Katholiko Monastery (Monastery of St John the Hermit)

The Avlaki Gorge, nestled within a landscape of rugged beauty, will guide you to the abandoned Katholiko Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Agios Ioannis the Hermit or simply Katholiko. This peaceful destination is located 20 kilometres to the northeast of Chania, along the mountainous northern coast of Cape Melecha.

Historical sources indicate that the monks left the Katholiko Monastery because of the threat of pirate raids and established a new monastery, the Gouverneto Monastery. However, some historians have raised objections to this claim, pointing out that the Katholiko Monastery was dedicated to St John the Hermit, whereas the Gouverneto Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

Adjacent to the deteriorating monastery structures, you can find the cave where St John is believed to have lived. 

The path beyond the cave takes you to a charming, petite beach with turquoise waters. 

Photo by @manos.papadomanolakis