If you are ready to explore Crete’s tradition, while enjoying its rich nature, there is no better way to do it than visiting its villages, most of which are of great historical and cultural significance.
Keep reading to find out some of Crete’s most popular historical sites and – perhaps most interestingly – some of our favourite villages that locals love and so will you:
1)Georgioupoli Village
Considered part of Chania region, Georgioupoli Village is a picturesque village on the coastline and very close to Rethymno. Locals often choose it for its beach that is family friendly and a good choice when it is windy in the south. Taking a stroll in the village you will find lots of souvenir and artistic shops with cermamics on display. One of Georgioupoli’s main attractions, is Agios Nikolaos Chapel, a little white church of greek architecture style, which seems to be emerging from the sea. It is connected to the seashore with a small path in the middle of the sea made of rocks.
2)Kournas lake the only natural lake in Crete and arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in Greece. Only a 10 minute drive from Georgioupolis Village, Lake Kournas is a must-visit and the two could be combined as stops of the same day-trip. Amazing scenery, water sports for everyone, very good restaurants located around the lake with options for all tastes are only a few of the things you will experience there.
3)Argyroupoli Village
Not far from Kournas Lake, but farther from the sea, is Rethymno’s village of Argyroupoli which is a great destination both for its history and the options it currently offers. An example is the modern little cafe and brunch spot Bistro Cafe with a vegan friendly menu – right in the centre of the village.
The mountain village of Argyroupoli was once Ancient Lappa, a powerful Cretan town established in Mycenaean Greece by Agamemnon, legend has it. It used to span from Crete’s North Coast all the way to the Libyan Coast and its greatness is still prevalent when you visit Argyroupoli. The village is built amphitheatrically and the view is simply stunning!
When in Argyroupoli, make sure to visit its well known springs, where the river Mouselas originates. Agia Dynami Chapel is built within the cave where the source of the water lies. This used to be an important water supply for Rethymno and it is said that the water flowing there is miraculous. The area there is of course full of green and fresh air.
4)Ancient Eleftherna is a historical landmark you should definitely consider visiting. Imagine a whole town excavated…This work took over 30 years to be completed and today it is one of the most significant archeological sites in Crete.
Make sure to visit the Museum of Eleftherna, one of the four museums in Greece that focus solely on one archaeological site and built in 2016. Showcasing the heritage of Eleftherna, the museum will allow you to gain more insight, making your trip memorable.
5)Knossos Palace
Of course we could not leave Knossos Palace out of this list. Being the number one attraction of historical significance in the whole of Crete, Knossos Palace is worth your time and it would be best to book your tickets beforehand to avoid the hustle. Located in the general region of Heraklion, Knossos Palace will take you back to the Minoan Civilisation for a once in a life time experience!
6)Festos Palace is the second biggest minoan palace and it is located 55 kilometres south of Heraklion. One is in awe of the emblematic architecture of Festos Palace and its magnificent views of Crete’s natural landscape, while there is lot to learn about Crete from this visit.
7)Melidoni Village in Rethymno, reminds us the importance of Freedom. In Melidoni Cave, a tragedy unfolded during the Cretan Revolution against Turks in 1824. 250 villagers, women and children included, sought refugee and were trapped in the cave for three months, eventually suffocating from Turkish fire. Today, Melidoni is a symbol of heroism and within the cave there is a sarcophagus with the bones of those killed to remember their story which has shaped Crete’s identity.
In Melidoni Village, aside from the Cave, you may also visit the Apithano Honey Museum, Reptilsand (with more than 40 different reptiles) and have a delicious meal at Carob & Olive.
8)Margarites Village is one of our favourite destinations that will brighten up your day. Known for its ceramic workshops and pottery shops, this is an artistic village that exudes Cretan culture. It is located in the region of Rethymno and could be combined with a trip to Eleftherna mentioned above.
9)Spili Village
Another beautiful village which is especially popular during the summer season is Spili Village. With a scenic mountain peak as its backdrop, Spili Village is surely one to visit. It has lots of cafes and shops with natural products, such as soap and herbs. When is Spili we suggest visiting Maravel Garden and Shop for a ‘herbal garden tour’ or for a relaxing cup of tea from their huge selection.
10)Arkadi Monastery
The Monastery of Arkádi constitutes a landmark of architecture fusing Roman with Baroque elements. It is an Orthodox Christian Monastery with highly spiritual tradition and historical importance.
In 1866, during Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule, a holocaust took place in the monastery that meant Arkadi Monastery becoming a National Sancturary and a top destination for international visitors up to this day. In an attempt to seek refugee 943 Greeks, including women and children, went to the monastery and fought with great resilience for three days against the Ottomans. Finally after the three days, the people decided to blow up the monastery, sacrificing themselves instead of giving up and gaining worldwide attention on the Greek revolution.
11)Preveli Monastery
Located in a natural setting in South Rethymno is another exquisit and peaceful Orthodox Christian Monastery, Preveli Monastery, which functioned as the biggest religious centre for centuries. It consists of two complexes and it was built during the Middle Ages on top of the rocky hills of Preveli, offering a magnificent view of the Cretan sea which expands as far as the Libyan sea. On your way to the monastery you will pass from the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which the adventurous ones may choose to cross.
12)Agia Triada Monastery & Gouverneto Monastery in Chania
In the Akrotiri peninsula in Chania, a must-visit is Agia Triada Monastery, another Orthodox Christian monastery built in Byzantine style and housing a museum with rear books, icons and more. Here, the monks produce their own wine and olive oil which you will be able to buy.
Leading up from the road to Agia Triada, there is also the beautiful Gouverneto Monastery which is one of the oldest of Crete. The Monastery sets the trail to Katholiko Gorge and Katholiko Beach mentioned below. Gouverneto Monastery however is highly religious, hence we suggest avoiding entering in your swimwear or else carrying some light clothing with you in preparation.
13)Katholiko Gorge – Katholiko Monastery – Katholiko Beach
Start your hike in Katholiko Gorge from Gouverneto Monastery and see the oldest monastery of Crete, Katholiko Monastery. This was stunningly carved and built within the rocks and you can see the cave where Agios Ioannis the Hermit (Saint John) lived.This is not a functional monastery but its ruins are perserved and are magnificent to explore. If you keep hiking, the gorge will lead you to Katholiko Beach with crystal clear waters.
14)Mili Gorge
If you love hiking but you would rather do a short hike during this vacation, we strongly suggest you cross Mili Gorge that has easy access from Rethymno city. You may cross this gorge with your family and take your time to connect with the nature. During your hike in Mili Gorge, you will admire the beautiful trees and plantation and have the chance to enter old mills to see what they were like. For more info click here.
15)Samaria Gorge
Otherwise, if you are ready for a once in a life time adventure, prepare to hike the longest and most impressive gorge of Crete, Samaria Gorge. In a 12km route you will come across a variety of sceneries that take your breath away. Beginning from the high mountains of Lefka Ori and ending in the small village of Roumeli. At the finish, you are arrive at Roumeli’s charming beach where you may swim for the perfect ending to a demanding hike. ‘If you are lucky enough, you will bump into Kri- kri, one of the beautiful endangered species of cretan goats with lengthy horns!’
