3. Monastery Katholiko Go and Return Details
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Length: approx. 4 - 5 km
Level: easy
Ascent/descent: approx. 260 m
Conditions: mainly sunny
This hike is very diverse, and there is much to see and discover. We start at the Gouverneto Monastery. On a well-paved path, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the Bear Cave. This cave is not organized, and a small flashlight is provided, but it is still easy to explore. The shape of a rock in the middle of the cave resembles a bear. From there, we walk along the path with great views, including of the gorge, always downhill until we reach the abandoned Katholiko Monastery. A breathtaking sight awaits us: old buildings, an ancient bridge, and the church give us a glimpse of what it must have been like here when the monastery was still in operation. From here, we continue on a small, unpaved path under the bridge of the monastery through the Avlaki Gorge. Wonderful nature awaits us on this section down to the small pirate cove of Katholiko.
The hike is possible all year round!
What is needed:
- Sturdy shoes / hiking boots
- Water
- Sun protection
- possibly a small torch
Travelling by bus: Not possible!
Bus time tables: www.e-ktel.com
Walk along the WP in sequence. WP = waypoint
Route description: (WP = waypoint)
We park in the parking lot of the Gouvernetos Monastery (Parking Lot). Through a small door (WP1 / Entrance to Gouvernetos Monastery), we walk through a small park area until we reach the Gouvernetos Monastery. Here, we go through another small gate and arrive at (WP2). This is where the natural stone-paved path begins. We walk about 600 meters to the Bear Cave, which is located on the right side of the path (WP3 / Bear Cave). Continuing along the paved path, we reach the old Katholiko Monastery after about 600 meters (WP4 / Katholiko Monastery). Now we take the path that leads us under the bridge of the monastery (WP5 / to the gorge).
We continue under the bridge and walk about 200 meters on the small unpaved path until we reach (WP6). Following the path, we arrive at (WP7) after approximately 250 meters. After another 200 meters, we also reach the pirate cove (WP8 / Pirate Cove). We then retrace the same route back to the car.
Tip:
Bring enough water with you, as there is no opportunity to buy anything!
Also, keep in mind that you will need to walk uphill for the entire return trip.
The following coordinates can be used for orientation on the hike:
You can copy these coordinates and paste them into your online map provider (Google Maps, OpenStreetMap) or use the interactive hiking map.
(WP = waypoint)
Coordinates:
Parking lot: 35.58244, 24.13993
WP1 / Entrance to Gouvernetos Monastery: 35.58257, 24.13989
WP2: 35.58511, 24.14003
WP3 / Bear Cave: 35.58903, 24.1436
WP4 / Katholiko Monastery: 35.59018, 24.14612
WP5 / to the gorge: 35.59029, 24.14592
WP6: 35.59097, 24.14746
WP7: 35.59093, 24.14921
WP8 / Pirate Cove: 35.59205, 24.1499
Sights in the surrounding area:
Monastery Agia Triada
This monastery is one of the richest and most beautiful on Crete. It dates from the Venetian era, from the 17th century and is still in operation today. There is also a museum with old ecclesiastical artefacts.
Opening hours: Monday: 08:00 - 19:00
Tuesday - Friday: 07:00 - 19:00
Saturday - Sunday: 06:30 - 19:00
Out of season, you should always confirm the opening hours by telephone!
General tips for hiking on Crete:
- Start the hike early in the morning.
- Save the location of the rental car (parking lot) in Google Maps.
- Before the hike, inform someone about where you are hiking, e.g. by text message
and check in again after finishing the hike.
- Always close gates that have been opened!
- Check weather conditions.
- Check bus connections and opening hours in advance.
- Don’t forget enough water!
- Wear sturdy shoes.
Weather apps: Meteo https://www.meteo.gr/
K24.net https://gr.k24.net
Windy.com https://www.windy.com
All information is provided without guarantee and may change!
If you want to know more about hiking in Crete, visit us on our YouTube channel:
Claudia and Sonja@claudiaandsonja