Katholiko Monastery
Katholiko Monastery
4.5
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LyndaParis_France
Bayonne, France113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
It’s a 30 minutes walk down and the same back up. Wear confortable shoes and bring water. It’s a gorgeous area to walk through
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Benjamin C
47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
this was really amazing. When we got to the start of the hike, the monastery there was actually closed so we proceeded with the hike. They told us that the descent takes half an hour. We went slowly stopping frequently for pictures and a few times to make sure we were going the right way which sometimes we were not. Luckily, there were other people on the trail to get us back on track. The views all around were fantastic. Eventually, we made it to the remains of Katholiko monastery, which is every bit as cool as I had hoped. From there, we were really not sure where to go, but saw some blazes, scampered down one steep stretch, and then were on the right track and it was another 10 or 15 minutes to the water. The water area definitely exceeded my expectations. I was not sure if in fact anybody would want to swim at all, but we all had brought bathing suits, were hot from the hike, and the swimming was spectacular! The water was absolutely crystal clear and swimming with the mountains around us was amazing. Everybody really loved it. I was a bit anxious about getting back before dark. Since it took us about an hour and a half to descends, I was estimating it might take two or 2 1/2 hours to get back up. Luckily, it was one of the longest days of the year. As it turns out, we went up much faster than we went down! We got back to the starting points in about 50 minutes. Our kids ages 9, 12, 14 and 17 has no trouble with the hike and really loved the experience.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laurentiu
Bucharest, Romania1,737 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
Monastery Katholiko, also known as the Monastery of Agios Ioannis the Hermit or simply Katholiko Monastery, is a significant historical and religious site located in Akrotiri, near Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece.

Historical Significance: Katholiko Monastery is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, with origins dating back to the 11th century. It holds great historical and cultural value, reflecting the rich religious heritage of the region.

Location and Setting: The monastery is situated in a secluded spot at the bottom of a deep gorge, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dramatic natural scenery. Its remote location adds to its allure and creates a sense of tranquility and spiritual retreat.

Architectural Features: The monastery complex includes a church, monks' cells, a dining hall, and various other structures. The architecture showcases elements of Byzantine and Venetian styles, reflecting the historical influences of different eras.

Cave of St. John the Hermit: Adjacent to the monastery, there is a natural cave known as the Cave of St. John the Hermit. It is believed that St. John lived in this cave during the 11th century, leading a hermitic life and establishing the monastery.

Hiking and Nature Exploration: Katholiko Monastery offers a fantastic opportunity for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can embark on a scenic hiking trail leading to the monastery, enjoying the breathtaking views and experiencing the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Religious and Cultural Significance: The monastery holds religious significance and is a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. Its ancient walls, historic artifacts, and religious icons provide insights into the religious traditions and practices of the past.

Visitor Facilities: It's important to note that Katholiko Monastery does not have extensive visitor facilities. There may be limited amenities on-site, so it's advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and appropriate footwear for hiking.

When visiting the monastery, it's essential to be respectful of the religious nature of the site and adhere to any rules or guidelines provided. Taking in the serene atmosphere and exploring the historical and natural aspects of Katholiko Monastery can provide a unique and enriching experience for tourists in the Chania region.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Danielle M
30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Family
A lovely spot where you can visit a monastery and then wonder down a track past caves and old ruins. Beautiful and interesting. We would have loved to have continued on to the bay but ran out of time. I would suggest 4 hours for a leisurely stroll, trip to the monastery, trip to the bay and stops for snacks. The monastery can be reached with a hire car however we got a maxi cab from Chania and it cost €50 each way. Some people walked in flip flops but I would recommend trainers and plenty of water.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lina
Slap ob Idrijci, Slovenia6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Family
One of the best experiences of our holidays on Crete!
You have to go to Gouverneto monastery and then through it- to Katholika. The path is very nice and tidy, with view all the way down. The katholika monastery is great, beautiful, has the "spirit". I recommend you to hike on the other/opposite hill where you will get a nice view of whole monastery.
I also recommend to get water and a snack and good shoes or at least sandals (no flip flops). Anyway, definitely recommend !
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AntoniosMan
Cardiff, UK105 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
The monastery is in a very beautiful spot with excellent view. From there you can go all the way down to a gorge leading to the abandoned St. John monastery. From there and through the gorge you can go to katholikon beach which is amazing. A wonderful 2 km experience.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shelleyash
San Diego, CA1,855 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
You can find the Katholico Monastery by using GPS to take you to the Gouverneto Monastery on the north tip of Akrotiri peninsula in Chania Crete. Park in the lot when you arrive, pay the attendant the cost of 2.50 euro fee at the entrance. Then you can explore the Gouverneto Monastery and when you finish, continue along the path to the wooden gate. Go through the gate that opens up into a field and keep walking straight ahead.

There is a memorial there for the Akrotiri people who were executed by the Nazi's during WW2. There is a sign telling you about the Monastery of St. John. It flourished during the Byzantine and Venetian domination periods. The monks lived in caves in the rocks.

Bring water with you if it is a hot day, there are many steps to go up and down. About 5 minutes down the trail you will find a cave, bell, ruins, and church or shrine. I went inside the cave as far as I could (on hands and knees) and a bat flew toward me when I shined my light in the crevice. You can actually see drops of water on the tips of stalactites inside the cave so you see how they form.

After exploring the cave and ruins continue on another 20 minutes down a lot of steep steps to get to the Catholic church ruins. There are a lot of good views of the ocean going down this path. At the end it took me 25 minutes to get back to the Gouveneto Monastery. I am in good shape and I went up the stairs as quickly as I could without a break.

If you walk to the bottom and go under the bridge toward the ocean you will reach the water in another 25 minutes.

The ruins of the Catholic Monastery are interesting, there are several large buildings there, a church with curtains and pictures of saints and a wooden wall built inside. There is a big bridge connecting the sides of the ravine. There are some more caves, one of which is much longer than the first one on the trail. I followed a rope down to a large stalactite and then continued on a bit further in. You need a light, there are stones to trip on.

It was a very interesting hike, be sure to read the few signs along the way to appreciate the history. The weather was perfect in October and the walk was enjoyable. Agia Triada, the Holy Trinity Monastery is nearby and also Seitan Limania beach is beautiful and about 7 km away, but it will take a while to hike down to it.
Written 29 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heli K
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
This must be one of my favorite hikes. Breathtaking views all the way down to the ruins of the monastery, with a refreshing swim in the old harbor. Reading about the interesting history of the monastery made the hike all the more fascinating.
Written 8 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

joanneb22015
London, UK14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019 • Couples
We visited mid morning and found the hike challenging in the heat, but rewarding.
We were looking to do incorporate some exercise so arrived at the sea in just under an hour (having stopped for photos etc and to enjoy the scenery) and back up took about 40 mins.

You could easily take longer and do it at a more leisurely pace.

It wasn't that clear where the path was after the bridge, but there was a group ahead of us so we followed them. You do have to scramble a bit straight after the bridge but only for 20m or so, then it becomes an easier path.

The reward, when you get to the sea, was worth it.

When we paid our 2.50 euro at the car park, a very helpful gentleman reminded us that the monks have requested no swimming at the cove. Unfortunately the group ahead of us had ignored that and were diving in and being loud. It was a shame and disrespectful imho.

All in all, certainly worth doing.

Follow the signs to Triada Monestary and take the road a further 3km to Gouverneto to start the hike there. The last bit of road is quite windy and narrow!
Written 28 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

boothfenn
Sunderland66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
Reguler traveller to crete and spotted this on You Tube
Thought it may take some finding but the newer monastery is well signposted after you pass chania airport
Can't believe people are moaning about paying,it was 2.5 euro !! ..Its like an Indian jones location ,super cool
We walked down to the coast ,not much to see but we love stuff like that .Tough going coming back but do able at any age if you're reasonably fit
Written 12 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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KATHOLIKO MONASTERY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Katholiko Monastery