Must-See Villages in Crete
In this article we will dedicate to the must-see villages on the historic island of Crete. The villages in Crete that should not be missed are scattered all around the island. Each “must-see” village has its own hefty history and apparent Venetian and Ottoman characteristics, such as churches, mosques, and castles.
The traditional Cretan villages that we will present to you all have a common feature, a square with a church in the center. We hope you enjoy some of the most beautiful villages in Crete and Greece!
1) Archanes, Heraklion — Crete
Archanes is an extraordinary well-preserved village in the region of Heraklion. This small town in the heart of the wine region has a vast reputation all over Europe due to the European funds to help reconstruct it. The cute streets with flowers and the magnificent neoclassical colorful houses are what make Archanes quaint. Moreover, you can experience the amazing archaeological sites of Fourni, Anemospilia, and Vathypetro.
To learn more about the Minoan Cemetery of Fourni, we urge you to take a look at our Artistic and Spiritual Crete Experience. During this guided tour you will have the opportunity to witness Minoan and Mycenaean prehistoric tombs as well as to explore the sacred hill of Juktas. A place connected with a series of ancient myths and rituals. Furthermore, to better understand the history of wine and its production, the activity that we can suggest is our Olive Oil and Wine Now and Then. You will have the opportunity to visit the ancient site of Vathypetro, the oldest European winery located at the foot of the Juktas hill. Furthermore, A few must-see museums are the Folklore Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Sculpture Workshop, and the Museum of Cretan History.
Finally, this village has two parts, Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Archanes. In Ano Archanes you will learn everything about the production of olive oil. Ano Archanes is 4,5km far from Kato Archanes and the entire region is popular for its excellent wine.
2) Vamos, Chania — Crete
Vamos is a traditional village near Chania, where the sense of time is completely lost. You will feel the history all around the old neighborhoods with the beautifully restored houses and the stone streets. The traditions in Vamos are still very much alive! You will understand what “Cretan Hospitality” actually means as the locals will be treating you as if you are long lost relatives. They will invite you to their homes for raki and a bite of the Cretan “apaki” and cheese. Finally take your cameras out to capture the moon coming over the White Mountains. A sight to enjoy with your loved ones.
Since you will be visiting Vamos and all its hidden corners, it would be a shame not to stop by the city of Chania as well. Only a 40-minute drive from the city center, we recommend the Traditional Aspects of Chania experience so you can have a holistic overview of the 10th century history that is truly mesmerizing.
3) Anogia, Rethymno — Crete
Anogia village, on Mount Psiloritis near Nida Plateau and Ideon Cave where legend has it that is where Zeus spent his youth, is a stunning traditional village that differs from all the rest. You will see the “mitata”, the stone houses of shepherds. In addition, you will admire the balconies delightfully decorated with flowers and the locals will greet you offering you anything and everything. Anogia village, and the entire region for that matter, is famous for its stockbreeding. Be sure to try authentic recipes, such as roasted lamb, that are always prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Ultimately, there are a couple of fantastic museums that demonstrate Cretan folk art that are worth a visit.
To learn more about the sacred cave of Ida, we have designed the perfect experience for you. Our Mysteries of the Cretan Born Zeus experience will take you back to 6000BC when Cave Ideon was the most important Peak Sanctuaries for the worshiping of the prehistoric Minoan Goddess.
A great day trip from Anogia is to go to the town of Rethimnon. An amazing experience that will get you acquainted with the city is our Rethimnon for History Buffs and Foodies. With this experience, you will have the opportunity to explore the old Venetian town with the impressive fortress as well as important Ottoman monuments.
4). Chora Sfakion, Chania — Crete
Chora Sfakion is in the prefecture of Chania, 90 minutes far from the city of Chania. Make it over the White Mountains of Crete until the winding roads take you to the Libyan Sea. We promise you that every few minutes you will be stopping to take pictures of the scenic landscape. It is fascinating and you will be in awe! Chora Sfakion is basically a small vibrant fishing village with two ports and full of wild beauty. The boats regularly depart to Agia Roumeli, Loutro and the most southern part of Europe, the island of Gavdos. Fortunately, Chora Sfakion is rarely packed with tourists, therefore, you will have the entire village to yourself! Do not forget to taste the local Sfakian pie made with fresh cheese and honey.
Since Chora Sfakion is built at the end of Imbros Gorge, we strongly suggest the second most popular gorge in Crete. Our Chania Nature Experience has all the details ready for you. All you need to do is to bring your adventurous energy and leave the rest up to us!
5). Loutro, Chania – Crete
Loutro is only 15 minutes far from Sfakia village. This traditional village is a southern Cretan exclusive paradise with bars, taverns, and shops. However, the best thing about this settlement is that there are no cars and Loutro is only accessible by boat. The town was built around a natural port that had significant use throughout the ages. Fortunately, Loutro is still peaceful and not a hub for tourists, meaning that you can enjoy the remarkable natural scenery. The beaches, the gorges, the mountains and not to forget the amazing weather all year round.
The perfect way to grasp the incredibly stunning scenery is by boat. For this reason, we recommend our South Cretan Coast Boat Trip, which will take you on a cruise to the Libyan Sea where you not only stop at Loutro but also at several stunning beaches. Spend time on your luxurious boat eating traditional Mediterranean dishes and diving in the crystal-clear waters.
6) Assites, Heraklion — Crete
Ano and Kato Asites, two of the most traditional villages of the Prefecture of Heraklion, are an ideal starting point for an acquaintance with the wonderful Cretan hinterland. Tucked in at an altitude of 450 m., at the eastern foot of Psiloritis, we invite you to walk among old stone houses, to taste delicious local recipes, tsikoudia, good wine, and coffee in traditional cafes.
The most famous attraction in the area is the historic Monastery of Agios Georgios Gorgolainis. The monasteries of Panagia Paliani and Agia Irini in Krousonas are also worth a visit. Wine lovers can visit the famous wineries of the prefecture, while the more adventurous types can hike the E4 path to the top Prinos of Psiloritis. Also, explore the gorges of Agios Antonios and Agios Charalambos.
Elissos gives you the opportunity to participate in the History, Tradition, and Folk Arts tour, where you will experience the Cretan lifestyle at its best. The everyday life of the Cretans will inspire you as their outlook on life differs from the rest of Greece! Take the opportunity to spend a full day with Cretans who will show you how they live, eat and think.
7). Margarites, Rethymnon — Crete
Margarites, the beautiful village of Pitharada, is located at the northern foot of Psiloritis, at an altitude of 300 m and at 27 km from Rethymnon. This is a place that has a unique color and character. The village is probably the largest pottery center in western Crete. This tradition is evident everywhere. Take a walk in the alleys and see large clay pots outside each house, ceramics hung on the walls, and garden decorations. Today, there are numerous pottery workshops, where you can see the craftsmen working in the way of their ancestors.
Why not experience Margarites and take part in our interactive Greco Roman Wonders tour? Apart from vising Margarites and participating in a pottery class, you will also explore the ancient city of Eleutherna. The impressive findings from the 9th to the 5th century AD will have you blown away!
8). Zaros, Heraklion — Crete
Built at the foot of Psiloritis, in a green valley, and at an altitude of 450 m., Zaros is a picturesque and historic village of Kefalochori famous for its rich waters, its gorge, but also the great ecclesiastical monuments that exist in and around the village. The most popular attraction is the artificial lake of Zaros where you can take walks and eat at the taverns.
Starting from the lake follow the path that leads to the gorge of Agios Nikolaos. However, also visit the lush forest Rouva, one of the largest and most beautiful forests of Crete. Historical monasteries as well as the archeological sites of Gortyna and Phaistos that are located nearby are ideal for exploration.
Connect with your mind, body, and soul. Meditate and get in touch with the earth and feel your body’s natural movement in a natural outdoor setting. Allow yourself to express your raw feelings by interacting with the most powerful elements of our earth. The beauty of Agios Nicolaos Gorge and Lake Zaros will elevate your sacred experience. Take part in our Nature’s Whispers Experience and we guarantee will be the highlight of your trip.
9). Krtisa, Agios Nikolaos — Crete
Built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Kastellos, remarkably close to Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa is one of the oldest villages in Crete. Kritsa offers a picturesque setting consisting of beautiful, cobbled alleys, stone arches, old houses, and shops with traditional products and works of folk art.
The village is famous for its extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil produced by the Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Kritsa has been distinguished and awarded in many competitions. The gorge of Kritsa, the small village of Tapes, and the Byzantine monuments, such as Panagia Kera with its ornate frescoes, are the most important sights of the area.
To enjoy the wonderful village of Kritsa we highly recommend taking part in our The Island experience. Not only will you visit exclusive sites, traditional settlements and eat at local taverns, but you will also visit one of the most fascinating islands in Greece, Spinalonga. Spinalonga island is perhaps the rarest island in Greece with a unique history and an exquisite well preserved archaeological site.
10). Therissos, Chania — Crete
Built in a beautiful green valley, 15 km south of Chania, Therissos is a beautiful village with a long history. Here, on March 10, 1905, fighters from all over Crete, led by Eleftherios Venizelos, gathered and declared an armed revolutionary struggle against Prince George II, in order to achieve the unification of the island with the rest of Greece. To reach the village, you will cross the wonderful Therissia gorge.
Therissos is a genuine Cretan village, with traditional houses, cafes, and streets. There are two churches and two museums. While the central square is dominated by the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos. Finally, you must stop at the famous taverns for traditional Cretan meat dishes such as apaki, siglino, smoked lamb, etc.
Eleutherios Venizelos was an emblematic figure of the 20th century for Greece and an important role in Modern Cretan History. Learn more about modern politics, and how turbulent the history of the region was in our Traditional Aspect of Chania Tour.