Agios Nikitas Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Agios Nikitas (St. Nikitas) is located 65km south of Heraklion, hidden behind the the imposing Asterousia mountains. The cavernous church is dedicated to Agios Nikitas and dates back in 1640. In the past, it served as a hermitage for the monks of the monastery of Koudoumas. Only a few old frescoes are preserved from the iconographic decoration of the church. In a small recess at the left side of the temple, water flows through the stalactites which is used as holy water. The best way to get there is by car, through a dirt road that starts from the village of Ahendrias and ends at the Monastery of St. Nikitas, after 15km. From the monastery starts a path that leads to the secluded beach of Agios Nikitas. Nearby you can also find the palm forest of Agios Antonios. The monastery which is considered miraculous, offers great views to the South Cretan Sea.