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.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon
Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path
My favorite places to stay:
- Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
- Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
- Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel
About the Monasteries in Crete – video
Introduction
I have read that approximately 97% of the Cretans are Greek Orthodox.
The island has a long religious history which explains the high density of monasteries, churches and chapels.
But the religious buildings were also the witness of thetumultuous history of Crete. Some of them protecting locals during the Turk occupation, as they were the only places where Christians could find shelter and organize their military operations. That’s why several were destroyed during that period.
And later some monks helped fight against the German during WWII.
However nowadays some of the monasteries are deserted and others are attended to only by one or a couple of monks.
Most monasteries can be visited during the day. Remember to be dressed appropriately and not to take any pictures inside the temples.
Virtual tour
Below is a short video to give you an introduction of the types of buildings you can expect:
How many Monasteries and Churches in Crete?
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.
Other places of Worship in Crete
The Crete island evolved from the Greek deities to the Roman ones and then to Christianity. Many religious location were kept as new centres of devotions such as caves and Minoan sanctuaries.
1 – The most famous monastery in Crete – Arkadi
- 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.
My selected monasteries and churches are included in my eBook along with the best beaches, gorges, ruins and more:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
5 Other monasteries in Crete to consider
Arkadi is definitively the most famous and visited monastery in Crete. But there are many others scattered around the island, which deserve your interest.
Many of them look very similar but a few have original architecture due to their history or location.
Below is a selection of Cretan monasteries for you to consider visiting.
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 to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm
Winter: 8am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 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 6pm - Entrance Fee
3 euros - Facilities
Toilets
The best way to admire those monasteries and churches is to rent a car to explore the island.
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
3 Stunning Churches in Crete
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
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But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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3 Cathedrals in Crete
Now let’s have a quick look at the few Cathedrals on the Crete island:
Gortynas Historical Cathedral
- About
Church or Cathedral, this can be discussed, but Saint Titus in Gortynas was historically significant.
The first Byzantine period in Crete happened from 330 AD to the 9th century AD.
The ruins of the Saint Titus Cathedral are from this period. The name was given by the excavators in the 20th century as they believed it was the site of his martyrdom. - Location
Central South Coast, near Matala Beach and the Minoan palace of Phaistos - Access
It is part of the Gortynas Ruins (one of the main archaeological sites in Crete)
8am to 8pm – 6 euros
Assumption Cathedral Chania
- About
Built in 1879 by the first Catholic Bishop of Crete, to replace a smaller church which had been badly damaged by earthquakes.
This is a triple-nave basilica, decorated with neo-classical and renaissance features. - Location
Right in the heart of Chania, very close to the Venetian harbor - Access
Just walk from the old harbor
Agios Minas Cathedral Heraklion
- About
This is a Greek Orthodox Cathedral, built over decades during the 19th century (construction interrupted by the Cretan revolution).
It is by far the largest Cathedral in Crete. - Location
Not in the touristic center of Heraklion but in the center of the town - Access
5 min walk from the touristic area
2 Mosques in Crete
Crete also has a few mosque, as the island was under the Ottoman Empire for quite some time.
We have already seen the Saint Titus church in Heraklion which used to be a mosque. Below are 2 more examples.
Neratze Mosque Rethymno
- About
Originally it was a Venetian church and later an Augustinian Monastery.
But in the 17th century, it was turned into a mosque with 3 domes and a minaret added.
Today it is home to an Odena and music school. - Location
In Rethymno town - Access
10min walk from the Touristic area, close to Petichaki square.
Küçük Hasan Mosque Chania
- About
Probably one of the most famous in Crete because it stands out in the middle of the Venetian harbor.
It was built in 1645 after the conquest by the Ottoman. Its main dome is supported by arches and surrounded by smaller domes.
Its minaret was demolished in 1939.
Today it is an exhibition venue. - Location
In Chania, in the middle of the Harbor. You can’t miss it!
Where to stay in Crete?
My favorites:
- Chania, a charming town: See best rated accommodations
- Rethymno, history, beach and central location: See best rated options
- Heraklion, main city: See best rated options
- Palaiochora, for stunning scenery, away from crowds – See best rated options
- Mochlos, for a very quiet area: see best rated options
- For a sandy beach and some nightlife: Malia or Bali
Chapels everywhere as you drive
Near roads or beaches
And as you drive around Crete, you will notice many small chapels especially in the mountains and by the sea.
Here is a selection of a few I spotted:
At the bottom of gorges or in caves
But what is fascinating are the many small chapels at the bottom of gorges and stuck in cliff caves. It is sometimes very impressive where they have decided to built them.
One of the most famous is in Topolia Gorge.
But keep you eyes open, as you will see many of them around Crete!
Religious Customs in Crete – Feasts
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.
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) – read article
- 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
- The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
- The 12+ most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
- The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
- Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
- The most beautiful boat trips around Crete – read article
- Which side of Crete is best? – read article
Planning a trip to Crete?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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