Monastery of Agios Pavlos, Asterousia

You’ll find it on the road connecting Paranymfoi to the Monastery of Koudoumas, perched above the dramatic cliffs and rock caves of Asterousia, in an area that’s perfect for seclusion and retreat — especially to the east of the sacred summit at Kofinas.

The Monastery of Apostle Paul dates back to the Venetian era and served as a hermitage until the mid-20th century.
During the Ottoman occupation, it was stripped of its property. In the 19th century, when efforts were made to restore it, locals from Paranymfoi and Platanias rushed to contribute financially. The rapid growth of Koudoumas Monastery also influenced Agios Pavlos, which was gradually abandoned.

Directly below the chapel, built on a natural balcony, a steep gorge begins, leading into the southern cliffs of Asterousia — one of Crete’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Info: Municipality of Archanes-Asterousia