ironing service are available upon request. Personalised services include massage appointments and shopping service.
from
€216
/night
Situated on a hillside with views over the beautiful Istron Bay or located at the entrance of Istron village, Istron Luxury Villas offers stylish accommodation with private swimming pool, free WiFi access and private parking. The beach lies within a short walk from the main property.
The fully equipped villas are elegantly furnished and decorated, creating a homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the private swimming pool, or soak up the sun on the terrace overlooking the sea. Some units are split level and some include a spa bath, while all villas include a microwave, a dishwasher and a flat screen satellite TV with DVD player.
Homemade Greek flavours can be enjoyed at the elegant setting of the on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner. Access to the facilities of the nearby Istron Bay Hotel, including a flood-lit court, a kid’s club and a number of bars and restaurants, is also provided to guests.
The centre of Istron Village lies within 700 metres from the property, while Agios Nikolaos Town is at a distance of 13 km. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 72 km away.
from
€266
/night
With an outdoor pool overlooking the Cretan Sea, Kounenos Apartments offers self-catered accommodation with a wonderful view over the bay. It is situated on the hill of Istron-Kalo Chorio, 300 metres from the beach.
Surrounded by a large garden and olive groves, each guest accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette. Furnished in typical Cretan style, all units feature round wooden tables, stone floors and stone-built beds. Wi-Fi is free in the entire property.
Kounenos Apartments is approximately 900 metres from the village centre. Agios Nikolaos is some 11 km away. Free private parking is available, and guests can hire a car on site.
Other free services include: at Voulisma beach our guests can relax at our privately owned beachfront space, equipped with comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas, and also park their cars in the adjacent privately owned area
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€82
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea is situated in Istron. It has a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
Popular points of interest near Spacious villa with private pool and sea view, just 150 meters from the sea include Pylos Beach, Istro Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Anemone Homes has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Istron, 400 metres from Istro Beach.
All units comprise a seating area with a sofa, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette with various cooking facilities, including an oven, a toaster, a fridge and kitchenware. Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the apartment, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Pylos Beach is 600 metres from Anemone Homes, while Chartalami Kolibou Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 51 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€54
/night
Istron Homes features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Istron, 500 metres from Istro Beach.
All units come with a terrace with sea views, a kitchenette with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Voulisma Beach, Pylos Beach and Chartalami Kolibou Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 51 km from Istron Homes.
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