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The Holy Cross Monastery (Timios Stavros) in Vosako is situated on a small plateau amidst the peaks of Koutroulis and Mesokofinas in the Talean Mountains, approximately 50km east of Rethymno. To reach the monastery, visitors can drive through the village of Doxaro, where they will be greeted by the stunning, rugged landscape. Alternatively, there is another route that begins in the village of Sisses.
The name Vossako is derived from the Greek words “vous” (buff) and “sakos” (fold), which translates to “cattle pen.” This is likely because the plateau was once used to feed cattle.
Constructed like a fortress, the monastery’s main temple (Katholiko) is dedicated to the Holy Cross. During celebrations, pilgrims embark on a challenging trek to the monastery from Kalo Horafi, near Panagia Charakiani in Bali, which takes around 2-3 hours.
Up until the late 20th century, the monastery lay in ruins and was completely abandoned. However, it has since been restored and now functions normally. The buildings are spread across two levels and feature two courtyards, with the main temple located in the southern courtyard. A beautiful Venetian fountain can be found outside the temple, while the main entrance is quite impressive.
Historically, the monastery played a significant role in the revolution against the Turks, leading to its destruction by them on two separate occasions.
Get directions to Vossako Monastery
Find below the list of hotels near Vossako Monastery:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Fisi I and Wellness is situated in Apladhianá. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 3 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 available in the villa.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Villa Fisi I and Wellness.
from
€147
/night
Alexandra Villa is a split-level holiday home with a sun terrace, situated in Bali. The nearest organised beach is at 2 km. Free private parking is available on site.
Boasting sea and greenery views, Alexandra Villa offers a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in this self-catering accommodation. It also boasts 2 bathrooms.
Réthymno Town is 33 km from Alexandra Villa. Heraklion International Airport is 45 km away.
Located in Vlikhádha and only 1.5 km from Livadi Beach, Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla 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 PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub and a shower. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is provided.
The villa offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla can arrange a car rental service.
Bali Beach is 1.9 km from the accommodation, while Bali Beach North is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 51 km from Promitheas Villa, Sea Side Resort, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€413
/night
Boasting views of Bali Bay from its terrace and balconies, Manolioudis Villas enjoy a private pool and a well-furnished outdoor area with BBQ facilities. Modernly decorated, the villas feature free Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout.
Fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural stone flooring, each consists of an open-plan seating, dining and functional kitchen area with stylish appliances. They include 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a flat-screen satellite TV and DVD/CD player.
Upon arrival, guests are provided with a welcome basket containing breakfast essentials and local homegrown products, such as olive oil, fruits and vegetables.
Manolioudis Villas is 2 km from Bali Village, sandy beaches and a minimarket. It is 33 km from Rethymno City. Heraklion City is at a distance of 50 km, while Heraklion International Airport is 53 km away.
Boasting mountain views, Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Livadi Beach. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
Staff at the villa are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, while snorkelling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Bali Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Bali Beach North is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 50 km from Oraia Eleni Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€354
/night
Situated in Balíon and only 1.2 km from Livadi Beach, Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
Boasting a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while snorkelling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Bali Beach is 1.7 km from Paris Villa, infinite coastal views, By ThinkVilla, while Bali Beach North is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 50 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€354
/night
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