Koudoumas

Koudoumas is located 74km south of Heraklion. In this place, is full you can find several cavities with hermits belonging to the Monastery of Koudoumas. The way till the monastery, is not ideal but it is definitely worth the pain. The view is stunning 100m up from the sea level that will make will make you grab the camera and memorize this beauty!

On the front side of the monastery, is existing a beautiful beach with small pebbles and crystal clear blue waters that offer peaceful moments perfect for families. Nudism is not allowed as long as you will find a lot of monks around. The beach is not organized so make sure you will bring all the necessary equipment with you. You could also go camping on the beach, but always in a discreet way. On the east side of the beach, you will find a lot caves where you spend your night or to find a rescue during the day.

The Monastery of Koudoumas is located in a small cave. The first chapel was built in the 14th century and was dedicated to Christ, but afterwards was by pirates. Later in 1878, the Saints Parthenios and Evmenios began to reconstruct the ruined monastery. Nowadays, it is fully renovated and you can fave the old frescoes. Later, a new church in honor of Saint Parthenios and Evmenios, that celebrates on July 10. The relics of saints are kept in the monastery.

When the monastery celebrates on August 15 and 10 July, every year, hundreds of worshipers arrive there and spend the night on the beach, participating in the feast. If you come till Koudoumas, you should walk for 15’ to 25’ westwards, to Cave Avakkospilio in which monks lived. The cave has an impressive decoration of stalactites, stalagmites and large columns. In ancient times, the cave was a site for worshiping a goddess of fertility and childless women were brought here. You could also follow the path to the cave of St. Anthony (60'-90'). Moreover, if you are fond of walking, you can walk to the east, in the old footpath that heads to the village Paranimfi (4-5 hours).