Map

Akrotiri (Promontory), a short distance from Chania, is of particular interest for religious tourism, because the most important monasteries which still are active are situated there. They are excellent in every aspect of their function and combine the man-made with the natural environment in the most balanced manner. As we leave Chania behind, we go uphill along the pine covered slope to Akrotiri and pass Prophet Elijah’s chapel, next to which are the Venizelos’ family graves. Moving on to the village of Korakies, one can visit the Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Ioannis Prodromos). On the north side of the Akrotiri plain stands the Tzagarola Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada ton Tzagarolon), one of the largest and most important monasteries on the island. Further north there is the Guverneto Monastery and then, along the paved path, one can reach the imposing gorge with one of the oldest monasteries on Crete, that of St. John the Merciful (Agios Ioannis Eleimon).