Bali – Coast and the Nearby Atalis Monastery

Bali is a coastal settlement on the western shore of the bay of the same name, which is sheltered from the open sea. The harbour and beaches shape the village’s maritime character; the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner at Atalis is close to the settlement and provides a cultural and historical focal point. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to consider the coastal settlement and its immediate surroundings as different aspects of a stay in Bali.

Bali Between Bay and Beach

The village lies at an altitude of ten metres. Its small harbour can accommodate medium-sized fishing and tourist boats. The sheltered bay describes the geographical setting, while the harbour adds a maritime landmark. Together, these features give the coastal settlement a distinct character that extends beyond its beaches.

Bali has five beaches, all sheltered from the wind. A tourism description published in 2015 characterises the beach area as four bays with sandy and pebbly beaches and green water. When choosing a stretch of coast, both the wind protection and the sand, pebbles, and green water are worth considering. If you choose a holiday destination based on its landscape and coastline, these features can help guide your travel plans.

The Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner at Atalis

Near Bali, the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner at Atalis is situated on a slope of the Talla Mountains. It was built at the end of the Venetian period, in the 16th to 17th century. Its hillside setting and date of construction give the area around the coastal settlement a distinct historical landmark.

About 80 metres southwest of the monastery, outside the monastic complex, stands a monumental fountain that supplied the monastery with water. Its former function adds a specific detail about the complex’s water supply to its history.

The katholikon, or monastery church, has two naves. The term refers to its division into two church naves. Frescoes dating from the 14th century are preserved in the oldest, northern section. The refectory also preserves frescoes, dating from the 16th to 17th century. They are described as the only frescoes in a monastic refectory on Crete. The paintings thus mark two distinct periods: the 14th century in the oldest northern section and the 16th to 17th century in the refectory.

Coast or Culture as the Focus?

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can take this geographical and thematic distinction into account: the harbour and beaches define Bali itself, while the monastery complex is nearby. Consider whether the coastal settlement suits your holiday plans and whether the monastery’s history, in addition to the coastal features, interests you. This allows you to assess the destination both by its location on the bay and by its cultural and historical surroundings.

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For the main travel overview: Rethymno.