Everything is in place for the smooth running of the celebration of Saint Marina at the Holy Monastery of Saint Marina in Voni, in the Thrapsano Municipal Unit of the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, where thousands of worshippers from across Crete and the rest of Greece are expected to gather.

The Municipality of Minoa Pediada is in full readiness, having completed all necessary preparations and coordinated the services and organisations involved, so that this major religious festival can take place with safety, organisation and the greatest possible convenience for visitors.

All matters concerning the smooth operation of the celebration, including safety measures, traffic management, fire protection, first aid provision, medical support and the overall service of pilgrims, were discussed in detail during a broad meeting of all participating bodies held last week, with the aim of ensuring the proper coordination of all required actions.

At the same time, municipal services have carried out the necessary works on the road network, prepared and signposted parking areas, and secured both public and private parking spaces in order to accommodate the large number of visitors expected to travel to the Monastery by private vehicle.

Municipal Bus Service

For the better service of worshippers, from Wednesday 15 July to Friday 17 July 2026, a bus operated by the Municipality of Minoa Pediada will run continuous services between Galata and Saint Marina and back every 15 minutes, from the afternoon until late at night, making it easier for visitors to travel to and from the Monastery.

KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi Bus Services

At the same time, KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi is increasing its services to Voni, serving passengers from 15 to 17 July.

Wednesday 15 July & Thursday 16 July

Heraklion → Voni
07:30 - 13:00 - 14:30 - 16:30 - 18:00 - 19:30 - 21:30

Voni → Heraklion
07:15 - 09:15 - 16:15 - 17:30 - 19:00 - 22:30

Friday 17 July (Feast Day)

Heraklion → Voni
07:30 - 13:00 - 14:30 - 19:30

Voni → Heraklion
07:15 - 09:15 - 11:00* - 16:15

*The 11:00 service will depart immediately after the end of the Divine Liturgy.

Throughout the three-day celebration, special traffic measures will be in place by the Hellenic Police, aiming to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the thousands of pilgrims.

The Municipality of Minoa Pediada calls on visitors to follow the instructions of the Hellenic Police, the competent authorities and volunteers, to use the designated parking areas and to contribute through their cooperation to the safe and smooth running of the celebration.

The Municipality also makes a special appeal to worshippers who choose to travel on foot to the Holy Monastery of Saint Marina to take all necessary measures for their personal safety. As a large part of the journey takes place during the evening and early morning hours, it is important for pedestrians to remain clearly visible to passing drivers.

For this reason, visitors are advised to wear light-coloured clothing, carry a torch or other source of light, and move with particular caution in order to avoid accidents.

At the same time, drivers are urged to exercise particular care, drive at low speeds and remain constantly alert for pedestrians along the road network.