Monasteries in Lasithi, Crete, That You Will Love to Discover

How to visit the most important monasteries in Lasithi, Crete’s easternmost region. Here, you can find practical information to visit, opening hours, what to see and more details to plan a visit.

The Lasithi region shelters some of the island’s most serene and solitary monasteries. Places rich in story with unique architectural styles and surrounded by breathtaking natural settings, such as mountains or olive groves, or even right by the sea. No matter where they are, they will surely offer a glimpse into Crete’s deep spiritual history!

The monasteries in Lasithi invite you to explore and be inspired, read on to discover why.

Monasteries in Crete’s Lasithi Region

Crete’s impressive monasteries struck not just by their architecture, which can sometimes even be considred rustic or simple, but mostly because they often date back centuries, with some originating in the Byzantine period. But most of all, because each of them bears marks of Crete’s layered history, from Venetian influences to tales of resilience during Ottoman rule.

Inside their stone walls, you’ll find frescoes, ancient icons, and beautifully crafted altars, all clear examples of Crete’s enduring devotion and artistry.

Many of the monasteries in Lasithi also played pivotal roles in Crete’s history, often serving as centers of resistance, learning, and community support during times of conflict, either during the Ottoman rule or in WWII. Some of them even include museums where you can learn even more about their history.

The Holy Monastery of Toplou was probably built on top of an existing church around the 15th century. It was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake and it was rebuilt by the Venetian Republic due to its strategic position on the eastern coast of the island.

When the Ottoman Empire invaded and took control of Crete, the monastery was repeatedly attacked, especially in 1866, during the years of the Cretan revolt. 

TOPLOU DURING THE GERMAN OCCUPATION (1941-1944)

Crete was occupied by the Nazis during WWII, from 1941 to 1944. In this period, Toplou sheltered the local resistance fighters. Today, in the museum, it’s possible to see the different objects used by the monks to combat the Germans, such as a radio used to communicate with allied forces based in Egypt.

This radio was the cause of the torture and execution (in the prison of Agia, near Chania) of Toplou’s abbot and some monks when it was found by German soldiers.

THE BUILDING

Due to its isolated and rather vulnerable position, Toplou stands behind solid fortification walls, about 10 meters high. Despite not being a big building, such as Arkadi or Preveli, the monastery is certainly one of the prettiest religious buildings on Crete.

The Courtyards: You can see two beautiful inner courts, with refined stone floors, flowers, trees, and wooden staircases.

The Belfry: The imposing bell tower and, in particular, the belfry, respect typical Rennaisance style typical of many Cretan religious buildings. The rest of the monastery also incorporates elements of Byzantine architecture.

Museum: The museum has several rooms, hosting objects from different historical periods. There’s an impressive collection of ancient books, icons, images, religious clothes, and countless artifacts from WWII. 

Across from the main building, there is a small cemetery and a tiny chapel.

MONI TOPLOU WINERY

Toplou is one of Crete’s most prestigious wine and olive oil producers. In summer, it’s possible to visit the wine tasting facilities, sample wines, raki, and top-class extra virgin olive oil.

The climate in Lasithi is ideal for growing grape varieties such as Assyrtiko (originally from Santorini), otherwise not common in Crete.

How to Visit Moni Toplou

Our visit to Moni Toplou was a perfect fit for our 5-day Lasithi itinerary, which also included the Lasithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus, the mountain village of Kritsa, and other highlights in the region. We stayed in Agios Nikolaos, just opposite Lake Voulismeni.

How to Get to Toplou Monastery, Crete

• Toplou is 85 km fromAgios Nikolaos and 15 km from Sitia. You can get there from Agios Nikolaos by taking the coastal highway (National Road E75) to Sitia, and once there, follow the Wines of Crete signs to reach the Monastery.

• If you’re traveling from the southern city of Ierapetra, you can head north driving the road Ierapetra-Sitias (about 73 km).

Agios Georgios Monastery (Selinari)

📍 35.284942 N, 25.539510 E
ℹ️ Opening Hours:  9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Located in the village of Selinari, on the National Road connecting Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, Agios Giorgos Selinari is one of the most visited monasteries in Crete since it shelters an icon of Saint George considered holy by many locals.

Besides, in the past, many travelers stopped here to give their animals a possibility to rest.

Construction of the monastery began during Crete’s second Byzantine Period, around 960, however, the building underwent heavy destruction during a pirate attack in later years.

The male monastery is located near the small village of Vrachasi village and the city of Neapolis. Many Cretans considermit bad luck to cross the canyon opposite the monastery without stopping for a visit. The monastery was attacked by the Turks in Ottoman times and proof of this can be found in an old Agios Giorgos icon that shelters three bullets from those times.

The monastery has become a pilgrimage place for religious travelers who stop on the premises to light a candle and say a prayer before hitting back the road. From one of the patios of the monastery, it’s possible to see some fantastic views of the sea and the Bay of Malia.

Not far from the main gate, you can explore the small but super scenic Selinari Gorge famous for the green bushes and high trees that grow next to a small, clear stream. In the same canyon, you can find a large cross that marks the entrance to Anavlohos Cave.

Holy Kremasta Monastery

📍 35.243511 N, 25.609283 E
ℹ️ The monastery is 14 km from Agios Nikolaos, and it can be visited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Situated close to the city of Neapolis, an important center in East Crete, on the slopes of Mount Kavallara, the monastery is also known as the Monastery of Taxiarches Michael and Gabriel. It’s a great stop if you’re driving to reach Lasithi Plateau (or on your way back to the coast at the end of a day in the area.

The monastery was probably founded back in 1593 as a male monastery that had a central educative role and hosted a Secret School during the years of Ottoman rule on the island.

The place has been a female monastery since 1993. Today, the few nuns living on the premises are happy to welcome guests and visitors to teach them every secret of this sacred monastery.

Mother Mary Vidiani Monastery

📍 35.198234 N, 25.441624 E
ℹ️ 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Built on the lands of the old Vidos family (1583) from Chandakas (formefr Heraklion), this monastery of Vidiani was founded after, in 1856 by a monk. Unfortunately, it was set on fire by the Turks in the Battle of Lasithi (1867) and reopened its doors after restoration in 1874, while the Ottoman Empire still dominated the island.

The monastery was abandoned in 1959 but it was brought back to life in the 1980s with the inclusion of a Museum of Natural History in the premises. Visitors can explore the monastery and the museum and take a look at the famous icon of the Vidiani Virgin that dated from the mid-Byzantine period.

Holy Monastery of Kroustallenia

📍 35.179454 N, 25.502737 E
ℹ️ Lasith Plateau area.

Officially known as Iera Moni Koimiseos Theotokou Krustallenias, this monastery stands close to the Havgas River and the Havgas Gorge. It is the main religious center and meeting place in the Lasithi Plateau , in the village of Agios Kostantinos, near Tzermiado, another traditional village.

The monastery probably dates back to the 13th century (Second Byzantine period) yet it played its most relevant role year later, during the Ottoman Empire, when it became a hideout for Cretan rebels and was a meeting place for captains part of the Resistance against the Turks. It is said that the monastery’s abbots participated in decision-making meetings.

During the Cretan Revolution against the Turks (1821), Turkish and Egyptian Troops looted the monastery and set it on fire. In the 1866 Revolution, it was the seat of the Revolutionary Committee of East Crete playing a key role during the Battle of Lasithi (1867) as it sheltered ammunition and supplies.

Decades later, when the Ottoman Empire left the island (1897-98) a small unit of French soldiers settled in the monastery to keep the Lasithi Plateau under control. Unfortunately, as the Nazis took over Crete (WWII), the Monastery became a concentration camp by the occupiers run by the Germans.

Monastery of Agios Georgios Vrachasiotis

📍 35.275282 N, 25.553052 E
ℹ️ 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

This ancient monastery is located near Vrachassi, close to the national highway that connect Agios to Heraklion, and very near another popular monastery in the area, Selinari Monastery, which is often more crowded and receives more visitors as its closer to the National Road.

The construction of the main church started back in 1540, on top of a former church, its northern and oldest aisle is dedicated to Saint George while the more recent aisle is dedicated to Agios Dimitros was built about 20 years later. During this times (Venetian Era), the monastery thrived, becoming an important religious center in Lasithi. However, during the Ottoman Era, the monastery was attacked repeatedly by the Turks.

Panagia Faneromeny Monastery

📍 35.101408 N, 25.762438 E
ℹ️ 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Located on a slope overlooking the ancient Minoan town of Gournias, this is one of Crete’s most historic monasteries. Faneromeni (Our Lady Revealed) Monastery is also known as Panagia of Gournia.

The monastery stands 540 meters above the sea and, it features six different levels. Its main church (katholikon) is inside a rock cavity shape on the fifth level and dedicated to the Assumption. According to a local legend, the spring inside the church is miraculous.

The original building was probably erected during the second Byzantine period, however its exact origin remains uncertain. However, today it features a fortress-like architecture, similar to the constructions found on the island during the Venetian times, arguably from the 16th century. The monastery operates with communal regime.

Kapsa Monastery

📍 35.020548 N, 26.051958 E
ℹ️ Located in Goudouras, the monastery is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Kapsa Monastery or Moni Kapsta is located on the southern coast of the island near the famous Goudouras beach and close to Makrigialos. The monastery stands at the exit of Perivolakia Gorge, facing the Libyan sea and on top of a steep, rocky hill.

The monastery was probably established during the Venetian times, in the fifteenth century. However, the premises were raided by pirates (probably of Ottoman origin) in 1471, who destroyed parts of the building. The monastery played a key role in the times of Crete’s Nazi occupation (WWII), when it offered shelter to partisans ad allied soldiers. The Nazi forces closed the monastery in 1943 and it reopened its gates at the end of WWII, in 1945..

Back in 1900, Moni Kapsa became an embassy curch (metochion) of Toplou Monastery. Today, the only area that’s part of the ancient building is a wall of the church with ancient murals. However, most of the complext was rebuilt by the monks.

I hope this journey through the most beautiful monasteries in Lasithi can inspire you to explore Crete’s spiritual and historical treasures that will certainly leave a lasting impression and add a different twist to your time in Crete.

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The Most Beautiful Monasteries in the Lasithi Region, Crete

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