Explore Rethymno

Rèthymno prefecture is the smallest of all the islands prefectures, to the east lies the White Mountain (Lefka Ori).To the west lays the Amari valley with it, s small villages which seem to have stood still in time.Outside of the main town of Rethymnon on the north coast are beautifull beaches. The south coast is more rugged here; you can find small bays which are only accesible by foot. A visit to the Monastries of Arkadi and Preveli should not be missed. The villages of Agia Galini and Preveli which cater for the tourists is also situated on the south coast.

Not so many kilometres away you will find the historic Arkardi monastery and the beautiful Amari valley with a breathtaking view and traditional villages.

On the southern side, the traditional Cretan village Spilli, spectacular gorges like Kourtaliotiko and Koutsifou, Preveli Beach (palm beach) , the village and tourist resort Plakias, the picturesque, Fishing village Agia Galini is some of the most popular sights.

Bali

The resort is 38km from Rethymnon has a stunning coastline, best seen from a boat 5 small bays are strung out along the shore. The beaches can get crowed in the summer.

Episkopi

23km south-west of rethymnon Episkopi is a traditional village where even today you can see the locals wearing traditional black clothes. The village is good place to experience the traditional Cretan way of life.

Argyroupolis

If you find the heat of the resorts too much, then take a trip to this delightful town which comprises of two villages. 25km south-west of Rèthymno. Mountain springs run through aqueducts, seep from the stonework to the lower village to create a natural air conditioning. Relax and have something to eat at one of the tavernas shaded by trees and vegetation. The town is built on the remains of the ancient city of Lappa, so there is plenty to explore.

In the upper village you will find the church of Agios Ioannis built in the 17th century. The main street will take you past the Roman gate with the inscription ‘Omnia Mundi Fumus et Umbra’ (All Things in This World are Smoke and Shadow). Further along a street on the right leads you down to a 3rd century-bc marble water reservoir. Back on the main street and in the same direction past the apricot trees you will find a well preserved 1st century BC Roman mosaic floor, comprising of circa 7000 pieces in 6 colours. To the north of the upper town, a path leads you to a Roman Necropolis with hundreds of tombs cut into the hillside. Further along the path you come to a plane tree reported to be over 2000 years old, it is so big a path runs right through it.

In the lower village you will find the tavernas around the springs. At the bottom the village a path takes you to a Roman bath and a wooden fulling machine, which was used to thicken cloth by beating the moist cloth. Close by is St. Mary’s Church built on the site of an old temple devoted to Neptune.

Spilli

A charming mountain village with cobbled streets and equally charming houses. Though some distance from the coast Spilli, gets tourists by the bus load on their way to the south coast, but in the evening the village returns to the locals. Taking pride of place in the village is a Venetian fountain with water pouring from 19 lion’s heads. Reputed to be the finest water in Crete. Spilli is a good place from which you can explore the surrounding area. 10km from Spilli along a dirt track you come to the village of Patsos, in a cave above the gorge you will find the Church of Agios Antonios. This was and still is an important sanctuary for pilgrims who come here on the 17th of January. Heading towards Plakias you will pass through the Koutaliotis Gorge, 8km before Plakias there is a turnoff which leads to Preveli beach and Moni Prevli.

Amari Valley

If you hire a car you can explore the Amari Valley, situated to the southeast of Rethymnon, and between the mountains of Psiloritis and Kedros. In a setting of rural tranquillity, amid olive groves, almond and cherry trees, about 40 villages dot the valley. Here you can visit the villages of Thronas, Meronas and Gerakari famous for its cherries. Well worth a visit is the monastery of Moni Arkadiou.

Plakias

This village on the south coast was once a quiet fishing village. Not yet taken over by the major tourist operators, it still remains a relaxing place to visit. It has good beach, and a few good tavernas. From here you can visit Preveli Beach and Moni Preveli, Preveli beach is one of Crete’s most popular beaches. Between the village and the Preveli beach there are several secluded coves that are popular with nudists.

Moni Preveli

High above the Libyan sea the monastery offers wonderful views over the southern coastline. The monastery has a small museum that it well worth visiting.

Preveli Beach (Palm Beach)

Preveli beach lies at the end of Kourtaliotiko ravine, it is best to take a boat trip to the beach, as the only other way is down a rather steep path. The beach is also known as the Palm Beach, because of the palm trees which grow along the banks of the Megaloptamos river which runs into the sea. The beach can be crowed in the summer bit out of season it is a idyllic spot to relax.

Agia Galini

A former fishing village now a very busy holiday resort, a convenient base to visit nearby Phaestos and Agia Triada. Take a boat trip to nice beaches further along the coast.

Psiloritis

Starting from Anoja a road swings it`s way up the Nida plain, at the end of the road there is a path which leads to the Ida cave. The Ida cave competes with the Dikta cave as to being the birth place of Zeus. The cave has been used for ceremonies for over a thousand years; artefacts found include a bronze shield from 800bc.

Anogia

This is the last village on the road to the Ida cave. The women of the village are well known for their skill in weaving, here you can buy all manner of covers and embroidery. Anogia is a good place to start on a foot tour of the Psiloritis mountain range.

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