14 best Churches + Monasteries in Crete (with photos)

As you drive around Crete, you will notice many chapels and religious buildings. They are an integral part of the island's tumultuous history. 
In this article I give you my selection of the 14+ best churches and monasteries in Crete you could include in your itinerary.

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I have counted at least 75 monasteries but there are probably more. I have not been able to find the exact answer.
Of course, I can't list them all. But in this article you can find a selection of what you can expect to see when road tripping around Crete.
It is probably impossible to count the churches and chapels.

• Name - Arkadi Monastery
• Origin
  The date of the founding of the monastery is not known - but we do know it existed in the 14th century thanks to a date inscription.
  In 1722 it was extensively rebuilt and became a famous well organized center of learning
• Points of Interest
  Arkadi is the most famous of the Cretan monasteries because of the tragedy that happened during the 1866 revolution against the Turks. The religious building was used as a shelter. It was attacked on the 8th November but resisted thanks to its fortified walls. However on the 9th, the Turks made it inside. Decision was taken to set the barrels of powder on fire, killing both the locals hidden in the powder room and the Turks forces trying to enter.
  You can visit today :
  - the temple
  - the tree with bullet marks, witness of the battle
  - the Powder room left destroyed
  - the old cells and refectories
  ...
  Learn more on my article about Arkadi

• Location
  South East of Rethymno, close to the North Coast
• How to get there
  It is an easy 30min drive from Rethymno and a 1h30 drive from Chania.
  If you don't have a car, you can find day trips from Rethymno or Chania including the monastery of Arkadi - Check out the programs

• Opening Hours
  At least 9am to 6pm every day in Summer (at least to 3pm in Winter) - latest info on official website
• Entrance Fee
  3 euros
• Facilities
  Toilets on the carpark and Café across
• Tips
  Make sure to take the brochure when paying as it explains the various rooms you can visit.
  And don't forget to climb the stairs to get above the access gate. It gives you a great view of the whole courtyard and the temple.

2 - Toplou monastery

• Origin
  Founded mid-15th century probably on the ruins of a convent. But it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1612 and later rebuilt.
  It had a very tumultuous history (read about it)
• Points of Interest
  The main interest of this monastery it that it is built like a fortress. This is one of the most unique monasteries in Crete in my opinion.
  The internal structure is fascinating and the courtyard is really charming.
• Location
  East of North Coast Crete. Along the road between Sitia and Vai beach
  Sitia to Toplou = 20min drive
  Agios Nikolaos to Toplou = 1h15 drive
• How to get there
  Really at the east end of the island, so quite a drive from the main touristic towns.
  However the drive is quite easy. It is the main fast road until Sitia and they a nice easy road to the monastery.

• Opening Hours
  9am to 6pm
• Entrance Fee
  2 euros
• Facilities
  Toilets inside
  

3 - Vossakos monastery (Vosakou)

• Origin
  Monastery from the 17th century but significantly rebuilt in  the 19th century. 
• Points of Interest
  The main interest of this monastery is the Peaceful environment.
  It is quite off the beaten track in Crete (you really have to want to get there). However once you reach it at the end of the valley the silence and the views in front of it make the experience special.
• Location
  North Coast, between Rethymno and Heraklion, in the mountains
• How to get there
  The drive is not the most comfortable.
  At the beginning the mountain road is wide and in good conditions. But for the last kilometers, it is a narrower road (but you won't cross path with many people)

• Opening Hours
  No hours indicated at the gate
• Entrance Fee
  No price indicated at the gate - just to close the gate behind you after entering or exiting.
• Tips
  Make sure to slow down and breathe deeply to appreciate the environment.

4 - Gonia monastery

• Origin
  Founded in the 9th century and built in the 13th century, it was rebuilt to its current location in the 17th century.
• Points of Interest
  The Venetian style of the fortress, the dome of the church and the many artefacts and relics in the rich museum.
  The views of the sea
• Location
  North Coast, West of Chania on the way to Kissamos
• How to get there
  10min drive from the main road between Chania and Kissamos

• Opening Hours
  Summer: Daily 9am tp 2pm and 4pm to 7pm
  Winter: 8am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm t 5:30pm (closed Saturday mornings)
• Entrance Fee
  3 euros
• Facilities
  Toilets
• Tips
  Pay attention to the detailed work of rock frescoes

5 - Chrysoskalitassa Monastery (near Elafonisi)

• Origin
  17th century
• Points of Interest
  The location on a promontory 35m above the sea
  The monastery has been made famous mostly thanks to the legend surrounding the Golden step
  Learn more on my article.
• Location
  South of West coast of Crete, just a 10min drive from the famous Pink beach of Elafonisi
  Chania to Chrysoskalitissa = 1h30 drive
  Palaiochora to Chrysoskalitissa = 1h drive
• How to get there
  The drive is quite long from the North Coast and any other locations on the South Coast as the region is mountainous.
  However we did not find the drive very difficult, just long and winding (but scenic).

• Opening Hours
  At least 8am to 7pm
• Entrance Fee
  2 euros
• Facilities
  Toilets just before the entrance
  

6 - Ayios Ioannis Theologos Preveli Monastery

• Origin
  Founded during the middle ages
• Points of Interest
  This monastery is famous fro 2 reasons: its proximity to Preveli beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete - see my list) and its history during the Second World War (with a memorial not far from the monastery).
  I also love the situation with the trees and the sea.
• Location
  South Coast, South of Retyhmno
• How to get there
  From the main South Coast road it is a 10min drive. Only the crossing of the village is difficult (narrow roads), after that it is an easy drive.

• Opening Hours
  9am to 6p
• Entrance Fee
  3 euros
• Facilities
  Toilets
  

Crete is also full of Churches, mostly Byzantine churches.
I think I read somewhere that over 800 have stunning frescoes inside...
So of course I can't list them all, and doing a selection is too difficult. So I have just chosen 3 that have particularly peaked my attention.

#1 - Panagia church at Fodele

• About
  It is a small church from the 11th century with nice frescoes.
  But I just fell in love with its size, its cruciform shape, the color of its stones and the surroundings.
  I find it very photogenic, don't you?
• Location
  In the Fodele Valley, past the village. West of Heraklion
• How to get there
  Drive inside the valley from the main North Coast road. Narrow sections.

#2 - Panagia Kera in Kritsa

• About
  Certainly one of the most unique churches in Crete because of its shape. It is a triple nave Byzantine church.
  On top of its architecture, it is appreciated for the extensive and vivid frescoes inside.
  However note that bus tours stop here, so the church might be full with groups.
• Location
  At the entrance of the Krtisa village, South West of Agios Nikolaos
• How to get there
  Easy drive up in the mountains from the main North Coast road
• Opening Hours
  8am to 3pm
• Entry fee
  2 euros
  

#3 - Church of Saint Titus (Heraklion)

• About
  This church in the heart of Heraklion, stands out because of its architecture. It is a square building with a central dome.
  It is because the earlier church was destroyed in the 1856 earthquake. This church was rebuilt in this form as an Ottoman mosque. The minaret was demolished in the 1920s.
  Saint Titus was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first Bishop of Crete
• Location
  In the center of Heraklion town (Agios Titos Square)
• How to get there
  In the pedestrian area of Heraklion, it is indicated.
  
• Tips
  Not to be mixed up with the ancient cathedral of Saint Titus in Gortynas we will see in the next section

Now let's have a quick look at the few Cathedrals on the Crete island:

Gortynas Historical Cathedral

Assumption Cathedral Chania

Agios Minas Cathedral Heraklion

Neratze Mosque Rethymno

Küçük Hasan Mosque Chania

According to the Orthodox Christian calendar, many local feasts are organized in villages and towns of Crete. This could add to your Travel experience.
These feasts help preserve of customs and traditions. After the mass in the temples, locals generally gather at the central squares and celebrate with music and dance.

One of the most celebrated in Crete is Easter. It is a time fo the year where people try gathering with their families.

You can learn more about the various religious Feasts here.

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