There is a spectacular hiking trail from Agia Triada Monastery to Gouverneto Monastery to the turquoise beach of Kathloliko.

Your first stop will be the cave of Panagia Arkoudiotissa, in the centre of which there is an impressive stalagmite.

After that you will reach Katholiko Monastery, considered the oldest monastery in Crete, as it was founded in the mid-11th century. Its founder was St. John the Stranger or Hermit who lived in the cave, where you will see the temple dedicated to him. The surrounding caves housed many hermits, while some monks lived in the cells of the monastery. When the coasts of Crete were targeted by the pirates, the monks were forced to move to a more remote place, so they abandoned Katholiko.

The pathway continues across Avlaki Gorge and after some time you will find yourself in a wonderful small fjord with turquoise waters, where there are the ruins of the old harbor of monastery.

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