Crete tourist guide

The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.

Monastery of Odigitrias

The Odigitrias Monastery (Μονή Παναγίας Οδηγήτριας στο Σίβα) is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries so often visited by tourists. Located a bit away from popular tourist routes, it attracts only those who relax near Matala . Meanwhile, it is worth to look at it because it is one of the most historic and wealthy monasteries of the island. It is a place of great importance and great historical value. The advantages of this place do not end only on these aspects. It is worth visiting this place also because the entire area of ​​the monastery is very picturesque and beautiful. The calm atmosphere that prevails here, makes you feel sorry for leaving the walls of this sacred complex.

The entrance gate to the area of ​​the monastery complex
The entrance gate to the area of ​​the monastery complex

The Odigitrias Monastery is located less than 14 km from Matala and is located on the border of the Messara plain and the Asterious mountain range. If you would like to get here from Heraklion, you will have to travel about 70 km following the route no. 97 to the south. From this road, take the exit in Mires heading for Sivas, then on Listaros, continue towards Kali Limenes. You will soon reach the monastery, which is located at the entrance to the Agiofarago Park. It is impossible to overlook it because in this place, apart from a large car park, there is nothing else.

Mount Athos Crete

The location of the monastery near the Asterousia mountains is not accidental. This mountain range was probably the most important cradle of asceticism in Crete. Apparently, it was here in the area of ​​Asterousia that the apostle Paul stayed on his journey to Rome. This fact contributed to the development of such a strong monastic tradition in this place.

It also contributed to the fact that the "holy" gorges of Agiofarago and Martsalo, still belonging to this monastery, were inhabited by hermits in the distant past. It was they who in the 14th century decided to build the Odigitrias monastery in the vicinity of these ravines.

This area is also today called the "Mount Athos of Crete" which is an obvious reference to the republic of monks on the Athos peninsula in northern Greece. The name of the Odigitrias monastery is most likely a reference to the copy of the icon oδηγήτρια ("pointing the way") from Constantinople, one of the most famous icons of the Byzantine Empire. Confirmation of the existence of the monastery is an official document dated 1393. In the 15th century, the iconostasis was created, from which four icons of the then famous Cretan painter Άγγελος survived to this day.


Church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the monastery of Odigitrias

The centrally located church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the apostles Peter and Paul surround the buildings of the monastery complex. There is a bakery, an olive mill, a wine press, warehouses, a cellar for storing cheese, a small well, abbot and monk's goals, and the graves of the deceased residents of the monastery. Inside the temple there are valuable frescos, icons of famous painters and iconostasis from different periods. On the left side of the entrance gate is the legendary tower Xopateras. Inside the visitors, a small museum was also opened, where you can see the old devices and objects used by monks in everyday life from the 16th century to the present day.


The monastery from the outside, like many places of this type in Crete, resembles a solid fortress. The character of the fortifications is emphasized by some of its former walls, which are still visible. The high walls were to protect against attacks by pirates and barbarians of all sorts. Building monasteries in this way was not uncommon in Crete. Thanks to solid walls, the monastery buildings were also used many times during insurgent fights with the occupiers of the island, which were never lacking in Crete. At this point it is worth remembering what role monasteries such as Moni Arkadiou , Moni Preveli and Moni Toplou played during the fights with Turks or Germans. The monks who inhabited them at that time never avoided fighting the invaders and actively supporting the revolutionary activities of the Cretan partisans. Similar events also took place in Odigitrias, which during the many centuries of its existence was also repeatedly destroyed by the current occupants of Crete.


Xopateras Tower

This tower was built in 961 by Nikiforos Fokas, so several centuries earlier than the Odigitrias monastery. Her task was to look out for the approaching pirate ships and alert the local population.

The further history of this tower is closely related to the figure of Xopateras (Xopapas), who was one of the greatest revolutionary Cretan figures.

Young Ioannis Markakis (Ιωάννης Μαρκάκης) came from the poor and neglected village of Manoussanas. He became a monk taking the name Ioasaf, but he did not remain in the spiritual state for a long time. He was an uneasy and energetic figure who could not accept the restrictions imposed on monks, including those regarding the ban on relationships with women. After killing Turk, who offended his family, he was forced by the local bishop to abandon the priesthood. From then on it was called Xopateras or Xopapas, which meant something like "ex-father" or "former priest".

Xopateras Tower

After these events, Xopateras became involved in the activities undertaken by the Cretan rebels against the Turkish occupant. The Odigitrias monastery itself became their headquarters at that time. The rebels were hiding in the tower from which they were directing actions against the Ottoman invaders, giving them a decent token. In 1828, the Turks decided to deal with this local resistance movement and sent 3000 soldiers against Xopateras (some sources give the number of 800 Janissaries). When in February 1829 the Turkish army began sieging the tower, Xopateras asked the rebels accompanying him to leave. Only his nephew with one weapon companion, sister, wife and child and five monks from the monastery remained with him. According to historian Kritovoulidis, the fights lasted three days and two nights.


On the first day, the Turks attacked the tower again and again, but Xopateras killed everyone without mercy. On the second day they tried to burn the tower, but Xopateras in the attacking army threw 10 beehives with bees that attacked the Turks throughout the day. Thanks to this ingenious defense, the attackers stayed away from the tower for a long time.

On the third day, the Turks eventually set the tower on fire. During the fights everyone who stayed at Xopateras was killed. The last one was Xopateras' sister, who suffocated with smoke. He tried to fight the attackers who attacked him, shooting continuously, standing at the entrance to the tower. When the ammunition ran out, he threw the weapon into the fire, grabbed the knife and threw himself with a broken leg on the assailants. The first three, who tried to overpower him, were killed by him. According to some accounts, thirty Turks were killed by Xopateras during the battle, and fifteen were wounded. In the end he was shot and then his head was cut off. To show what fate awaits others who will fight against the Turks, Xopateras' head was nailed to the spear. Then the Turkish soldiers went with her to nearby villages to show how he finished the relentless rebel.

Xopateras Tower

To commemorate the heroic struggle of Messara, one of the bravest men, the tower in which he fought was named after Xopateras. Today, every tourist visiting the Odigitrias monastery can visit it. Being here, it is worth going up to the top because from the top of the tower there is a picturesque panorama and you can see the monastic estates from a different perspective. In addition, on the walls of the tower there is also a lot of interesting information about this character.

Contemporary history of Odigitrias

Also during the Second World War, this monastery became a shelter for Greek soldiers and wounded resistance fighters, which was later destroyed by the Germans in retaliation. To avoid destruction and robbery of valuable icons and images, they were moved to the neighboring village of Listaros. In the 70s of the last century, a long period of reconstruction of the monastery was initiated. During this work, electricity and running water were supplied. At the end of the 1980s, forestry services began planting trees near the monastery. To protect the monastic possessions by goats called the plague of Crete, fences were erected.

Monastery of Odigitrias

Currently, Odigitrias has a huge estate and extensive lands located in the nearby mountains of Asterousia. In recent years, efforts have been made to renovate buildings within the monastery's borders. Five monks are currently living here, visiting this place you will probably meet one of them.

What remains in our memory after visiting the Odigitrias monastery is primarily the atmosphere of total peace. They interrupt him only in a pleasant way, making cicadas noise and the sound of bells hanging on the necks of sheep, which graze in the surrounding hills. In this monastery, almost on the edge of Crete, time slows down and everyday life goes to the background. A nice variety also provides cats, which are plenty here.


We do not pay attention to these single wandering under our feet, because there are a lot of cats in Crete and we got used to their presence. However, when the monk carried out a can of food, we saw how many of the herds enjoyed the hospitality of the local monks. All the animals suddenly started running out of their hiding places with loud meowing. We have not seen such a performance during feeding yet. Kittens were eating food with loud purring, munching and other strange sounds.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the store that monks run. Its range is rather typical for this type of places, so you will find here both religious and olive oil, herbs and spices obtained from nearby places and other products produced by monks. What drew our special attention to this herb. We have not met such beautifully sorted and carefully arranged laurel leaves. In this approach, you can see both concern for the quality of the product and the satisfaction of the buyer. During the visit in the shop we were also treated to home-made cookies and loukumia made on the spot. I do not think we need to even write how delicious they were.

Monastery of Odigitrias

When coming here, it's worth knowing that there is no fee for entry. Although the summer temperatures do not make anyone want to wear more covered clothing, it is worth respecting the monks' request that they do not enter the monastery in too scant and exposed clothing.

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Interesting places on Crete

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Knossos
Knossos

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Margarites
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Heraklion - airport
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International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.

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Heraklion
Heraklion

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Moni Arkadiou
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Moni Arkadiou
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Rethymnon
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Rethymnon

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Thrapsano
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Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

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Skinaria
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Jaskinia Idi
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Tripiti
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Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
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Tripiti

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Plakias
Plakias

Plakias

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

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Gorge Kourtaliotiko
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Minoan Agia Triada
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Fajstos
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Melidoni Cave
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Melidoni Cave

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Koules Fortress
Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

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Archeological museum
Archeological museum

Archeological museum

It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.

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Tylissos
Tylissos

Tylissos

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Damnoni
Damnoni

Damnoni

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Agios Pavlos
Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos

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Triopetra
Triopetra

Triopetra

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Agia Galini
Agia Galini

Agia Galini

gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.

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Skinakas Observatory
Skinakas Observatory

Skinakas Observatory

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Armeni
Armeni

Armeni

The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno.

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Military Museum
Military Museum

Military Museum

The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.

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Argyroupolis
Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis

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Lentas
Lentas

Lentas

Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.

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Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos
Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.

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Archeological Museum in Eleftherna
Estiatorio Chrisopigi
Estiatorio Chrisopigi

Estiatorio Chrisopigi

If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.

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Gortyna
Gortyna

Gortyna

Gortyna is considered one of the most extensive excavations in Greece.

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Psiloritis - Timios Stavros
Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.

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Rouvas Gorge
Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.

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Matala
Matala

Matala

Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.

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Monastery of Odigitrias
Monastery of Odigitrias

Monastery of Odigitrias

The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.

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Kali Limenes
Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.

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Vathipetro
Vathipetro

Vathipetro

In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.

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Kommos
Kommos

Kommos

When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.

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Sfendoni Cave
Sfendoni Cave

Sfendoni Cave

Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl

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Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse
Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.

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Nice
Nice

Nice

Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also called the village hidden in the gorge.

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Komentarze

 Gisele Sisco Criscuolo
Gisele Sisco Criscuolo
2018-07-01 17:58:12

 Bogusława Ja
Bogusława Ja
2018-07-12 08:52:43

"Niestety pod względem popularności daleko mu do innych kreteńskich monastyrów tak tłumnie odwiedzanych przez turystów". Dlaczego niestety? Według mnie to jego wielka zaleta :) Jedną z fajniejszych rzeczy kiedy go zwiedzaliśmy był właśnie brak przelewającej się turystycznej stonki(wiem, wiem też jestem elementem tej stonki) ;) :)

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Complete history of the Preveli monastery (Turkish occupation)

Complete history of the Preveli monastery (Turkish occupation)

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Najnowsze komentarze:

Καλή Σαρακοστή ☺
Warto zobaczyć, byliśmy jest pieknie
Piękne miejsce.
Prace wykonane przez Evansa, tak bardzo kontrowersyjne, doprowadziły jednak do tego, że Pałac w Knossos jest najchętniej odwiedzanym zabytkiem na Krecie. Pałac w Zakros czy nawet Fajstos, tak bardzo autentyczne, nie mogą się poszczycić taką popularnością. (...)
Niezapomniane wrażenia
Byłam, widziałam, poczułam moc tego miejsca
Warto zwiedzić.
Nádherná památka byla jsem tam 2x ❤️
gość PiotrWie : Już i na południu jest sporo ludzi - pamiętam puste plaże za Asterousią a w 2019 i w Tris Ekklisies i w Lentas a nawet na plażach Tripiti i Trachoulas było sporo ludzi.A na Serifos czy Kimolos byliśmy sami ewentualnie z jakąś drugą dwójką.
Zostaje mniej oblegane południe , ja pamiętam Kretę z przed 2 dekad i Balos gdzie prawie nie było ludzi :)
Taknpomyślałam, że pewnie trochę zatrzęsło... A wówczas nawet wykonane prace zabezpieczające nie dadzą 100% bezpieczeństwa. Dobrze, że nikt nie ucierpiał
gość PiotrWie : My wybieramy się w maju na Ikarię. Tam czegoś takiego nie będzie jeszcze jakiś czas. Polecam wyspy na którym nie ma lotnisk międzynarodowych - chętni na takie resorty nie uznają podróży z przesiadkami. Np Serifos, Sifnos czy Astipaleę.  
Dobrze, że są miejsca gdzie udało się odsunąć te plany. Typu Plakias , Falassarna
To już nie będzie Kreta dzika i swojska. Będą tłumy i komercja.
Masakra
Pamiętam lekki chłód w porównaniu z upałem sierpniowym poza wąwozem i taką duszącą wilgoć
Ciekawe miejsce. Idąc tam , próbowaliśmy cofnąć czas, wyobrażając sobie wioskę w pełnym rozkwicie…
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Ciekawe miejsca na Krecie

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