View of Monastery of Our Lady of Gonia from Orthodox Academy
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Orthodox Academy of Crete

4.7
Β·42 reviewsΒ·Moni Odigitrias Kirias Gonias, Greece

A tranquil retreat on Crete with stunning Mediterranean views and exceptional hospitality, ideal for peaceful stays and conferences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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View of Monastery of Our Lady of Gonia from Orthodox Academy

Orthodox Academy of Crete

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil retreat on Crete with stunning Mediterranean views and exceptional hospitality, ideal for peaceful stays and conferences.

4.7
(42 reviews)

"Thrilled with the hospitality, especially with regard to special food requests."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ—£οΈ Inform About Dietary Needs

Notify staff in advance for vegan, allergy, or intolerance needs. They're very accommodating!

πŸš— Consider Transportation

Hiring a car or arranging a service is recommended for exploring beyond the academy.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 42 reviews

β™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mediterranean Sea Views

Mediterranean Sea Views

Throughout the grounds

Breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, perfect for quiet contemplation.

Exceptional Hospitality

Exceptional Hospitality

Reception and dining areas

Warm and accommodating staff, praised for going the extra mile, especially with dietary requests.

Well-Maintained Grounds

Well-Maintained Grounds

Outdoor areas

Spacious and beautifully kept gardens offering a peaceful environment for strolls.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

The Orthodox Academy of Crete offers a tranquil escape with stunning sea views. While rooms can be basic, the hospitality shines, especially for dietary needs. Plan for a peaceful stay focused on relaxation and the beautiful surroundings.

Conference Comforts & Beyond

If attending a conference, be aware that some rooms may have limited natural light due to projector needs. For leisure, the academy is a beautiful base, but consider transport for exploring the wider area, as activities nearby are limited.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Conference groups may thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸ—£οΈ Inform About Dietary Needs

Notify staff in advance for vegan, allergy, or intolerance needs. They're very accommodating! Reddit

πŸš— Consider Transportation

Hiring a car or arranging a service is recommended for exploring beyond the academy. Reddit

πŸ›οΈ Basic Room Amenities

Rooms are described as spartan and old; manage expectations for luxury. Reddit

πŸ’° Value for Dining

Food is noted as expensive; consider this when budgeting for meals. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ—£οΈ Inform About Dietary Needs

Notify staff in advance for vegan, allergy, or intolerance needs. They're very accommodating! Reddit

πŸš— Consider Transportation

Hiring a car or arranging a service is recommended for exploring beyond the academy. Reddit

πŸ›οΈ Basic Room Amenities

Rooms are described as spartan and old; manage expectations for luxury. Reddit

πŸ’° Value for Dining

Food is noted as expensive; consider this when budgeting for meals. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(42 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests praise the Orthodox Academy of Crete for its stunning sea views, exceptionally hospitable staff, and beautifully maintained grounds. However, some find the rooms basic and the dining expensive, with mixed reviews on food taste. Conference facilities may also have limitations.

"Orthodox Academy of Crete

08 / 2023

Not visited, just walked by. Looks very neat from the outside, you can see where money is. Large well-kept grounds"

H. L.

"While the rooms are very old and spartan, I was thrilled with the hospitality, especially with regard to special food requests.
With my review, I want to point out that even if you live vegan or have food allergies or intolerances, you can definitely attend a conference here. It's best to notify the staff beforehand and then it shouldn't be a problem (at least it wasn't in my case). Thanks again!"

Lara821

"Located in wonderful landscape. Also, always someone at the reception. But:
- windows of the conference rooms are closed with cardboards so that no lights come in because the projectors are not bright enough. Consequently one does not see anything from the beautiful landscape but sits in dark, artificially lighted rooms like in a cellar.
- The technical equipment is old and partially does not work at all. Not even Windows and Office are activated.
- The sound protection is poor and if people are talking in front of the conference rooms, speakers are hard to understand.
- The hotel rooms are expensive but poorly and old equipped.
- The highly praised food is very expensive as well but does not taste well.
Overall, it was a surprisingly bad experience."

Damn Google

What People Like

Beautiful sea views
Exceptional hospitality
Well-kept grounds

What People Dislike

Basic rooms
Expensive dining
Dated conference tech

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Orthodox Academy of Crete is located slightly off the beaten path in Crete. Travelers often recommend using your own vehicle or hiring a car service, though the latter can be costly. Reddit Public transport options might be limited, so planning your transport in advance is key to a smooth arrival.

Yes, car parking is available at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, making it convenient for those arriving by private vehicle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds and common areas of the Orthodox Academy of Crete is generally free for visitors, especially if you are not staying overnight or attending a specific event. However, if you plan to stay in their accommodation or attend a conference, booking in advance is necessary. Reddit

While specific visitor hours aren't always published, the academy is generally accessible during daylight hours. For accommodation or conference attendance, check their official schedule or contact them directly for specific timings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is described as serene and peaceful, with beautiful sea views and well-kept grounds. It's a place for relaxation and contemplation. Reddit

Some reviews mention that conference rooms might have cardboard covering windows to block light for projectors, which can limit views of the landscape and create a darker environment. Reddit Technical equipment may also be dated or not fully functional.

Yes, it's recommended as a beautiful place for a couples' day stay to visit, though some feel there aren't many activities in the immediate surrounding area for longer stays. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The academy offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options, often made by locals. Dishes like Spinach Puff, Fried Okra, Greek salad, and Beans are mentioned. Reddit

Absolutely! The hospitality is highly praised, especially for accommodating vegan diets, food allergies, or intolerances. It's best to notify the staff beforehand. Reddit

Reviews indicate that the food is quite expensive, and some guests felt it did not taste particularly good, despite the cost. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The stunning Mediterranean Sea views are a prime subject for photography. The well-maintained grounds and gardens also offer picturesque backdrops. Reddit

While you can technically take photos, be mindful that some conference rooms might be set up with blocked windows for presentations, which could affect the natural light and overall aesthetic for your shots. Reddit

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