A coastal village in southern Crete, combines ancient history with modern amenities. It features a mix of old and new, from ancient ruins to tavernas and shops.
Agios Georgios Xifoforos, a mid-13th-century Byzantine church located near Apodoulou in Crete's Amari region, boasts well-preserved frescoes and a single-aisled, barrel-vaulted architecture. Dedicated to Saint George (Xifoforos), the church exemplifies Byzantine art and religious traditions. Its frescoes offer valuable insights into the cultural and artistic practices of the era. The church's history, potentially linked to a monastery, remains partially unclear. Today, it serves as a place of worship and pilgrimage, open to visitors interested in Byzantine architecture and religious art.
Chordaki, also known as Chordakion, is a small village in the Amari municipality of Rethymno, Crete. Its history is documented from 1372, during Venetian rule, through Ottoman occupation, and into modern Greece. The village includes the churches of Agia Anna and Panagia Faneromeni, the latter containing frescoes and a 1634 inscription mentioning monks Meletios and Konstantinos Varouchas. Population records exist from 1583, showing fluctuations under different regimes, down to a current population of 5. A primary school operated here from 1950 to 1970.
Grigoria, a village in Crete's Phaistos Municipality, sits on Mount Psiloritis' southern foothills. First noted in Venetian records (1563), its name derives from "grigoros" (fast). The village, at 420m altitude, offers views of the Messara Plain. Its history includes WWII hardship and population fluctuations (214 in 2001, 173 in 2011). Today, residents focus on olive and livestock farming. Grigoria features a medical clinic, churches (Saint George, Saint Anthony), the Koules castle, Temeneli spring, a Lagolio walking route, and the 1850 "Moulali" mill. The annual September 14th festival showcases Cretan music.
Ideon Antron Cave, also known as "Spiliara" or "Cave of the Shepherdess," is located high on the slopes of Mount Ida on the Nida Plateau, Crete, 20 km from Anogia village at 1498 meters above sea level. In Greek mythology, this is where Rhea hid Zeus from Cronus. Archaeological excavations have revealed a rich history of human activity, dating back to the Neolithic period. The cave was used for worship for centuries, with peak activity during the Geometric and Archaic periods. It's open to the public from July to November, except on Tuesdays.
Kalochorafitis, a village in Crete's Phaistos Municipality, is known for its historic significance. First mentioned in 1399, the village features the well-preserved 15th-century chapel of Agios Georgios o Methystis, adorned with frescoes. Located 64 kilometers from Heraklion, it was mentioned by Barozzi in 1577 and Castrofilaca in 1583 as Caloghorafici/Caloghorafiti. The name derives from "good field," referencing the area's first settler. The village's population has fluctuated over time, from 108 in 1583 to around 115 today.
Kamares, a village nestled in the foothills of Mount Ida, Crete, is historically significant due to its proximity to the Kamares Cave. This cave was a vital Minoan religious center, renowned for the discovery of Kamares Ware pottery, dating back to 2000 BC. The village, at an elevation of 600 meters, offers scenic views and a rich history, attracting tourists interested in Minoan civilization and the nearby Ideon Antro Cave. Its population, around 331 in 2011, engages in agriculture, livestock farming and tourism-related activities. Kamares blends its historical past with modern life, offering visitors a glimpse into Cretan heritage.
Klima village, in Crete's Amari Valley, has a history dating back to the Venetian period. Located 70 kilometers from Heraklion, it was part of the Rethymno district during the Ottoman period and became part of the Heraklion prefecture after 1913. Agriculture is central to village life, with olive groves, vineyards, and sheep and goat herding.
The village has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong Cretan identity expressed through dialect, music, and dance. The "Kritikos" dance is popular at festivals and weddings. Religion is also important, with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrated on August 15th.
Family and community are central to village life, with strong kinship ties and shared responsibility. Traditional gender roles are observed, but there is also a strong sense of community spirit, evident in the tradition of offering labor for communal projects.
The Koules of Grammeni, also known as the Koules of Grigoria or Magarikari, is an Ottoman fortress in Crete, Greece. Built in the late 19th century during the Great Cretan Revolution (1866-1869), it was strategically positioned between the villages of Grigoria and Magarikari overlooking the Messara Plain. Measuring 25 meters by 11 meters, with 24 embrasures, it was used as a stronghold by the Ottomans to maintain control over the rebellious Cretan population. In May 1944, it provided refuge to the villagers of Magarikari during the German occupation. Today, the Koules of Grammeni stands as a well-preserved reminder of Crete's turbulent past and the island's enduring spirit.
Explore the Koules in Vathiako, a ruined Ottoman fortress in Crete, and learn about its role in controlling the island and protecting the Muslim village
Lagolio is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Phaistos and is 4.4 kilometers away from the town Tympaki and 9.7 kilometers away from Moires
Magarikari, a historic Cretan village nestled on Mount Psiloritis' foothills, boasts a rich past. First recorded in 1583, it endured Ottoman and WWII hardships, including a devastating Nazi reprisal. Birthplace of resistance hero Petrakogiorgis, Magarikari's history is intertwined with Crete's struggles. Its location offers panoramic views of the Messara Plain. The village thrives on olive cultivation and features several notable churches, reflecting its cultural heritage. Population has grown from 140 in 1583 to 291 in 2011. Today, Magarikari balances tradition with modern life, offering a glimpse into authentic Cretan village life.
The Mycenaean Acropolis of Orne in south Crete offers a glimpse into the Late Bronze Age. Discover its fortifications, buildings, and artifacts, and learn about its historical significance.
Explore the remnants of the Church of Panagia in the deserted village of Smilés, Crete. Discover its 14th-century frescoes and learn about its historical significance
Tympaki, also known as Tympakion, is a town in Crete, Greece, with a rich history dating back before its official recognition in 1925. Located in the Messara plain, 65 km southwest of Heraklion, Tympaki is known for its agricultural production (olives, fruits, vegetables) and proximity to beaches like Matala. The town was destroyed during WWII and later rebuilt, influencing its architecture. Its history includes a strategic airfield used during the war, now hosting motorsports events. Nearby are the archaeological sites of Phaistos and Agia Triada. The population has grown significantly since 1900, reaching approximately 5,000 today.