17th-century Venetian-style monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula with a small museum and olive oil shop.
The Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon stands on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 15 km from Chania town and close to the airport. It was founded in the 17th century by the Tzagarolo family, who were Venetian converts from Catholicism to Orthodoxy, and its church reflects Venetian Renaissance design with a carved facade and a domed cross-in-square plan. The grounds include a courtyard with orange trees, a small ecclesiastical museum with icons and manuscripts and a shop selling the monks' olive oil and wine. Dress rules are strict: no shorts, bare shoulders or short skirts. Allow about one hour, and combine with Gouverneto and the Katholiko cave monastery to its north.
| Admission | About EUR 2.50 (about USD 2.88) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Summer about 08:00 to sunset; winter about 08:00-14:00 and 16:00 to sunset. Some sources list shorter hours; confirm by phone +30 28210 63572. |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Morning |
| Getting there | Car or taxi from Chania, 20-25 minutes; taxi roughly EUR 25-30 (USD 29-35) one way, confirm the fare first |
| Address | Moni Tzagarolon, 73100 Akrotiri, Chania, Crete, Greece |
Location
Moni Tzagarolon, 73100 Akrotiri, Chania, Crete, Greece
35.5779, 24.1307 View on map
Highlights
- 17th-century Venetian-style church facade
- Ecclesiastical museum of icons and manuscripts
- Courtyard and gardens
- Monastery olive oil and wine
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly; wraps may be offered at the gate.
- Check hours before going; sources differ and midday closures are common.
- Combine with Gouverneto monastery and the beaches of Stavros.
- Hire a car or taxi; no direct public bus runs to the monastery.
When to visit
Morning or late afternoon.
Accessibility
Gravel and stone courtyards with steps; limited wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
How much is entry?
Reported at about EUR 2.50 (USD 2.88); children under 18 are free.
How do I get there?
By car or taxi from Chania, about 20 to 25 minutes; the monastery is close to the airport.
What should visitors wear?
Covered shoulders and knees; no shorts.