The monastery of Agios Georgios Samakidi is located in a green ravine in the southwest of Crete, not far from the seaside resorts of Analipsi and Makrigialos. If you come from the east side from Lagada, take the exit on the right hand side just after the beach of Diaskari leading towards the north. It is situated between Analipsi and the village of Pefki. The road is good. The exit to the monastery is on the right hand side of the road and the monastery is indicated by a sign. The last part of the trip is over a dirt road. It is best to park your car at the side of the road and walk the last part. The monastery is not far away and the walk is beautiful, through a pine forest with birds and tranquility. At one point you will see the elongated monastery hidden between the trees in the distance.
This is a place to completely relax and (on our visit the key was in the door) if you want to light a candle. The interior of the church is not spectacular but it is always nice to have a look inside. You can also see how the monastery is built against the rock.
The Agios Georgios Samakidi Monastery dates from the 14th century and is partly built into a rock. Tradition has it that the monastery was built by Joseph Samakides who previously lived in a monastery in the village of Pilalamata (now a small village between Analipsi and Lagada), and who moved to escape the attacks of pirates. He left for the west in 1471 and found a well and the remains of a hermitage where the monastery now stands. It is believed that many of the stones used to build the monastery originally came from the older Panagia Kera Monastery in Pilalamata.
