Adele, a village in Rethymno, Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan era, evidenced by archaeological finds like the Late Minoan chamber tomb. Its name, possibly derived from Greek or Arabic origins, first appeared in Venetian records in 1577. During the Ottoman period, it housed both Christians and Turks. A tragic event occurred during WWII when 30 villagers were executed by German occupiers, a memorial now stands at Sarakina. The village's economy thrives on olive and grape cultivation, with a cooperative producing olive oil. Landmarks include Venetian architecture, the Agios Panteleimon church, and other smaller churches. The village has a population of 489 (2011 census).

The Agia Anna basilica in Eleutherna offers insights into the city's transformation into a Christian center. Learn about its location, history, and significance.

Agia Eirini and Agios Markos are two archaeological sites in Eleutherna, Crete, featuring Early Christian basilicas.

The Goulediana olive tree, a mastoeidis variety, dates to approximately 1750 years old, evidenced by its growth rings. This 12-meter tall tree with a 17.5-meter circumference reflects the deep-rooted tradition of olive cultivation in Crete, near the Onithe archaeological site. The tree symbolizes peace, prosperity, and longevity, central to Cretan culture and economy. Olive oil is a staple in the Cretan diet, and the olive harvest is a significant annual event, highlighting the tree's cultural significance and historical importance. The gnarled trunk shows centuries of growth, connecting to the area's ancient economic activities.

Archaia Eleftherna is a settlement located in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Rethymno.

Armenoi, a traditional village in Rethymno, Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Minoan civilization. Excavations have revealed a Late Minoan cemetery, and the village's name is linked to Armenian soldiers who settled there in the 10th century. During the Venetian period, Armenoi was divided into Ano and Kato Armenoi. The village endured a turbulent World War II era, with the Germans establishing a military camp in the area. Despite the hardships faced, Armenoi has thrived, maintaining its cultural heritage and developing a diverse economy. Armenoi is home to several notable churches and has a strong educational tradition, with one of the first schools in the prefecture established in Armenoi in 1881. Today, Armenoi is a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural and commercial activities.

Chromonastiri is a traditional Cretan village with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It's located 11 kilometers southeast of Rethymno, near Mount Vrysinas. The village is known for its Venetian-era architecture, particularly the restored Villa Claudio, now home to the Chromonastiri Military Museum. Chromonastiri also boasts several significant Byzantine churches, including the 11th-century Church of Panagia Kera with its unique architectural features and surviving frescoes. The Church of Agios Eftychios at Perdiki Metochi is another notable Byzantine church, featuring impressive frescoes and a distinct folk art style. The village square houses the renovated Prinari olive mill, now an educational center showcasing the history of olive oil production and traditional Cretan life. Chromonastiri is a designated traditional settlement, offering visitors a glimpse into Crete's cultural heritage through its architecture, religious sites, and historical landmarks.

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

Goulediana, a small mountain village nestled in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece, presents a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Perched at an altitude of 540 meters in a small valley, this quaint village is located 18 kilometers from the city of Rethymno. Though absent from Venetian censuses, Goulediana is believed to have existed as a metochi, a dependency of a monastery. The village's history stretches back to the Archaic period, as evidenced by the Onithi archaeological site southeast of the village. This site features remnants of a fortified acropolis, houses, and a monumental fountain dating to the 7th-6th century BC. Further historical significance is found in the Early Christian basilica at Kera Onithi, dating to the 5th century AD. Goulediana also boasts several churches of note, including the 1787 Agia Kyriaki with its sanctuary housed within a cave, Agia Varvara, and the Genethlio tis Theotokou. The wider Goulediana area encompasses churches such as the Panagia Kera, Zoodochos Pigi, Koimisis tis Theotokou, Agios Antonios (cave), and Metamorphosis tou Sotira. Despite its rich historical tapestry, Goulediana has experienced a declining population in recent years.

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

Rethymno, the capital of the Rethymno regional unit, is a historic city on the north coast of Crete, Greece. Built on the site of the ancient Minoan city of Rithymna, Rethymno boasts a rich history spanning from the Neolithic period to the modern day. The city has been ruled by the Minoans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture. Rethymno's Venetian-era old town is one of the best-preserved in Greece, featuring landmarks like the Fortezza, Porta Guora, Rimóndi Fountain, and the Loggia. The city also has several Ottoman monuments, including the Ibrahim Khan Mosque, Veli Pasha Mosque, Valide Sultan Mosque, and Neratze Mosque. Rethymno's cultural heritage is further enriched by the Municipal Garden, Mikrasiaton Square, and numerous churches, museums, and statues. The city is also home to the University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University.

Roussospiti, located in the Rethymno region of Crete, is a historic village dating back to the 12th century. Its name is believed to originate either from a distinctive red house built during the Venetian period or from a Russian woman who constructed a house there. The village's history is marked by Venetian and Ottoman influences, evident in its architecture and landmarks. Roussospiti played a role in the Cretan revolts against the Ottomans, particularly in 1822 and 1866. Notable landmarks include the 14th-century Church of the Entrance of the Theotokos with its well-preserved frescoes, a 17th-century Venetian fountain, and traditional Venetian-era houses. The Cave of Lygeri, located south of the village, is associated with local legends and served as a hiding place during conflicts. Roussospiti comprises the old village with neighborhoods like Pano Rouga, Kato Rouga, and Mesochori, and a newer expansion area with neighborhoods like Koprana, Nekrotafeiou, and Chalikia. The village holds festivals (panigiria) to celebrate religious occasions.

The Temple of Sotiras Christos in Eleutherna, Crete, is a dual-church complex with a rich history spanning from the Byzantine to the Venetian eras.

The acropolis of Eleutherna, located on Prines hill, offers a glimpse into the city's history from the Bronze Age to the Early Byzantine period.

The Acropolis of Onithe, a Hellenistic-era fortress potentially dating back to 1400 BC, occupies a strategic position on the Onithe plateau at 638 meters elevation. The site features a pseudo-isodomic wall enclosing a right-angled area with 12-meter sides and remnants of a defensive tower. A steep, natural cliff forms the southern boundary of the acropolis. The site's location provided control over key passages and access to the settlement, underscoring its strategic significance in ancient Crete. Pottery finds suggest the possibility of earlier settlement phases dating back to the Proto-Minoan and Late Minoan periods. The acropolis, referred to locally as 'Ntapia,' meaning fortification, likely played a role in Cretan revolts in 1821, 1878, and 1897.

The 2,600-year-old monumental olive tree in Ano Tripodo, Crete. A testament to time and nature's resilience.

Onithe, an archaeological site near Goulediana in Rethymno, Crete, offers a glimpse into the island's history from the Neolithic period to the Venetian and Ottoman eras. Its strategic location on a plateau provided control over key passages and natural defenses. The site features ruins like the Acropolis with its pseudo-isodomic walls and tower, House A with its abundance of pottery and pithoi, an ancient spring and possible sanctuary, and a Paleochristian Basilica with well-preserved mosaics. The ancient name of the city remains uncertain, with scholarly attempts to identify it as Osmida or Phalanna remaining inconclusive. It may have been an early settlement center for ancient Rhithymna. The site has yielded artifacts like pottery shards, a bronze zodiac, exquisite metalwork, and sculptures, providing evidence of its prosperity and cultural vibrancy throughout the Minoan, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

The Hellenistic settlement at Nisi excavations has revealed houses, pottery kilns, and streets that show a focus on pottery production and trade.

Orthi Petra Necropolis in Eleutherna reveals Early Iron Age burial practices and social structures through diverse burial types and rich grave goods.

The Tower of Eleutherna, located at the acropolis's southern entrance, functioned as a key defensive point, likely dating to the Byzantine period and built on older foundations. Its strategic position on a narrow col guarded the city's access. Historical records by Buondelmonti (1415) and Pococke (1739), along with maps, note its existence and fortification significance. The partially restored structure provides archaeological insights into its construction and historical role.

The Vrysinas Peak Sanctuary, located on the slopes of Mount Vrysinas in Crete, is a significant archaeological site that offers valuable insights into Minoan religion and culture. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including human and animal figurines, pottery, horns of consecration, and a fragment of a libation table with a Linear A inscription. The sanctuary's unique position as the sole Neopalatial peak sanctuary in the region highlights its importance in the religious landscape of Minoan Crete. The site is easily accessible to visitors and provides a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual world of the Minoans.