Hiking bear cave - West Crete

Sight-Seeing Monasteries & a small walking-Path to the "Bear Cave"
The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada is one of the most important monasteries of the end of the Venetian Empire in Crete with a great contribution to the History and Education of the island. It is located at the Akrotiri Peninsula on the foot of Stavros mountain chain. It was built by the brothers Ieremias and Lavrentios Tsagarolon that came from a great Venetian-Cretan family and had a powerful influence in the Orthodox population and the Catholic Venetians. The Monastery has a smal shop where the monks sell their Organic Olive oil and Organic wine. After about 100 meters you will park in front of the monastery "Gouvernetto" where the hike begins.

A paved path leads to the Bear Cave and on to the abandoned monastery "Katholiko". On this path you can enjoy a unique view to the Mediterranean Sea. The path begins behind the viaduct (stone bridge) and leads to a stream where remains of a small shipyard can be admired. Then it goes back the same way. The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours. The landscape on the Akrotiri peninsula is very barren, but in combination with the monasteries you will have impressive overall picture. This walking path is easy and can be crossed with children.