Agios Nikitas monastery

Agios Nikitas is located 65km south of Heraklion, on the east side of the wild and arid Asterousia Mountains . The monastery was originally a hermitage for monks from the monastery of Koudoumas .

It is built on a high hill with breathtaking views to the Libyan Sea. The church of the monastery, dedicated to St.

Nikitas (feast September 15), is built in a cave and dates back in 1640. Inside it, you will see some very old frescoes and the smoked roof, due to the attacks of the Turks, with engravings from visitors.

Moreover, in a small cavity in the sanctuary, water flows from a small stalactite and is shared to the pilgrims  as holy water. The monastery, which is considered miraculous, hosts hospitable monks that are always ready to recount the wonders of the monastery, but also offer coffee and fruit.

You can also stay overnight in the cells. It is like an oasis in the dry landscape of Asterousia.

The climate in the area is so dry, that you can see mango and avocado trees in the gardens of the monastery.