438 listings found

Ano Valsamoneron, Rethymno

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Rethymno, Rethymno municipality
Located 14 km from Rethymno at an altitude of 380 meters, this village's name derives from the aromatic balsam plant. Historically recorded as Varsamonero Apano in 1577, it was a predominantly Muslim settlement during the Ottoman era until 1910, after which it was settled by Greek families from Sfakia. Key points of interest include the ruins of the nearby 13th-century Venetian Monopari Castle (Bon Riparo), three churches, and a former Primary School building designated as a historical monument.

Korfes, Malevizi

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Korfes is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Kato Symi, Viannos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Viannos
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.

Pentamodi, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Pentamodi is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Keramoutsi, Malevizi

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Keramoutsi is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Stavrakia, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
A village situated 13 kilometers south of Heraklion, Crete, on a hill at 240 meters altitude, near the Heraklion-Moires road. First documented in 1248 as casale Stavrachi, it originally consisted of Apano and Kato Stavrakia. The economy relies on sultana grapes, wine, and olive oil, with growing private businesses. Key religious sites include Agios Georgios, Panagia-Zoodochos Pigi, and Anastasi tou Sotiros. The village features a renovated central square with a Heroes' Monument, an Agricultural Cooperative, and a Primary School established in 1886. The Cultural Association, active since 1983, organizes events, including a festival for Agios Panteleimon. Infrastructure includes electricity (since ~1959), water supply, sewage networks, and a wastewater treatment facility. Administratively, it became a community seat in 1925 and is part of the Municipality of Heraklion.

Petrokefalo, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion
Petrokefalo is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Vasileies, Heraklion

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
Vasileies is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Heraklion

Patsides, Archanes – Asterousia

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Archanes - Asterousia, Heraklion
Patsides is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Archanes - Asterousia

Gazi, Malevizi

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Heraklion municipality
A western suburb of Heraklion and administrative center of the Malevizi municipality, located by the Gazanos River (ancient Triton). First mentioned in 1379, its history includes Venetian and Ottoman periods and battles during Cretan Revolutions. The area is rich in archaeology from the Subneolithic to Roman eras. Its most prominent site is a Late Minoan domestic sanctuary at Baïria, where unique clay figurines like the "Goddess of the Poppies" were found. Numerous Minoan tombs have been excavated.

Christos, Ierapetra

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Ierapetra, Lasithi
Christos, a historic village in Ierapetra, Crete, sits on the slopes of the Dikti mountains. Near the ruins of the ancient city of Mala, with Mycenaean fortifications, the village dates back to the second Byzantine period. Records from 1577 mention Christos as Simi Christo. A 1583 census listed 121 residents. The village is 28 kilometers from Ierapetra and features the Church of the Savior Christ and "The Tower," a Venetian-era, two-story building. Today, Christos is a small village with a population of 50.

Metaxochori, Ierapetra

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Ierapetra, Lasithi
Located on the eastern slopes of the Dikti mountains at 560 meters altitude in Lasithi, this settlement was known as Parsas until 1955 and Parissea in Venetian records. It is the birthplace of the prominent religious figure Meletios Metaxakis (1871-1935), who served as Patriarch of Constantinople and Alexandria; his historic house is under restoration. Today, it is a quiet village with few residents, noted for its traditional houses and natural features like the Klisidi and Neraidogoula caves.

Amiras, Viannos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Viannos
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.

Apesokari, Gortyna

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Gortyna, Heraklion
Apesokari is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Gortyna

Malles, Ierapetra

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Ierapetra, Lasithi
Malles, a village in Crete, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Once an independent city-state known as Malla, it thrived during the Venetian period and played a role in the Cretan resistance against the Ottomans. Today, it is a peaceful village with an economy based on olive oil production. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, hike through the Sarakina Gorge, and admire the well-preserved frescoes in the Panagia Mesochoritissa church. Malles offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience.

Kouses, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kouses, located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece, is a village with a rich history. The village sits on the northern foothills of Mount Pyrgos, offering a panoramic view of the Kato Messara plain. Kouses is located about 61 kilometers from Heraklion and is close to Phaistos. The village was once a fiefdom of the Kourmoulis family during the Ottoman occupation. The Kourmoulis family were Crypto-Christians who secretly practiced Christianity. According to local tradition, a clandestine school operated in Kouses. Two towers belonging to the Kourmoulis family still stand in Kouses. Within one of these towers lies the church of Agia Pelagia, where Crypto-Christians would gather in secret to worship. Other churches in the village include those dedicated to Agios Antonios, Agioi Pantes, and Agios Georgios. Additionally, there is the church of the Dormition of Agia Anna.

Sarchos, Malevizi

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Heraklion, Malevizi
Sarchos is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Malevizi.

Moroni, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Moroni is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Phaistos

Plouti, Phaistos

Category: Areas of Interest, Villages
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Plouti is a settlement located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It belongs to the Municipality of Phaistos