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The male monastery of Saint George Selinaris is nestled in the heart of the Selinari gorge, close to Vrachasi village and Neapolis. The National Road, which connects Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, runs alongside the monastery, making it a popular stop for many visitors daily. Cretans believe it is bad luck to pass through the canyon without stopping at St. George, a tradition that dates back to when travelers would stop to rest with their animals.
As per tradition, a monk from Rhodes named Nikolaos was guided by God to a location where he discovered the icon of St. George, leading him to build a church. Nikolaos resided at Selinari until his death, at which point he was buried in a small cave at the summit of Anavlohos mount, which he had carved himself. Several years after his passing, sailors from Rhodes were led to Nikolaos’ tomb by a shining star. Recognizing this as a divine sign, they transported his bones back to Rhodes. Anavlohos cave can be found on the eastern side of the gorge, directly opposite the monastery. The exact location can be identified by looking up at the gorge walls and spotting a large cross. While the cave is accessible by foot, climbing the steep path requires good physical fitness.
During the Ottoman Era, it is believed that the Turks attempted to destroy the monastery, as evidenced by the three bullets embedded in the old icon of Saint George, which is also considered miraculous.
A visit to the monastery is well worth it, as you can admire the stunning beauty of the lush canyon and cool off at the local spring. The monks are very welcoming and eager to share the history of the monastery. The central church’s main body is modern, as are the wall paintings in the chapel of St. George (the original temple built by Nikolaos). A modern nursing home also operates here, constructed on the ruins of the old monastery cells.
Get directions to St. George Selinaris monastery
Find below the list of hotels near St. George Selinaris monastery:
Boasting mountain views, Sissi – Villa Eleftheria offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.7 km from Boufos Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Avlaki Beach is 1.8 km from the villa, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from Sissi – Villa Eleftheria.
from
€141
/night
House of Polymnia has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Sissi, 2.2 km from Boufos Beach.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
House of Polymnia features a barbecue and a garden.
Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2.2 km from the accommodation, while Avlaki Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from House of Polymnia.
from
€81
/night
Located in Sísion and only 1.5 km from Boufos Beach, Malena Residence provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home has a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Avlaki Beach is 1.7 km from Malena Residence, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
Carob Villas, an Eco-Friendly Hideaway features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Sísion, 2.9 km from Boufos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, go fishing or hiking, or relax in the garden and use the barbecue facilities.
Lake Voulismeni is 25 km from Carob Villas, an Eco-Friendly Hideaway, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 35 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€213
/night
Located in Vrachasi and only 19 km from Lake Voulismeni, Villa Aires provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a terrace and a swimming pool.
Featuring a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 32 km from Villa Aires, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 40 km from the accommodation.
from
€412
/night
Sissi Lux Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Sissi, 2.3 km from Boufos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain 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 featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Sissi Lux Villas offers a barbecue.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the accommodation.
Avlaki Beach is 2.5 km from Sissi Lux Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 25 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 35 km from the villa.
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