The beautiful monastery of Agia Fotini is located about 10 kilometers south of Hotel Belvedere, in the seaside village of Elinoperamata. It is within walking distance of the Pantanassa monastery (Panagia Pantanassa) and offers the visitor an impressive view of the Sea of Crete and the city of Heraklion.

It was founded in June 1991 by the Archbishop of Crete, Timotheos. The monastery houses the church of Agia Fotini, the chapel of St. Fanourios, the nuns’ cells and the tomb of the founder of the monastery, Timotheos.

The Martyr Fotini came from the city Sihar of Samaria. She spread the Gospel around Africa and Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero (54-68 AD) and was martyred along with her sons and her five sisters.

The church celebrates on February 26th and Sunday of the Samaritan woman.