This is one of Crete's most famous monasteries. It played an important role during the years of the Cretan Renaissance, both in the letters and the arts, and, during the last centuries of Venetian rule, it was known for its many scholars, artists and venerable monks.

The Varsamonerou Monastery lies in the surrounding fields of the village Voriza, 54.5 kms from Heraklion City. The monastery is abandoned and, though its cells have been destroyed, its church has some of the most remarkable wall paintings in Crete.

Paliani Monastery is located near Venerato village, 20 kilometers from Heraklion city in Central Crete.

Is is a Female monastery, probably the oldest in the whole of Crete. It has been first recorded in 669, and was founded sometime during the first Byzantine period.

Agios Nikitas, one of the many monasteries of Crete a little to the west of Maridaki. Accessible by boat from Tsoutsouros Village or by car from Ahedrias mountain Village. Located at the south side of the Asterousia Mountains, 86 km south from Heraklion City.

Above Krousonas town , 22km far from Heraklion, lies the nunnery of Agia Irini which is dedicated to Agia Irini and Koimisis of Theotokos. After a bloody battle that occurred in Kroussonas Gorge, where 400 Turks were killed, the invaders arrested and slaughtered many nuns.