Pasiphae Hotel

Churches

Many of the bigger churches are within the towns but there are many small ones practically everywhere. Usually white-painted, you will find them on a beach, on the mountain peaks, in deep gorges or inside caves. People of Crete are deeply religious people and they build churches to express their gratitude to God or to fulfill a "tama", a promise given to God in exchange for a request.

Knossos

The famous Minoan Palace of Knossos is located about 5-6 km south of the city of Heraklion and is the greatest of all. The Palace has been built twice, the second time, even more beautiful, with its wonderful courtyards, temples and a theatre.

Spinalonga Island

It is a very small isle off the coast of Crete, near to Elounda Bay. In 1903, it was the home of the leper colony for the lepers of Crete and stayed like that until the early 1950's.

Folk Art Museum

The Museums varied collections include over 5,000 items, coming from purchases, loans and even donations Weaving, embroidery-laces, costumes, ceramics, metal work, traditional cultivations, ancient documents, maps, weapons and coins, are just some of the items displayed.

Golf

Crete's new golf course and club is situated at Hersonissos and it the first full 18-hole golf course to have been built on this beautiful island and is open throughout the year. The course has been designed by PGA Design Consulting with 18 holes sculptured and in harmony with its surrounding. As well as the designed club house with snack, pro-shop and cafe, it is a great opportunity to relax in an ideal setting.

Samarian Gorge

The Samarian gorge begins at 'Xiloskalo', which means wooden stairs and this reflects on the wooden staircase descending steeply to the river bed through the impressive forest of trees, not to mention the exceptional view. There is a small church of Agios Nikolaos at the bottom, where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Toplou Monastery

The Toplou Monastery with its high walls and beautiful gardens, houses the icon of Theotokos the Immaculate, who is known as one of the most holy in all of Greece. The monastery took part in the uprising of 1866 and a wireless transmitter was placed there during the resistance of the German occupation.

Preveli Monastery

The Preveli Monastery is located in a picturesque setting and dates from the sixteenth or seventeenth century. The Venetians built the basilica before the Turks destroyed the church in 1867 but was then restored by monks in 1911. The Monastery has a glorious history due to the involvement of its fellow monks in an effort to obtain freedom and education for the people.

Moni Gonias Monastery

The Moni Gonias Monastery near to Chania Bay, was founded in 1618 and is dedicated the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Like many other monasteries on Crete, its buildings show a strong Venetian influence with a wonderful view over the bay. It houses exceptional icons and frescoes together with other rich treasures.