Vossako Monastery
Place description
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.
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Stays near Vossako Monastery
- 10 / 10
- ΣΙΣΕΣ
Featuring pool views, White Boutique Homes – Serenity features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 33 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
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 2 bathrooms with a shower. The air-conditioned holiday home also offers a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can enjoy the pool with a view at White Boutique Homes – Serenity.
Venetian Walls is 35 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 39 km from White Boutique Homes – Serenity, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€198
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- 10 / 10
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Set in Metókhion Apisianá, 33 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 35 km from Venetian Walls, White Boutique Homes – Euphoria offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at White Boutique Homes – Euphoria.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 39 km from White Boutique Homes – Euphoria, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
- 3.9 km
- Apladhianá
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Fisi II 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 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 available in the villa.
The villa offers a hot tub.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from Villa Fisi II and Wellness, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
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€147
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- 10 / 10
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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.
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€147
/night
- 4.5 km
- Apladhianá
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Fisi and Wellness is located in Apladhianá. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 5 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.
The villa offers a hot tub.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from Villa Fisi and Wellness, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
- 4.6 km
- 9.2 / 10
- Vlichada
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.
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- 9.7 / 10
- Bali Village
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.
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- 5.2 km
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Holiday Home Villa Coral by Interhome is situated in Vlikhádha. This holiday home features accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home has 3 bedrooms, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Featuring free private parking, this 4-star holiday home also features free WiFithroughout the property.
Livadi Beach is 2 km from the holiday home, while Bali Beach is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 51 km from Holiday Home Villa Coral by Interhome.
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