Place of interest

Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou built in the 16 th century on a site of an earlier monastery is still a working monastery, situated about 23km from Rethymno. On entering the monastery, you see a church built in 1587, with its impressive façade with its triple bell tower and Corinthian columns. There is a small museum next to the church with displays of the monastery’s history.

The monastery played an important though tragic role in the uprising that was gathering momentum against the Turks. In 1866, over 900 men some of them resistance fighters along with women and children sought refuge in the monastery. A large Turkish military force under the command of Mustafa Pasha, attacked the monastery. After a two-day siege, the Turks entered the monastery; the refugees knowing the Turks would spare no mercy, decided that death was more honourable than to surrender to the opposing forces. On the instructions of Abbot Gabriel, they ignited the gunpowder barrels stored in the cellars of the monastery.

The ensuing explosion killed the refugees and a large number of Turks, a little girl was the only survivor, she lived the rest of her days in a nearby village and died of old age.

The news of this sacrifice echoed around the world, but it would take another 30 years before Crete could throw down the yoke of Turkish oppression. On November 8 each year, which is a national day of remembrance of this tragedy, hundreds of Cretans gather at the monastery to pay homage to the martyrs.

On the southern side, the traditional Cretan village Spilli, spectacular gorges like Kourtaliotiko and Koutsifou, Preveli Beach (palm beach) , the village and tourist resort Plakias, the picturesque,

Moni Preveli

High above the Libyan sea the monastery offers wonderful views over the southern coastline. The history of monastery is lost in the mists of time, after centuries of attacks from invaders. The Turks destroyed the monastery in 1866 after they found out it was a refuge for resistance fighters. During the Second World War, allied soldiers were hidden here, the Germans not too happy about this, came and destroyed the monastery. The church has a beautiful icon screen depicting Adam and Eve in Paradise , in the museum you can see a candelabra donated to the monastery by British soldiers after the war had ended.

Preveli Beach (Palm Beach)

Preveli beach lies at the end of Kourtaliotiko ravine, it is best to take a boat trip to the beach, as the only other way is down a rather steep path. The beach is also known as the Palm Beach, because of the palm trees which grow along the banks of the Megaloptamos river which runs into the sea. The beach can be crowed in the summer bit out of season it is a idyllic spot to relax.

Amari Valley

Amari Valley : If you hire a car, you can explore the Amari Valley , situated to the southeast of Rethymno, and between the mountains of Psiloritis and Kedros. In a setting of rural tranquillity, amid olive groves, almond and cherry trees, about 40 villages dot the valley. It is an ideal place to discover rural Crete .

Visit the Church of the Panagia in the village of Thronos . Inside there are some remarkable 14th century frescoes. At Ano Meros there is a memorial dedicated to the heroes of the resistance movement.

The village of Meronas, here is a church originates from the 14 th century, inside is a beautiful 14 th century fresco.

The village of Gerakari , which is famous for its cherries, in the spring it is especially beautiful when the cherry trees blossom. Many more villages with interesting churches and history are there for you to discover

In the village of Gerakari, you can buy fresh or bottled cherries and maybe taste the cherry brandy for which this area is famous for.

The village of Amari here you will find the oldest frescoes on Crete they are in the church of Agia Anna. And from the top of the Venetian tower, splendid views over the area are worthwhile. The Amari Valley is a great area to go walking and offers a wild and unspoilt nature, and offers an insight into the Cretan way of life past and present.

Psiloritis

Starting from Anogia a road swings it`s way up the Nida plain, at the end of the road there is a path which leads to the Ida cave. The Ida cave competes with the Dikta cave as to being the birth place of Zeus. The cave has been used for ceremonies for over a thousand years; artefacts found include a bronze shield from 800bc.

Anogia

This is the last village on the road to the Ida cave. The women of the village are well known for their skill in weaving, here you can buy all manner of covers and embroidery. Anogia is a good place to start on a foot tour of the Psiloritis mountain range.

Agia Galini

What once was a sleepy village on the southern coast of the island, hotels and apartments surrounded the old streets and houses. Tavernas line the seafront. Boat trips van is taken from here to the island of Paximadia where you will find good beaches to sunbathe.

Like the most of Crete the Rèthymno district is rich in charming villages, varied landscapes and aerchological sites it is impossible to see all in one trip. Welcome back.