Rethymnon sightseing
Agia Galini, some 55 km southeast to the capital, is situated around a beautiful bay with a view to the Libyan coast. Aghia Galini is built upon the ruins of the ancient Minoan city of Soulia which was the harbour of ancient Sivrito. It was an idyllic fishing village several decades ago that today has been transformed into a crowed and busy tourist resort due to its wonderful pebbly beach and its numerous accommodation and entertainment choices. Even though it has much tourism, if you wander through its streets, you will discover some picturesque corners and charming neighbourhoods.
The mountainous village of Anogia, considered an "authentic" village and is located some 55km southeast of Rethymnon, perched on the mountain of Psiloritis (mount Idi) which has an altitude of 740m. Anogia was apparently founded by animal herders in the early 13th century and was always a hotspot for resistance even as far back as the Turkish occupation. The village was destroyed by the Germans in 1944, a punitive action for its fierce resistance and was rebuilt after the end of the War. Its aforementioned "authenticity" does not refer so much to its architecture since it was rebuilt (though like most mountainous country villages across Greece it is indeed a quaint village in every sense), but refers for the most part to the genuine Cretan way of life that locals follow faithfully to this day. The main commercial activities are still mainly herding and creating beautiful tapestries by hand. The village has a long standing tradition of music and is the birthplace of the great Greek composers, singers, lyre-players, and also brothers, Nikos Xylouris (Xilouris /Ksilouris) and Psarantonis.
The village is an ideal starting point for exploring the Ideon Andro (Idaion), the sacred cave where according to myth; Zeus was hidden and raised for his protection. According to finds uncovered there, the cave was a centre for various religious cults since prehistoric times. The cave is located on the plateau of Nida, an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by the Idi massive.
Spili village is located 30km southeast to Rethymnon and is another picturesque mountainous village. Perched on a dense green hill, it offers a magnificent view. Unspoiled, the village has charming houses, cobblestone alleys, an idyllic square surrounded by old plane trees and a Venetian fountain with cool water pouring from lions' heads sculpted in marble. The village offers some accommodation facilities and has many café's, taverns and stores that sell ceramics and tapestries all of which are handmade.
Bali is some 30km east to Rethymnon and is a charming small seaside village, situated in the wide embrace of a scenic bay. The village is built on the ancient village of Astali and is located in perhaps the most beautiful part of the prefecture. It has recently become popular because of its beautiful landscape, sandy idyllic coves and fine beaches such as Makrytera, Almyri and Almyrida. It offers several accommodation facilities.
Argyroupoli is just about 20km southwest to Rethymnon, is a tranquil mountainous village. The village is situated in a green landscape with running waters and several small waterfalls due to its gradient. Don't fail to also visit the springs, a site of extraordinary beauty with lush vegetation, small waterfalls, lakes and old watermills. This village distinguishes both for its natural beauty and its architecture. It is built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Lappa. Some parts of the city have been integrated into the construction of the present houses, while remains of Venetian mansions and Byzantine churches in the surrounding area add to the atmosphere. It is in this village that in 1878 Crete was declared a part of Greece or more correctly the Hellenic Republic.