Kastello Kastelianon, a historic fortress in Crete, witnessed Byzantine, Genoese, and Venetian rule. Explore its ruins and the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Afrati is a traditional village in Viannos, Crete, situated 45 km southeast of Heraklion at an altitude of 480 meters. The village features traditional architecture, and residents are primarily involved in olive and grape cultivation. The origin of the village's name is uncertain, with possible links to the Greek word for "foam," the ancient city of Arcadia, or the Latin word for "monk."
The area around Afrati has been inhabited since ancient times. The nearby hill of Prophitis Ilias was home to the ancient city of Arcadia, which minted its own coins and later became a bishop's seat. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient houses, a necropolis, and a 7th-century BC oinochoe (wine jug). Afrati first appears in historical records in the 1881 Turkish census as "Frati." The village features the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and offers access to the ruins of Arcadia.
Amiras, a small village nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Dikti in Crete, boasts a rich history dating back to the Arab occupation of Crete (824-961 AD). Its name, derived from the Arabic word for "ruler," suggests it may have been the site of an Arab amir's residence. The village is tragically known for the 1943 massacre of 117 male residents by Nazi forces, a somber event commemorated by an annual memorial service. Today, Amiras maintains an agricultural economy, cultivating early vegetables and producing olive oil. Its Cultural, Athletic, and Educational Association actively contributes to social events and cultural projects, enriching the community's vibrant spirit. Despite its tragic past, Amiras remains a testament to resilience and the enduring power of community.
Ancient Arkadia (Arcades) was a significant polis on Crete, located near modern Afrati. It contested Mount Ida's claim as Zeus's birthplace. Active from at least the 4th century BCE (noted by Theophrastus for environmental issues), it participated in the Lyttian War (c. 220 BCE) and minted silver/bronze coins inscribed "ARKADON" (c. 330-280/70 BCE). Numerous inscriptions reveal treaties with Gortyn, Miletos, Teo, and Eumenes II (183 BCE), plus Roman-era bathhouse regulations. Excavations uncovered houses, a cemetery with Minoan-influenced vaulted tombs, Geometric/Orientalizing period artifacts, local pottery, and a unique 7th-century BC Phoenician capital. Epigraphic evidence suggests an Asclepius temple.
Chondros, in the Heraklion region of Crete, is known for olive groves and early vegetable cultivation. With a history dating back to the Minoan era, archaeological evidence includes tombs and artifacts. The village was also significant during the Ottoman era.
Chondros boasts several picturesque Byzantine-era churches, including the 14th-century Church of Agios Theodoros. A long coastline with beaches like Dermato Beach, and a verdant landscape make it popular for hiking and swimming.
The name "Chondros" likely derives from the coarsely ground wheat used to make xinohondros, a traditional Cretan dish.
Demati, a village in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece, is located in the foothills of Mount Chousakas in the Asterousia Mountains. The village, accessible via a branch road near the Anapodaris river, has a history dating back to the Venetian era. First recorded in 1577 as "Dhemati", the village was once home to both Muslims and Christians. Today, Demati's inhabitants are mainly involved in olive growing and viticulture. The village has a primary school, a kindergarten, and several notable landmarks, including the Church of the Holy Cross, the Church of Agios Georgios, a 15th-century Byzantine monastery, the Anapodaris gorge, and a Venetian bridge.
Kalami, a historic village in Crete, strategically located in the semi-mountainous area of the Viannos municipality. Built during the Venetian or Ottoman period, it offered protection against raids and pirate attacks. Once a thriving community, Kalami was an important commercial center with a customs office, warehouses, and various professions. The village's economy was based on agriculture, with residents cultivating olive trees, cereals, fruit trees, and carob trees. After 1960, the focus shifted to early vegetables and bananas. Kalami also served as the main winter residence, with people moving to lower-lying "metochia" in the summer for farming. Today, Kalami is largely deserted, with most residents relocating to coastal settlements.
Kato Kastelliana is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Minoa - Pediada
Kato Symi is a village nestled in a fertile valley within the Viannos municipality, Heraklion, Crete. The village is surrounded by a mountainous area with the largest forest cover in the region, including the Symi forest, and the Blavopotamos river flows through it. Known for its natural beauty, the valley boasts numerous fruit trees and caves like Zymbraga Spiliaria and Kissospilios. Kato Symi is also rich in history, with significant Minoan-era archaeological finds, particularly the neo-palatial sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite at Krya Vrysi, dating back to 2,000 BC. The village has several notable churches, including the Church of the Panagia Galatoktismeni and Nistikoktismeni, built in 1385, and the Church of Agios Georgios with frescoes from the mid-15th century. Kato Symi has a long history, mentioned in the 1583 census as "Simi Catto." It was a site of resistance during the Ottoman period and World War II, where residents bravely fought against German forces. The village's population has declined over the years, but its historical significance and natural beauty remain.
Kato Viannos, located in the foothills of Mount Dikti on the island of Crete, is a historic village with a history dating back to at least 1583. The village is home to several notable churches, including the Church of Agios Georgios and the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. During World War II, the village and its residents suffered greatly under Nazi occupation, with mass executions and the destruction of homes. Despite this tragic history, Kato Viannos remains a resilient community with a rich cultural heritage.
Lagouta, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, is situated at an altitude of 250 meters on the slopes of Papoura hill, between the Anapodiaris and Iniotis rivers. The village is located 48 kilometers from Heraklion and 18 kilometers from Arkalochori. The earliest written mention of Lagouta is in a contract from 1271, where it is referred to as Lauta. In the Venetian census of 1583 by Castrofylakas, it is referred to as Lagura with 107 inhabitants. The village's economy is agricultural, with main products being olive oil, grapes, and vegetables.
Martha, a small village in Viannos Municipality, Heraklion, Crete, is nestled on the slopes of Mount Koupa. Divided into Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Martha, the village centers around the church of Agios Nektarios. While its origins are uncertain, the name "Martha" is believed to be connected to a nearby monastery or a noblewoman's mansion. Today, Martha thrives on agriculture, with olive oil, cereals, and livestock as primary products. The village boasts an agricultural cooperative and a cultural association. Its population has fluctuated throughout history, with 132 residents recorded in 2021.
Mesi, a small village in the Kato Viannos municipality of Crete, Greece, is located at an altitude of 540 meters. The village's history is linked to the Ottoman-era settlement of Pera Mesi, which was tragically destroyed during a wedding celebration. Today, Mesi is sparsely populated, with residents primarily engaged in agriculture. The village has a relatively recently built church dedicated to both Prophet Elias and the Three Hierarchs.
Panagia, a village in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion, Crete, is located 36 km southeast of Heraklion city at an altitude of 360 meters. The village has a rich history dating back to the Venetian period in the 13th century, with evidence of a Venetian castle and the Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Psomopoula. The village is mentioned in various historical records from 1577 onwards, including Venetian and Turkish censuses. Today, Panagia is an active village with a primarily agricultural economy focused on olive oil production. The village also features several landmarks, including the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, the Church of Agios Konstantinos, a Venetian fountain, the Church of Agia Triada, and a traditional olive mill.
Skinias, a village on the eastern slope of a hill, 51.4 km from Heraklion, Crete, has a rich history dating back to the Minoan era. The name 'Skinias' comes from the Pistacia lentiscus shrub, once believed to grow on the roof of the village church, Agios Antonios. Near the ancient city of Priansos, the area boasts archaeological findings from the Minoan, Hellenistic, and Byzantine periods. First documented in 1373, Skinias was under Venetian rule in 1583 and became part of the Monofatsi province in 1867. During the Turkish occupation, it remained solely inhabited by Christians. Today, the village relies on agriculture, producing olive oil, cereals, and raisins. With a kindergarten, primary school, gymnasium, and a cultural association, Skinias fosters a strong community spirit.
Located on Crete's S. coast (Heraklion), 63km S. of Heraklion town at the Mindris Gorge exit near the Asterousia Mountains. Site of ancient Inatos, Priansos' port. Features a ~2km sand/pebble beach with clear, calm, shallow waters, ideal for families, shaded by tamarisk trees. Organized with amenities like sunbeds, showers, and nearby tavernas. Local tradition attributes therapeutic qualities to the water. Accessible via a paved, winding mountain road. Nearby are Pera Tsoutsouras (shallow, sandy), Maridaki (pebble, isolated, gorge access), and Listis Beach (rocks). Offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.