You don’t need to do religious tourism to be able to admire the magnificence of not only the great churches of Greece but even the small monasteries that often hang on the edge of the cliff. One such case is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Erimitis in Crete. And that is why it is no exaggeration to say that it is like a jewel on the edge of the cliff. One of the monasteries of Greece that is worth visiting when you are in Crete.

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis belongs to the category of the most impressive and old monasteries of Greece mainly because of its location. It is built in such a way that you feel like it is hanging on the edge of the cliff and is tied by an invisible thread. This almost otherworldly image requires a little effort to admire it up close since there is a path to approach the monastery.

The specific path starts from the Gouvernetou monastery and its duration for someone with a simple physical condition should be about 30 minutes on foot. So he will face the monastery in front of him and he will admire the way in which centuries ago it was built there. An impressive and very long stone bridge will finally lead you to the ruined and highly imposing monastery of Agios Ioannis the Hermit, or Catholic which takes its name from Agios Ioannis the Hermit or Xeno who “fell asleep” during the 11th century in a cave inside the rock.

But don’t stop there. Take another 10 minutes of hiking for a unique spectacle to unfold before your eyes. If you continue walking after the monastery for about 10 minutes you will reach the sea, where a wonderful little fjord with dreamlike waters is formed.

There once was the harbor of the monastery of Agios Ioannis Erimitis, which is followed by its own legend, as is the case with several monasteries in Greece. This legend, then, says that once pirates landed on the spot in order to attack the monastery. But, when he realized this, the Abbot cursed them and their ship sank, so that they could never leave Crete and return to their place. And at the exit of the canyon there is a large rock that resembles a ship and is said to strengthen the legend even more.



Apart from its beauty due to the landscape that surrounds it and makes it look like a painting, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Erimitis has another feature that makes it stand out. It is the oldest monastery in all of Crete.

The buildings that survive today and can be admired on the edge of the cliff are estimated to have been built around a little after 1600. The pictures are truly breathtaking not only when you get there but also during the drive. Of course, you need comfortable clothing and shoes to be able to approach the monastery safely. The fact that it is in ruins also lends a calmness and desolation that makes the mind go blank. One of the most picturesque monasteries in Greece.