Agios Paisios Church is a small stone chapel on a rocky hill above Damnoni and Ammoudi beaches near Plakias. Built by the Mastrantonakis family from Lefkogeia, it combines a deeply personal act of faith with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea.
Overview
Agios Paisios Church is not a conventional tourist attraction. It is a quiet place of worship visited for prayer, reflection, and the views over the south coast of Crete.
Its stone walls, bell tower, carved wooden icons, and simple details fit naturally into the rocky landscape. The exposed hilltop can be windy, particularly toward sunset.
The Story Behind Agios Paisios Church
The chapel was built by members of the Mastrantonakis family from Lefkogeia, in the municipality of Agios Vasileios. Local Greek reports describe it as an act of faith and gratitude after the family believed the intercession of Saint Paisios helped them through a difficult period.
Published accounts differ about the exact private circumstances behind its construction. What remains consistent is that the chapel was created by the family as a personal religious offering rather than a commercial attraction.
During my visit, candles were not sold. Visitors brought their own candles, olive oil, or another small offering.
How to Visit Agios Paisios Church
- Parking: A small gravel parking area is located immediately below the steps.
- Driving access: The final approach follows an unpaved road leading to the parking area.
- Walk from parking: A short stone staircase leads to the chapel.
- Best time: Sunrise for quiet surroundings or sunset for coastal views.
- Atmosphere: Keep voices low and respect worshippers and visitors inside.
Views Over Ammoudi and Damnoni Beaches
The chapel stands above Ammoudi Beach and the surrounding bays near Damnoni. From the hilltop, you can see the beaches, rocky coastline, and open Libyan Sea below.
A visit fits naturally after swimming or stopping for coffee near Ammoudi. From the beach, you can drive up to the parking area and continue by the short staircase.
Local Insight — by Zurab Peikrishvili
Whenever I visit Ammoudi, I eventually return to the hill of Agios Paisios. The wind, deep-blue sea, exposed stone, and quiet surroundings give this place a character that feels completely different from the beaches below.
From here, Ammoudi looks different: the campers beneath the cypress trees, the small café, and the quiet bay become part of one wider landscape. That view is what brings me back whenever I am in the area.
Nearby Places
- Ammoudi Beach Plakias — the quiet bay directly below the chapel.
- Plakias Day Trip from Rethymno — a practical way to include the chapel in a full south-coast day.
- South Coast Day Trip from Rethymno — wider route planning for beaches and viewpoints in the area.
- Alianthos Beach Taverna Plakias — a nearby option for food or coffee after visiting the chapel.
