Katholiko Bay
Chania, Greece Scenic spot
Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. One of the most places on earth! The 1 hour from the to the cliff bay (it's NOT a beach) is exhausting, but totally it. Entry fee is 2,5€ per person. After the ruins of the old St. John's the path requires surefootedness and footwear. Officially, swimming in the bay is forbidden, but people do it anyway. And let's be honest: The is kilometers away, there are no monks who could be offended by it and if God made this place, I'm sure he wanted people to enjoy it 😉 Photos look amazing. Get there early ,as gate access will close at 630pm. Take footwear as the track is steep and has loose gravel. Water is a must. Tickets are $2.50 euro and signs not recovering swimming. Beware if you don't turn left at the small town, you will end up a military base that's fill of goats and hordes of cats. Access and photos are frowned upon. Très jolie ! Vous devez vous garer juste avant l’entrée qui est payante (2€50), vous pouvez aller au monastère qui est à 10min de l’entrée ou continuer pour la randonnée qui donne sur des monuments. La randonnée jusque ici dure environ 40min, prenez de bonnes chaussures il y a beaucoup de cailloux et c’est pentu. Les plus aguerris descendront jusqu’en bas pour allez jusqu’à mer. Mais attention c’est assez dangereux ! Stunning little bay at the end of a hike. It’s accessible for a if the is calm and if you’re a confident enough and able-bodied climber. We went for a in mid may and it was initially a bit cold but fine for a 20 minute swim. It was incredible and there were little fishes saying hi. We carried snorkelling kit with us. Swimming here with my wife was one of the highlights of my life. After finishing the Avlaki Gorge hike, Katholiko Bay is the perfect reward. The climb down is totally it, you’re greeted by the most stunning crystal-blue that looks almost unreal. It was so peaceful and quiet when we visited, especially at this time of year, making it feel like our own hidden paradise. Whether you want to relax by the shore, dip your feet in the cool water, or just take in the breathtaking scenery, Katholiko Bay is a must-see. A perfect ending to an already incredible hike! I visited this place by the end of October and it was very quiet, as only a few people got here. One must descend and than climb a lot of steps, about 260m altitude difference from the parking to the shore. You can visit the old church from the gorge, and there's also an interesting cave , about 100m deep if you have a lantern. You can bath in the bay, but it is preferable to have swimming shoes, as there are rocks and boulders. The is a few meters deep so you must swim. I found it amazing, a combination of leisure, ancient culture and mountain tracking. Katholiko Beach, located in Crete, is a hidden gem that offers a truly remarkable experience for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape. With its awe-inspiring scenery and rich historical significance, this is definitely a visit. Getting to Katholiko requires a bit of an adventure. It is tucked away in a secluded cove and can be accessed via a scenic hiking trail. The journey itself is part of the charm, as you'll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation. The takes you through rugged terrain and ancient ruins, adding an element of exploration to your visit. One of the best things about Katholiko is that it is relatively untouched by mass tourism. As a result, the maintains its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. The crystal-clear turquoise waters invite you to take a refreshing dip, and the soft golden sand is perfect for lounging and sunbathing. It's an idyllic spot for relaxation and unwinding. Travel time to Katholiko can vary depending on your starting point. If you're staying in Chania, it typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the by car. The drive itself is quite scenic, offering glimpses of the stunning Cretan landscape along the way. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour or arrange transportation to ensure a hassle-free journey. In terms of access, it's important to note that reaching Katholiko requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The hiking can be steep and uneven in some sections, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing plenty of is recommended. However, the effort is well it, as you'll be rewarded with the beauty and tranquility of the once you arrive. While there is no entrance fee to access Katholiko Beach, it's important to be mindful of the surrounding environment and respect its natural preservation. Remember to take any trash with you and leave only footprints behind to help maintain the beach's pristine condition. In conclusion, Katholiko in Crete is a true hidden gem that offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its secluded location, natural beauty, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination. Just be prepared for a bit of adventure and make sure to respect the environment during your visit. Csak a barlangig jutottunk, így is az út hosszú volt és göröngyös. Aki túrázni szeret, annak biztos jó! Ajánlom a turabakancsot. Die Katholiko-Bucht ist ein absoluter Geheimtipp und eine der schönsten Buchten auf Kreta! Die Kulisse ist atemberaubend: kristallklares Wasser, umgeben von beeindruckenden Felswänden. Der Weg zur Bucht ist bereits ein Erlebnis für sich. Man startet am Kloster Gouverneto (Eintritt von dem Parkplatz aus sind 2,5€) und wandert einen steilen, aber gut markierten Pfad entlang, vorbei an der beeindruckenden Ruine des Katholiko-Klosters. Der Abstieg dauert etwa 30-40 Minuten und führt durch eine wilde, ursprüngliche Landschaft – gutes Schuhwerk ist hier auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert! Einige Passagen sind auch recht steil. Die Mühe lohnt sich jedoch vollkommen: Unten angekommen, erwartet einen eine traumhafte Bucht (Schwimmen ist hier jedoch verboten!). Unbedingt genug Wasser und Verpflegung mitnehmen. Belle rando qui abouti à une crique magnifique Wonderful bay with crystal clear and scenery. The here is quite a task, especially the way back up, but it is 100% it and must see in the region. And shoes are a MUST! There is almost no shade so be prepared for that, and descend to the is quite tricky as it’s basically just steep rocks down. But the photos speak for themselves and as the is not so easy, there aren’t many people (we went at begging of July). Amazing place, warm water. Definitely seeing. beautiful! About an hour and ten min walk down a path that starts from a monastery, pass by a nice cave , pass by another cool and then you arrive at a cove crystal clear and you can jump in from the rocks! One of my favorite places in Crete scenery, a VERY INCLINED into and then out of the areas, this is a more difficult than the all trails rating of “moderate”. Plan on 3-4 hours if you want to stop and enjoy the scenery and go all the way to the water. The back out is strenuous, but it for the beauty This is a lovely to this beach. Arrive to the parking lot at least an hour before noon so that you can visit the monastery. Entrance fee is €2.50 per person. The can be a bit strenuous on the way back so be sure to have shoes - but the caves, monastery, and ruins a long the way make it an amazing hike. The is a rocky with not much of an area to lay down. A great place to relax have a and to do some cliff diving. The was clean and enjoyable but the thing you have t be aware of are the goats. They will definitely eat everything you have and poop on your towels. But all in all we had a great time there Bardzo fajna wycieczka choć droga powrotna w słońcu i pod górę daje wycisk. Wejście 2,5 eur. Na trasie fajne widoki i parę kapliczek. Końcówka to możliwość kąpieli w zatoczce. Chcieliśmy wracać inną trasą zaznaczoną na mapach ale trasa po 1 km powinna odbijać w lewo .. coś tam jest ale lepiej wracać tą samą która się przyszło. Na wycieczkę zabrać dobre buty i dużo wodę. Really nice experience. The path is very rocky and you should wear stable footwear, but we were absolutely flashed by the caves and the nature. The way down was exhausting for the joints, the way up for your cardiovascular system, especially in summer 😁 but still… the nature.. the in the bay.. would recommend. Even if it’s forbidden to in the bay… I guess nobody cares. Perfect for snorkeling. The caves are also nice too cool down a bit. Очень спокойное и прекрасное место Nice place. Just be aware that it's not nice to if you want to show respect to the holy area, after all it is still a monastery. I don't mind personally, but if people ask nicely not to (as it's written close to the entrance), I follow that. Also a bit morbid, a lot of goat carcasses around. Not for the faint at heart. A challenging but fun to the beach. Flip-flops and sandals are not recommended. Parking is easy. The is beautiful, but if it’s windy, swimming is impossible. Bardzo ładne górskie widoki. Ciekawe groty że stalaktytami , stalagmitami i gigantycznymi stalagmitami. Byliśmy około godz. 13 w połowie sierpnia. Tej pory nie polecam , piekielnie gorąco. Przecudne miejsce do snoorklingu. My akurat widzieliśmy różne gatunki ryb, kalmary i nawet żółwia. Na piechotę od parkingu przy klasztorze około 40 minut spacerem. Po drodze ciekawe rzeczy do oglądania. Przy przejściu do klasztoru opłata 2,5 euro za dorosłych. Dzieci za darmo Highlight of our Crete trip. Amazing long hike, with some impressive ruins. Recommend swimming in the bay, and bringing snorkel gear to watch the fish. Caution - Do not climb down the mountain, or you will miss the 2nd set of Ruins. We went down with another hiker we ran into down the mountain instead of the stairs, and it was a treacherous and dangerous route with no benefit. When it feels like the 'trail ends' at the top of the mountain before the Gorge, go LEFT. Have tried to include a rough sketch below. Quite the down to the bay, but it. On days (check the wheather) you can even in the bay. Going back up was the hardest part, but you'll manage if you are moderately fit. One of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been. Splendide, il faut marcher une dizaine de minutes pour arriver dans une pinède magnifique les pieds dans l’eau .. l’eau est cristalline et l’amer chaude , besoin de petits chaussons pour se baigner 1h slow to get down to the beach. Going down was easy but going back up is kinda tiring. It's it though because at the bottom you'll see the most turquoise and clear of your life. There's tons of cool fish to see so it's perfect for snorkeling. Bellissimo paesaggio. Si arriva pagando un piccolo contributo di 2.5€ al monastero e poi si cammina per circa 40 Min fino ad arrivare ad una piccola chiesa bizantina abbandonata e un rifugio dei monaci in una grotta Molto suggestivo. È un posto che merita la sosta Visiting Katholiko Gorge was an amazing experience! The gorge is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination, not to mention the crystal-clear bay at the end of the trail. It's about 20 km from Chania, and the drive there was beautiful, with winding roads offering lovely views along the way. The road was in condition, making the trip easy and pleasant. Something mentioning is that there is no phone signal in the area! We didn’t mind, as this made us focus and enjoy the experience even more. But it’s to keep in mind if you’re planning a solo trip there. When we arrived at Katholiko Gorge, we found plenty of free parking spaces near the entrance. There is an entrance fee of 2.5 € per person; we paid 5 € for both of us. From the parking area, it’s just a short walk to the first viewpoint, where you can start your down into the gorge. There are several viewpoints along the path where you can stop, catch your breath, and take stunning photos of the surrounding landscape. The is suitable for all ages, though some trails might be a bit challenging for very young children or seniors, especially the part leading to the bay. I wouldn't recommend this for kids or those not in health, as some parts are quite difficult. Most people stop at the old monastery. The first stop is at the new monastery, only a few minutes' walk from the parking area. Next, we continued to the cave, a 15 mn from the monastery. The is an easy, well-marked path, paved for the most part, and manageable for most people in health. The cave was fascinating, with a cool and refreshing feel, and you can spot the “bear” rock formation here. After the cave, we took the leading to the old monastery. This takes about 40 mn and consists of paved stairs for the most part, though without handrails. It’s not very difficult as long as you stay on the path and avoid getting too distracted by the scenery and photo opportunities, and get lost as we did. 😂 However, the effort was it. The old monastery, nestled in the cliffs, had an ancient, mystical vibe and offered incredible views of the gorge below. Finally, we continued to the bay at the end of the trail, which took about 60 minutes from the old monastery. This part of the was the most challenging, with uneven terrain and a few steep sections. Proper footwear is essential here, as the becomes rocky and slippery. I wouldn’t recommend bringing kids on this part of the trail. The bay at the end of the was absolutely stunning. The crystal-clear turquoise was perfect for swimming, and the serene atmosphere made it a perfect place to relax. This spot is really Instagrammable, so make sure to take plenty of pictures. Swimming in the cool, refreshing was a highlight of our visit. Bringing shoes was a great idea, as this is a rocky area. It's important to note that Katholiko Gorge does not have any facilities, so you should pack your own food and snacks. There are not many trees for shade along the trail, and no shade at all around the bay. Additionally, there are no places to get water, so make sure to bring plenty. We were able to get some at the entrance where we paid the fee. The staff were really nice and refilled our bottles. Make sure to come prepared with enough and snacks. It also gets really hot during the summer months, so it might be a idea to start this very early in the morning. Overall, our visit to Katholiko Gorge was amazing. The mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and the serene bay made it a memorable experience. If you're ever in Crete, especially around Chania, I highly recommend visiting this gorge. Just be prepared for the and take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, a hat, proper shoes, and sunscreen! See our experience and check out the gorge before visiting, we made a video about it on YouTube.➡️ https://youtu.be/H0R87rnyuGA?si=ju-gEtR0df7M42w2 The cove is stunning and absolutely the visit. The down the gorge is a bit demanding but rewards you with amazing viewpoints – allow around 30/40 minutes down and the same back up. At the entrance (€2.50), it is clearly stated and reminded that swimming is forbidden, out of respect for the spirituality of the place and the nearby monastery. It’s a pity that many visitors choose to ignore this rule. Make sure to admire the color of the – it’s breathtaking. 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Address · Phone · Hours
- Address
- Akrotiri 731 00, Chania, Region of Crete, GR
| Monday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM to 9 PM |
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