Monasteries in Chania and Religious Tourism

Apart from all the other experiences, one can experience in the Chania region there are many monasteries in Chania established centuries ago which are rich in Historic, folklore, and archaeological interest.   Our municipality offers many religious-related sights that allow guests to interact and explore our nation’s Orthodox history, culture, morals, and customs. Furthermore, more of the sights presented below can be accessed free of charge, and being orthodox is optional, so this activity is ideal for the multinational crowd as well. 

Monasteries in Chania: Starting with the most prominent.

Gouverneto and Agia Triada Monasteries are amongst the most well-known Monasteries in the vicinity and information, as well as exclusive hints for the excursion, are readily available on our blog update about the alternative hike routes. 

Very close to the old Venetian Port of Chania you can experience the big and famous Orthodox Church called Trimartiri at Halidon Street. Something most tourists don’t know is that the exact opposite of this church there also is a Catholic Church and a Folklore Museum in immaculate condition. In order to find them all, you have to do is to follow the stoned arcade exactly opposite the big Trimartiri church we talked about earlier. 

Unknown monasteries in Chania- Our top picks.

Going further away from Chania’s old centre -but not very far away-, in 5 kilometres distance we find another orthodox Monastery called Moni Chrysopigis which is also available for pilgrims daily.

Very close to Chrysopigis monastery, and actually part of the monastery’s assets is the priory of Saint Kyriaki. Saint Kyriaki Priori is close distance from your Chrisopigi Monastery and is also a nice opportunity for hiking as numerous caves were transformed as places of worship and a natural environment ideal for hiking, relaxation, and worshipping god. You can see the location of the monastery as well as the numerous caves, shrines, and small chapels that surround it to broaden your trip around the numerous monasteries in Chania 

Searching for monasteries in Chania: Going further away…

 Stretching our journey further away near the Akrotiri area, you can also find another diligent Monastery which is known to locals by the name Korakies. The small park that surrounds the monastery makes it ideal for a family retreat.

Now, if you don’t want to spend much time away from Despina Studios you can travel short distances to the west near the Kolymvari area, where you can visit the Orthodox Academy of Crete which played a vital role for orthodoxy as it hosted the 2015 Pan orthodox session with Ecumenical Patriarch present.

Combine Monasteries in Crete with astounding beaches in Chania!  

For those who want to explore north Crete and especially visit   Elafonisi beach, we truly suggest a stop at Chrysoskalitisa Monastery which is a historical monastery build in the 17th century. The state of the monastery leaves guests in awe, especially because it combines the religious part with the untouched environment, as well as the unobstructed views of the Libyan sea. We suggest that you visit a couple of those places during your stay, especially in addition to some other places on a part of a daily excursion.

The best way to explore this part of our multifarious region is by car, and you can ask the hotel manager in the reception area for exclusive prices on car deals with car companies we collaborate on. Despina Studios is located in a very central location in the prefecture of Chania, making it an ideal beachfront and sea view hotel for any type of excursion, especially when seeking monasteries in Chania. We invite you to make a room reservation and explore the undiscovered Crete with us!