Falasarna Beach with cretan treasures

THE CAVE OF SAINT JOHN

Ιn the beautiful mountainside of Kolymbari, is the famous historic cave of Agios Ioannis (the Hermit or Xenos). Saint John is said to have lived/hid in this cave while he toured Crete and essentially founding the rich ascetic tradition of the island. Inside the cave, a temple from the 15th century and foundations of old cells dating back to the 17th – 18th centuries can be found. In Pre-Christian times this cave was believed to have been used as a place of worship for the gods. A marble alter and a marble child’s head are now kept in the Museum of the Parish but we once found here in the cave. In the time of the Saint, 16th century farmers and shepherds would enter the cave, forcing the Saint to hide in the crypt (this area was only discovered a few years ago). Along with the old cells and a small temple there is also a small fountain which is believed to cure all diseases and sicknesses. When Saint John was hiding, he prayed and stuck his stick into the rock causing a crack and giving us this sanctification as proclaimed by the Christian church.

The cave of Saint John was also a place of Greek teaching during the Ottoman Rule within a Secret Room within the cave.

MONASTERY OF ODIGITRIA GONIA (LADY OF THE ANGELS MONASTERY)

The monastery of Panagia Odigitria is located on the western edge of Crete, around 26km from Chania. The monastery is also known as Lady of the Angels Monastery of Gonia, it takes its name from the word gonia meaning corner, referring to its location on the Spatha peninsula.

The monastery was first founded in its current location during the 17^th Century and soon saw many monks gathered in Gonia to worship there. The Gonia monastery has played an important role through the ages as it was famous for sheltering Cretan rebels throughout history. For this reason, it saw heavy bombardment during the Ottoman war. On the east wall of the monastery you can see a cannon ball from an attack that dates back to 1867.

The Gonia Monastery now houses the Orthodox Academy of Crete but within its lifetime has been captured by various conquers; sheltered Cretan rebels; functioned as a hospital in 1821; became a German Camp during the Second World War and finally became the Orthodox Academy of Crete in 1968.

Today The Monastery of Odigitria Gonia owns a great collection of precious relics, icons and religious treasures from the 15^th-17^th Century and these can be seen within the Monastery’s museum.

FALASARNA BEACH

The extraordinary beach of Falassarna (Phalasarna) is located 52km West of Chania and it is adored by many people around Crete for its crystal-clear waters and the large expanse of sandy beaches. Located at the western base of the Gramvousa peninsular, it is a line of beaches like no other, each beach along its coastline having different characteristics making them loved by many people for many reasons. Whether you love to windsurf, snorkel, swim or relax, Falassarna is sure to enchant and amaze anyone who visits.

Falassarna bay is very popular with locals and tourists alike. It has been awarded as one of the best beaches in Europe several times over and it’s not hard to understand why when you see the diverse coastline and enchanting beaches that Falassarna has to offer. Falassarna bay is split into different beaches, each with qualities that differentiate them from one another. The 2 most popular are situated in the middle as these are the whitest sand and clearest sea.

Like the beach of Elafonisi in the south of Crete, Falassarna has many different species of plants and flora which also makes it a place of natural beauty outstanding beauty. Falassarna is also protected under the Natura 2000 network.