Our next stop, is the Gouverneto monastery (The Lady Of The Angels) built in 1537 by monks of the pre-existing Catholic monastery which due to its proximity to the sea, had been attacked on numerous occasions by pirates. The complex resembles to a fortress, having four towers at the respective corners and bearing a cousiderable fortification. At present, it has chapels dedicated to Saint John the Hermit and the Ten Saints.
Leaving behind the historical monasteries of Akrotiri, we pass again through picturesque traditional villages and arrive at the beach of Marathi. It is situated on the north-east side of the Souda Bay and consists of a small fishing harbor and three islands at the front. Several taverns operate in the area, offering fresh fish at fair price.
Our last destination is the ancient city of Aptera, built during the Minoan period. The city dominated the area of Souda Bay and became an important City-State in antiquity. It was served by a couple of harbors, Minoan at the north entrance to the bay (today, the Marathi beach) and Kalami at the south (near the Kalives village). Aptera continued to be an important city during the Roman and Byzantine periods but it was eventually destroyed by the Arabs in 823. During the Venetian occupation, a fortress was built at the site but it was also sacked by the notorious pirate Barbarossa.
Time Duration : 4 hours
Price : Up to 4 persons 120€, Up to 8 persons 180€