These images are powered by
Located at the end of Katarraktis gorge in the Asterousia Mountains, Koudoumas Monastery is 80km south of Iraklion and just 40m away from a stunning beach. It is considered one of Crete’s most remote monasteries, as reaching it from Heraklion takes approximately 2.5 hours. A 24km safe dirt road begins at the village of Sternes (reachable from Charakas) and is situated at an altitude of 1000m near the peak of Kofinas (1231m). As you descend towards sea level, you’ll be treated to breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) views of the sea and cliffs that can induce vertigo. Along the way, you’ll pass the pine grove of Koudoumas and encounter numerous goats perched on the sharp, bare rocks.
In this quintessential Cretan landscape, you’ll discover the ancient male monastery of Koudoumas. The church, constructed within a cave, is dedicated to the Assumption (celebrated on August 15). The surrounding area is filled with caves, many of which are still inhabited by hermits. From the monastery, you can follow a fascinating trail leading to the cave of St. Anthony or another path that takes you to Avvakospilios Cave. Additionally, some nature enthusiasts prefer to reach Koudoumas by walking along the trail that starts from Sternes (3 hours) and meanders through a beautiful pine grove.
The name Koudoumas possibly originates from the monastery’s founder. A Venetian document from 1280 references the surname Cudhumano, which could be related to Koudoumas. The current monastery was constructed in 1870 by monks Parthenios and Eumenios Charitakis on the site of the previous, ruined monastery. It had been abandoned, like all other coastal monasteries in Crete, due to frequent pirate attacks on the island’s shores in the 15th century.
Every year on August 15, Koudoumas celebrates with pilgrims arriving from all over the Messara region. Many of them arrive on August 14 and spend the night either in the guest rooms or on the beach. The monastery also honors monks Eumenios and Pathenios, who re-established the monastery and have been recognized as Saints, with a celebration on July 10.
Koudoumas Monastery houses the icon of Our Lady of Kykkos of Dexiokratousa (Right Hand Holding), discovered in the house of Ali Pasha in Ioannina and donated to the monastery by Helen Skandalaki in 1957. Additionally, a chapel contains the icon of the Visitation, which is associated with a miracle that occurred in 1940 (see the history section below).
Renowned for their hospitality, the monks offer overnight accommodation to all visitors. Many locals reside here throughout the summer, enjoying the basic amenities (kitchen, water, bath, etc.) provided in the monastery’s small guest rooms. The monastery complex also features a welcome room, a refectory, a library, a small museum, and the monks’ cells.
Get directions to Koudoumas monastery
Find below the list of hotels near Koudoumas monastery:
Studios Anna Maria has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Kapetanianá, 100 metres from Paralia Agios Ioannis.
All units are air-conditioned and some of them feature a seating area with a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain or inner courtyard views.
Phaistos is 42 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 72 km from Studios Anna Maria.
from
€55
/night
Situated in Paránimfoi in the Crete region, Amazing seafront house with private beach has a patio and sea views. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This apartment has 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Paralia Tris Ekklisies is 500 metres from Amazing seafront house with private beach, while Kolovrechtis Beach is 1.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
Featuring river views, Seaside mountain view Golden Mar villa provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Paralia Tris Ekklisies. The holiday home has access to a restaurant and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Kolovrechtis Beach is 400 metres from Seaside mountain view Golden Mar villa, while Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€73
/night
Located in Paránimfoi, a few steps from Paralia Tris Ekklisies and 300 metres from Kolovrechtis Beach, Ioannis Rooms Δωμάτια με θεα στη θαλασσα offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 48 km from the holiday home. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from Ioannis Rooms Δωμάτια με θεα στη θαλασσα.
from
€72
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, The South House, Mountain and Sea View is located in Paránimfoi. The property is 57 km from Heraklio Town and free private parking is provided.
This holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a fridge and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
A garden, barbecue and a terrace are available at the holiday home.
Hersonissos is 61 km from The South House, Mountain and Sea View, while Matala is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€122
/night
Situated 200 metres from Paralia Tris Ekklisies and 300 metres from Kolovrechtis Beach, House With View in Paránimfoi features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the mountain and free WiFi.
All units come with a terrace with sea views, a kitchenette with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with bidet. A stovetop and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The holiday home offers a fitness room.
Barbecue facilities are at guests’ disposal.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 47 km from House With View. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 56 km from the accommodation.
from
€71
/night
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
