Monastery

Rethymno Province


Spili is a bishop’s see (seat of a bishop), based at the massive modern monastery on the main road at the western end of town. You’re free to walk around and admire the arched entryways, marble-floor courtyard, stunning valley views and opulently decorated church.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rethymno Province attractions

1. Folk Museum of Spili

0.26 MILES

Up a footpath at the northern end of town, this place is a treasure trove of local vintage artefacts. The giant loom or the coffee-bean roaster might…

2. Maravel Garden

0.26 MILES

On the western outskirts of town are these botanical gardens filled with an aromatic variety of plant species from Crete and across the globe. You're free…

3. Venetian Fountain

0.32 MILES

The main local attraction is this restored fountain that spurts water from 19 stone lion heads into a long trough. Fill up your own bottle with some of…

4. Preveli Beach

5.65 MILES

Also known as Palm Beach, dazzling Preveli is one of Crete’s most celebrated strands. At the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where the river…

5. Moni Preveli

5.73 MILES

Historic Moni Preveli cuts an imposing silhouette high above the Libyan Sea. Like most Cretan monasteries, it was a centre of resistance during the…

6. Triopetra

7.07 MILES

Separated by a headland, Triopetra is divided into two beaches: ‘Big Triopetra’ and ‘Little Triopetra’. The former is the main attraction and features a…

7. Military Museum of Chromonastiri

7.39 MILES

Offering a sobering account of the Battle of Crete – one of WWII's most infamous battles, which was waged in 1941 in this very area – is this small war…

8. Plakias Beach

7.79 MILES

Though Plakias features 1.5km of beachfront, keep your expectations in check. For the best patch, head 200m south of the main drag, where you'll find a…

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