Falasarna Beach with cretan treasures

Discover the exotic beach of Falasarna, visit a unique cave and famous monastery

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Main Info

Crete is an island with many hidden treasures that come in various forms. Many tourists come to see the incredible beaches and unforgettable scenery that the Cretan mountains have to offer, but it is also an island steeped in tradition and rich with religious heritage.

Cretan tradition is like a heart-beat that runs through every man, woman, and child who live here and we hope, by taking you on this tour, it will give you a taste of Cretan inheritance and history as well as visiting the beach of Falasarna.

This tour will take you to the famous cave of St. John the Hermit, in Marathokefala, where a 15th Century temple can be found and is believed to be his hiding place during the frequent visits from shepherd and farmers.

After this short stop, we will continue our journey to a well-known monastery in Kolymbari known as the Lady of the Angels. The monastery of Odigitria gonia has excellent architecture along with a wonderful spiritual museum, and it is here you will have a chance to explore it in all its glory. The incredible design of this monastery makes it unique as it follows the Classic Venetian style whilst still resembling a fortress from the outside. It was built in this way to protect it from pirate raids but it also adds to the beauty and history of the site. After 1 hour in this incredible and unique monastery, we will continue our tour to the enchanting beach of Falasarna.

Once arriving at Falasarna, you will have 3-4 hours to enjoy. The crystal-clear waters and white sand of its main beach will transport you to another place with the power of its beauty and breath-taking views.

Departure

Your Hotel/ Accomodation

Departure Time

Between 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Return Time

Approximately 6:00 pm

Included

  • Tour Guide
  • Entrance Fees

Excluded

  • Souvenirs

Locations we visit

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 17th 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 15th-17th 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.

Map

Price

What this package includes:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Luxury car with
    an English-speaking driver
  • Fuel and tolls
  • All taxes, fees
    and handling charges
  • Water and snacks

Not included:

  • Official tour guide (only on
    request upon booking)
  • Lunch, beverages, and meals
  • Tips and gratuities

Price per group (1-3):

Price per group (4-6):

Price per group (7-9):

Tips/Other Information

Falasarna Beach umbrella and 2 chairs for rent 8€

Upon request, we can arrange your lunch break for you and suggest a traditional “taverna” nearby, in order to experience the traditional Cretan cuisine

Upon request, changes to the itinerary may be made providing mileage and time limits are not exceeded.

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