Odigitria Monastery

Castle & palace tours

Discover the remnants of centuries-old Christian monuments in central Crete. Take a private day trip from Agios Nikolaos or Elounda to dive into the rich religious history of the island. Follow the path walked by Apostle Paul thousands of years ago and admire imposing monasteries. Get picked up from your Agios Nikolaos/Elounda hotel or villa and take a journey to central Crete from north to south. Explore the land where Apostle Paul found fertile soils with lavish vineyards and olive groves stretching toward the horizon. Allow your guide to take you on a journey through history. Explore the village of Agios Myron and its holy cave, as well as the Pailani and Odigitria Monasteries. Meander through the Minoan wonders of the vast Messara Plain to take in magnificent views of Phaistos Palace. Finally, visit the village of Matala to unwind at the typical fish tavernas on the waterfront.

Journey into the wild and untamed side of Crete by Land Rover. Visit quiet, spiritual Agiofarago with its wild beauty, then experience the contrast of noisy Matala with its hippie style. After being picked up from your hotel, drive south through the plain of Messara, to Agiofarago: the gorge of the Saints. Enjoy a drink in the traditional village of Siva, then stop at the 14th century Odigitria Monastery. From there the rugged dirt tracks will lead you to Agiofarago. Stretch your legs along a 30 minute path crossing the gorge, scattered with oleander and olive trees. Discover a beautiful beach stretching to the Libyan Sea, where you can swim and snorkel. Continue to Matala, a small but crowded village, with a long sandy beach and crystal clear deep waters. Explore carved Roman tombs, have a swim at the beach, and eat lunch in a traditional local tavern.

Over the centuries, Cretans have imbued this ancient land with the vivid presence of Christianity by founding monasteries, churches, & chapels of great religious import. Journey to Central Crete from North to South in the paths of Apostle Paul to the land of generosity. An untouched paradise on earth, beloved by our forefathers, where fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves seem to stretch toward the horizon. Succumb to the expert knowledge of our local guides as you visit religious monuments always built-in stunning landscapes. Some of them were fortified & others are situated on the sites of archaic temples illuminating the long devotion to Christianity in Crete. Let us take you on a true passage of time meandering through the Minoan wonders of Messara Plain to embrace the magnificent views of Phaistos Palace. In the afternoon, visit the village of Matala. Bask in the waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind at the delicious fish tavernas on the waterfront.