Roads of Orthodoxy (Mini Group)

☀️ Tour Description

We offer several carefully designed routes across Crete dedicated to exploring the island’s most important Orthodox monasteries and churches.

Together we select the route that best suits your interests and location.

For guests staying in the Heraklion region, we offer a route through Central Crete.

⛪ Central Crete Route

Located just 21 km from Heraklion, the Savvathianon Monastery, dating back to the 16th century, has been transformed by nuns into a true garden paradise.

Here you will discover:

✓ Beautiful monastery gardens with plants collected from across Crete

✓ Churches dedicated to Saint Anthony and Saint Savvas

✓ Traditional crafts practiced by local nuns

Continuing deeper into the island, we visit the Church and Cell of Saint Myron, located in the village bearing his name — a place believed to have been protected by the saint during World War II.

Our route then continues to one of Crete’s oldest monasteries:

Palianni Monastery

Founded in 688 AD, this monastery is famous for its miraculous icon hidden among the branches of an ancient myrtle tree.

Next, we continue toward one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites:

Saint Marina Monastery

One of the most important places dedicated to Saint Marina and the only monastery devoted to her on Crete.

The final stop of the Central Crete route:

Monastery of Saint John the Theologian

Located 17 km from Heraklion, this monastery was destroyed twice and rebuilt again, preserving its fortress-like appearance.

🌿 Western Crete Route

For those wishing to explore Western Crete, we offer another route featuring different religious landmarks.

Highlights include:

Saint Irene Monastery

Located near Rethymno with spectacular sea views.

Chrysopigi Monastery

A 16th-century monastery near Chania, whose name translates as Golden Spring.

Chania Religious Heritage

Visit:

• Trimartiri Cathedral

• Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

Holy Trinity Monastery (Tzagarolon)

Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula, this monastery is one of Western Crete’s most impressive religious monuments.

💶 Prices

Orthodox Crete Mini Group Tour

Adults (16+): 85 €

Children (6–16 years): 65 €

Children under 6 years: Free

Available from:

• Ammoudara

• Analipsi

• Anissaras

• Gouves

• Gournes

• Karteros

• Kokkini Hani

• Malia

• Stalida

• Hersonissos

✓ Included in Price

✓ Professional guide

✓ Comfortable Mercedes Sprinter transportation

✓ Extra Costs

• Lunch at a traditional tavern (approximately 20–25 € per person)

🎒 What To Bring

✓ Comfortable shoes

✓ Water

✓ Sunscreen

✓ Clothing covering shoulders, chest and knees

✨ Discover Crete Through Faith & History

This experience is not only about monasteries.

It is a journey through traditions, local stories, architecture and centuries of Cretan spiritual heritage