Georgioupoli is a seaside village and the seat of the Georgioupoli community in the Apokoronas municipality of the Chania regional unit in Crete, Greece. Located 40 kilometers southeast of Chania and 20 kilometers from Rethymno, Georgioupoli sits on the western end of a long sandy beach with dunes. The village is situated in a plain with abundant water, between the estuaries of the Almyros and Perastikos rivers. The Almyros River forms a small lake before flowing into the sea, creating a significant biotope. Georgioupoli has developed into a tourist resort and features a small harbor at the mouth of the Almyros.
History
The area around Georgioupoli shows signs of habitation dating back to the Minoan period, with Minoan tombs discovered on the hill of Kastelo. The village is located at the site of the ancient Roman city of Amphimalla, which served as the port for the ancient city of Lappa (present-day Argyroupoli). Numerous religious artifacts have been found in the area. During the Byzantine period, Saint John the Stranger founded the Monastery of Saint George in nearby Dramia.
Under Venetian rule, the fertile region was highly valued, leading to the construction of a fortress, which was later destroyed by the Ottomans. The Ottomans then built a new fortress using materials from the old one, which is now in ruins.
In the 19th century, much of the area’s marshland was drained, creating a fertile plain that attracted many settlers. This led to the establishment of a sizable settlement named Almyroupoli, after the Almyros River. However, the name was soon changed to Georgioupoli in honor of Prince George of Greece, who played a key role in the union of Crete with Greece.
Present Day
Georgioupoli is a tourist resort with a long sandy beach stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers eastward. It is located on the border between the Rethymno and Chania regional units, belonging to the latter. The surrounding area, Apokoronas, is known for its picturesque villages and lush greenery.
The village features a charming central square with numerous eucalyptus trees, offering shade to the cafes, tavernas, and tourist shops that line it. The small harbor at the mouth of the Almyros River is also a picturesque spot. However, the village’s most iconic landmark is the long pier extending from the harbor, ending in a small platform where the whitewashed chapel of Agios Nikolaos stands. From a distance, the chapel appears to float on the sea.
Village Key Points
- Historical References: Minoan tombs, ancient Roman city of Amphimalla, Venetian and Ottoman fortresses
- Location: Apokoronas, Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece
- Dimensions: Small coastal town
- Historical Significance: Ancient port, Venetian and Ottoman fortifications
- Population data over the years: 138 (1928), 181 (1940), 205 (1951), 308 (1961), 287 (1971), 398 (1981), 402 (1991), 455 (2011)
- Current Status: Popular tourist resort with agricultural and beekeeping activities
