Crete is one of the most outstanding destinations in Greece that draws the attention of all visitors from around the world. The beautifully preserved Cretan villages have ancient roots that go back in history. Many of them have Venetian and Ottoman features, including castles, towers, stone bridges, churches, and mosques. Other places located up in the mountains have a characteristic architecture with stone houses, red-tiled roofs, narrow streets, flowered gardens and always a square with a church in the center of every village.
Sfakia, Chania
Located on the southern side of Crete, Sfakia is among the picturesque villages on the island. This small seaside village with the traditional style has a lovely fishing port and pebbled beaches in the region. In short distance from the seaside village of Sfakia is the mountainous village of Chora Sfakion, a secluded village that still keeps intact its costumes. The village is built at the end of Imbros gorge and features two ports, where are moored the boats departing to Agia Roumeli, Loutro and the island of Gavdos. In this place, you will meet the proud Sfakians. It is a place full of pride, love for Crete and awe for its wild beauty.
Therissos, Chania
One of Crete’s most beautiful drives is located just outside of Chania, a narrow road running through the deep and magnificent gorge of Therissos leads to a village of the same name, 580m up in the foothills of the White Mountains.
This small village has a heroic history; it was the site of the Revolution of 1905, an uprising to unite the people of Crete after domination from the Ottomans and then the Great Powers, led by the national hero Eleftherios Venizelos.
Visit its museums, and hike through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. In short, do anything you have to do to work up an appetite: this village is justifiably famous for the excellence of its grilled meats.
Anogia, Rethymno
Anogia’s reputation for valor is well-earned, having withstood brutal onslaughts by both the Ottomans and then the Germans during the WWII occupation. Today, in this proud town, you’ll see men in traditional Cretan dress, a handsome sight. Anogia is over 700m above sea level, on the slopes of Mt. Psiloreitis, offering plenty photo opportunities- including the Ideon Cave, where Zeus was reportedly kept in safety as a child. Crete’s stirring Lyre playing and singing is nowhere more beautiful than Anogia, home of Psarantonis and also of the late legendary Xylouris.
Margarites, Rethymno
If you visit Margarites village, you will hear the locals call it “the village of jars”, as it features a long tradition in pottery. Wandering the streets, you will see the big clay pots out of the doors of the houses and a few tourists to enter the pottery shops. Highlights include the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos with its 14th century frescoes. Near Margarites is another photo-worthy destination- the ornately beautiful Renaissance style Arkadi Monastery.
Archanes, Heraklion
The reputation of Archanes has spread all over Europe! While entering the village, you will see the imposing neoclassical building of the Centre of Environmental Education and slightly further, the all-white church of St. Mary. The Folklore Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Sculpture Workshop, the Museum of Cretan History and Tradition are the highlights that you should not miss!
The village features atmospheric neighborhoods with well-preserved houses painted in cheerful colors.
Matala, Heraklion
Matala‘s shores have mythological significance, as it is said Zeus famously emerged from its waters disguised as a bull. Despite its cultural notability and size, Matala still offers an escape from more touristy areas on the island. Indeed, you’ll still find a sense of authenticity and charm associated with the quiet coastal fishing villages on the island. Matala was also popular with the hippie movement of the 60s and 70s, and this legacy has made its mark in the laid-back atmosphere found here. The seaside is lined with spectacular sandstone cliffs along with mysterious caves said to be the sites of ancient tombs.
