Points of interest west Crete

West Crete - Chania region

War Shelter of Platanias

The shelter was constructed by the German troops in 1942. It was constructed on Platanias hill, below the Church of St Dimitrios. It was used to store ammunition and military material during the second world war (WWII). The inside structure consists of booths and tunnels. It has now become a museum open to the public.

Odigitria Monastery

The monastery of Gonia, or Panagia Hodegetria, is an orthodox monastery located 1 km north of Kolympari, in Chania, also 26 km from Chania town on the southeast rodopos peninsula in Crete. The monastery was rebuilt between 1618 and 1634 in its present location, with Venetian influences in its architectural design

Gramvousa Fortress

Gramvousa refers to two small uninhabited islands off the coast of the Gramvousa Peninsula in the north-western Crete in the regional unit of Chania. The Gramvousa Peninsula forms the westernmost of the two peninsulae in north-western Crete. it is also the western part of Kissamos bay. Today, Imeri Gramvousa is a popular tourist attraction.

The Castle of Frangokastello

Frangokastello (located 13Km east of Hora sfakion & 80Km south of Chania Town) is one of the most famous beaches of Crete. the visitor of the region will have the opportunity to visit the local Venetian castle, which is very close to the beautiful Fragokastello beach. The beach is truly amazing, offering a relaxing atmosphere with turquoise and shallow waters and a sandy beach, ideal for children. the castle was built during the Venetian era, around the 1370s as a garrison building, to impose order on the Sfakia rebellious region. The legend has it that the Venetian soldiers were trying to build the castle, while the rebels on the Sfakia region, were demolishing every night, what the soldiers were building during the day. We suggest paying a visit to this magnificent location of lore and awesome waters!

West Crete - Rethymnon region

Monastery of Arkadi

The Arkadi Monastery is situated 23Km south-east of Rethymnon (Crete island regional prefecture). it dates back to the 16th century and it is marked deeply by the history of the Cretan resistance. It presents visible architectural influences of the Renaissance with roman and Baroque elements. the monastery is well fortified by a thick high wall, playing an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866, women and children sought refuge in the monastery, after three days of battle the Cretans blew up the gunpowder barrels, choosing to sacrifice themselves and not surrender. The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. More information about Arkadi Monastery in Rethymnon

The Holy Monastery of Preveli

The monastery of Preveli comprises of two buildings the ruined Lower Monastery of St. John the Baptist, and the currently operational Upper Monastery of St. John the Theologian. The monastery was founded at some point in the middle ages, during the Venetian occupation of Crete. The upper monastery is open to the public, containing numerous religious icons and relics. while the monastery is heavily restored in many of its buildings. Read more information about Preveli.

Loggia Veneziana

The loggia building was designed by Michael Snamiicheli and it was built during the 16th century. Loggia was a meeting point for nobles to discuss the economic & political issues of the city. During the Ottoman occupation, it became a mosque and a minister was added, which was demolished later in 1930. For some time, the building of Loggia hosted the archaeological museum of the city of Rethymnon, which now is hosted at the "Fortezza" in Rethymnon.

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