A merely 20 minutes walk from the monastery. The trail is paved with stones so it’s an easy route. Arkoudospilio (Arkouda = Bear in Greek, the name comes from the rocky formation in the middle of the cave that resembles a bear) is the first checkpoint on the route to Katholiko Beach. From there you can enjoy magnificent views of Cretan nature. Check SUBATOUR for more!

It's a difficult walk down to the cave and you will definitely get more out of it if you bring a flashlight. Stunning ocean views from the cave mouth with the bear stalagmite and pool just within this huge cave. you can leave some euros and buy a candle to light for a religious offering if you like. bring water. 20 minutes walk from the parking lot.

Very interesting cave. It originally was a temple for Artemis and Apollo. Then it was a monestary started by St. John the hermit. There's a stalagmite that is supposed to resemble a bear. It was a real beat cursed by St. John so the story goes that I heard. Not a bad hike to and from the cave.

Very nice cave. A cool place to relax a bit in the burning sun.

A short steep walk down a good path with steps about 40 mins slow walk. Big cave with stalactites in it. Still used for religious festivals.

After the visit off agia triados don't forget to come at this old arkoudospilio cave You have about 20 minutes walk to this place

A bit of fresher in the middle of the hike. Beautiful cave in the mountain. Stop there and drink a bit of water before going down.

On the hike trail from Gouverneto Monastery to Katholiko beach you will find a small gate on your right (going down). Just open the gate and behind it you will vind the cave with some kind of water reservoir in the middle and a small chappel to the side. Ring the bell and enjoy the coolness of the cave.

It is believed that Arkoudiotissa Cave, which you can reach on foot by following the path starting from the Gouverneto Monastery, has been used for worship since ancient times. Arkoudiotissa literally means "she-bear" and the cave takes this name from its stalagmites that look like she-bears. It is thought that monks from the Gouverneto Monastery used to live in the ruined buildings that you will see around the cave. There is also a chapel inside the cave, and people in the region spend the night in this cave every year on February 2 to pray. The burn scar you can see on the ceiling of the cave are also caused by the fire that people lit to keep warm during their worship. According to local legend, a bear once lived in the cave and drank all the water dripping from the stalactites. The thirsty monks prayed to the Virgin Mary for help, and the Virgin Mary, who answered their prayers, turned the bear into stone like stalagmites. I know the cave is not very impressive, but if you have come here starting from the Gouverneto Monastery, I recommend you to continue your walk and you should definitely see the Monastery Katholiko.

You have to pay the entrance fee (2,5€) to access the Monastery before you can walk to the cave. Note that the walk can be quite challenging due the rough terrain. I would suggest to continue until you reach the beach at the end. Take plenty of water with you especially if visiting in the summer. And a pair of good shoes!

So pointless… wasted time. Just find something interesting and drive on. And there’s ticket even if the monastery is closed… there’s seriously nothing to see.

Very interesting place for a visit. Cave that is prepared for religious messes. Not a long trip from parking, it is right around 15 minutes, not very demanding either. Wort a trip down there.

COOLE Höhle Eintritt ganz oben 2,5€ .

Der Weg nach unten ist sehr schön, aber die Höhle ist ziemlich nass und dunkel (eine Höhle halt). War nichts atemberaubendes aber trotzdem interessant!

Sehenswert aber auch nicht zu überbewerten. Beeindruckenden Stalagtiten, baumdick und natürlich uralt. Wenn doch bloss die blöden Touris auch i-wann mal leise sein könnten und den Mund halten oder wenigsten leise sprechen würden

Incredible adventure! Breath taking views, beautiful scent of herbs around you. Huge, a bit scary but tempting cave, and the cherry on top - rocky bay at the end!

Just a stinky cave that smelled like toilet. Sure visit it on the way to Katholiko Bay but don’t go here just for the cave itself.

Small cave with church inside it. It came handy during a hot day to take some rest in the cave with cold air :) You can't miss it, if you're heading to Katholiko Monastery/Bay.

A holy cave that was (and is still?) used as a chapel. A cool and moist place which makes it a perfect break point for a hot summer day's hike.

Large cave with columns and stalactites and water reservoir

Few icons and a huge cave, not a big detour to drop in.

The cave itself is not too interesting. If it's on your way to the ruins of the old St. John's monastery, pay a short visit, but don't turn back yet! The good parts of this hike are still ahead of you!

Is a very picturesque raw place, with a wonderful view! You shouldn't miss it!