Agia Eirini Monastery, nestled in the foothills of Psiloritis, Crete, is a historic nunnery with a rich past. Explore its significance and beauty

The Monastery of Agios Antonios in Petali, Crete, is a historic site dating back to the Venetian era. Explore its unique architecture, rich history, and ongoing restoration efforts.

Agios Myronas, a picturesque village in the Heraklion region of Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan era. The area was once home to the ancient city of Raikos, and archaeological remnants from this period, along with artifacts from the Roman era, are now housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The village, nestled on two hilltops at an altitude of 450 meters, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Named after Saint Myron, a 4th-century Bishop of Crete who was born in ancient Raikos, Agios Myronas has been a site of resistance throughout history, with villagers actively participating in uprisings against Ottoman rule and the Axis occupation during World War II. Today, the village thrives as a blend of old and new, with traditional architecture alongside modern amenities. Its approximately 720 residents are primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, particularly renowned for their grapes and wine production. Agios Myronas features a primary school, a secondary school, a high school, a police station, a post office, and a regional medical center, ensuring a good quality of life for its inhabitants. The imposing cathedral of Agios Myronas, housing the saint's tomb and relics, is a significant landmark, and the annual festival on August 8th celebrates Saint Myron's feast day.

Aidonochori is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Tylissos, an ancient Minoan town located on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis in Crete, thrived between 1650 and 1200 BC. The town's strategic location on a major Minoan road contributed to its prosperity. Excavations have revealed three grand palaces (Megaron A, B, and C), showcasing remarkable Minoan architecture. Megaron A, the best-preserved, features a central courtyard, apartments, and storage rooms. Significant finds include bronze cauldrons, a bronze figurine, Linear A tablets, and miniature frescoes comparable to those found in Knossos. These discoveries suggest Tylissos was a center for bronze working and played an important role in the Minoan civilization. Numerous tombs dating back to 1400-1200 BC have also been unearthed, containing painted sarcophagi, vases, jewelry, and seals, offering further insights into Minoan burial practices and culture.

Astyraki is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Damasta, a Cretan village in Heraklion's Malevizi municipality, sits on Psiloritis' slopes. Known for agriculture, livestock, and honey, it's historically significant, mentioned in the 1583 Kastrofylakas census. During WWII, the village was destroyed by Germans, with 37 residents executed at Keratidi, commemorated by a monument. Damasta features Venetian-era churches like Saint Nicholas and Panagia, and Saints George and Demetrios. The village, part of the Tylisos municipality, has a folklore museum and a cultural association. Its population has fluctuated over time, from 338 in 1583 to 244 in 2011. The Damasta community includes nearby Astrino.

Fodele is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi

Gonies is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi

Kamariotis, a Cretan village in Malevizi, Heraklion, at 620m altitude, boasts a rich history dating to the 14th century. Mentioned in 1396 Ducal Archives, its name derives from the first settler "Kamaridis" or "Kamariotis." The village played a role in Crete's struggle for independence, notably the 1867 battle. Architectural landmarks include the 16th-century Church of Saint George with Venetian/Byzantine symbols, and the 14th-century Church of Panagia with frescoes. Trypiti's rock formations, a Turkish fountain, and Kremastos' oak forest add to its charm. Viticulture is a key occupation, and festivals in April, August, and September (tsikoudia festival) celebrate local culture. The village has seen population fluctuations, from 237 inhabitants in 1583 to recent revitalization efforts.

Kastellas Hill near Moni Gorgolaini in Kato Asites, Crete, offers historical significance and scenic views.

Kato Asites, a traditional Cretan village near Heraklion, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore ancient monasteries, hike scenic trails, and experience authentic Cretan life.

Keramoutsi is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Kitharida is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Korfes is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Kroussonas, a village in Crete's Mount Psiloritis foothills, has a long history, with records dating to 1280 and settlements back to Mycenaean/Geometric periods. Known for agriculture, especially vineyards and olive groves, the village is also involved in agritourism. Its history includes Venetian occupation, the Cretan War of Independence, and WWII resistance. The village is located 21.8 km southwest of Heraklion. Kroussonas has a population of around 2,000 and features traditional Cretan life alongside modern amenities, including schools, health facilities, and a women's agricultural cooperative.

Located near Pyrgou, Crete, this Greek Orthodox monastery is dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi), reflecting its construction near a water source, and Saint Titus. Once a cenobitic monastery with workshops, its history is noted in a 1577 Venetian document. It survived the Ottoman conquest, functioning initially but later falling under the Monastery of Gorgolaιni. Renovations occurred in 1745 and 1796. The main church (katholikon) is double-aisled. Surrounding features include a stone olive millstone, winemaking remnants, graves from its time as a cemetery, and the original water source with a stone fountain. A stone bell tower dated 1908 stands nearby. Currently, only the katholikon remains, and the monastery is inactive.

Moni is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

The Palaiokastro Fortress, built by Venetians (1573-1595) on a cliff overlooking Palaiokastro Beach near Heraklion, Crete, defended Heraklion Bay. Its three levels housed powder magazines, a cistern, barracks, and a chapel. The winged lion of St. Mark on its walls signifies Venetian heritage. Captured by Ottomans in the Cretan War (1645-1669), the fortress was documented in the 1900s by G. Gerola. Now partly ruined, it's undergoing restoration.

Paliokastro beach, 14 kilometers west of Heraklion, features a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located within a valley carved by mountain streams, the cove includes a Venetian fortress, Paliokastro, built on the ancient Kytaeon acropolis. The beach has deep waters, a pebble shoreline, and rocky seabed suitable for snorkeling and fishing. Residents frequent this tranquil area, which offers tavernas, hotels, and a mini-market in a restored limekiln. The beach is accessible via the Heraklion-Chania highway.

Pyrgou is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion.

Rodia is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi

Sarchos is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

The Sklavokampos Farm Estate, a significant Late Minoan period archaeological site in Crete, Greece, offers a unique window into Minoan life. Discovered in 1930, the estate is located southwest of Heraklion, near Tylissos. The estate's strategic location near the Minoan road network and the fertile Messara Plain suggests it played a crucial role in agricultural production and trade. The estate's architecture is simpler than Minoan palaces, featuring 17 rooms across three levels. The site includes a main room with artifacts like a clay ox head, a Late Minoan IB jug, and a stone rhyton. Sealings from Sklavokampos have been found at other Minoan sites such as Zakros, Gournia, and Hagia Triada, indicating connections across Crete. The estate also housed a small shrine, storerooms for agricultural products, and a toilet with an underground drain. Evidence suggests the estate was part of a larger settlement destroyed by fire, possibly during the Late Minoan IB period.

Located in Crete's Malevizi Province near Tylissos and visible from Heraklion, this mountain range features a prominent peak (798m) noted for its conical shape. Historically called "Stroggylo," Venetians named it after Stromboli. The range includes the Strouboulas plateau, south of the ridge, formed on limestone ("Tripoli" zone), leading to karstic features like the Tafkos tou Palmetis chasm, linked to Ottoman-era resistance. Vegetation is sparse, dominated by Kermes Oak due to overgrazing. A seasonal lake forms on the plateau, its water often reddish from soil runoff. Historical significance includes Minoan foothill settlements, the Timios Stavros chapel (Holy Cross) on the summit mentioned in 1415, possibly on an older site, and the Agios Georgios chapel ruins below, once a monastery dependency. Access to the peak involves a path from the plateau offering panoramic views.

Discover the Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios Gorgoeleimonos in Crete, a historic site with a rich legacy of resilience, faith, and cultural preservation.

Tylisos is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.