In the northern side of Kolokitha gulf, close to Elounda, there is the church of Saint Phocas, which is built on the ruins of the byzantine church that according to the tradition, Nikiforos Phocas built it himself when he came to Crete, aiming to liberate the island from the Arabs.

In the spot where the ruins are, before the restoration, it’s important to mention that locals used to light a candle that was for the presence of a church, which was dedicated to Saint Phoucas. This is how the residents used to call him in their local dialect.

Made of local stones, carved with mastery in an arid and infertile scape, with a beautiful sea view, the church is a remarkable part of this small peninsula.