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Paximadia
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Paximadia


Paximadia Islands are two small uninhabited islets off the Gulf of Messara, 12km (7.5 miles) south of Agia Galini. By far they seem like a single island because they are very close. You may also hear locals refer to these as "Elephant", since from afar they remind of a lying elephant. Their total length is about 3km. 

Almost nobody knows that there are beaches on Paximadia, since they are thought to be two large dry rocks in the sea. However, there is a magnificent protected beach with crystal clear waters and fantastic pebbles on the south side of the easternmost island. Do not expect to see anything more than beautiful cliffs around and a rich seabed, since there is absolutely nothing reminding of civilization around. Paximadia can be accessed by excursion boats, running from Kokkinos Pirgos and Agia Galini.

Places near Paximadia


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Mikro Paximadi 3621 hits
At first glance, Nisi Paximadia is an island located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles or 6.5 nautical miles) off the south coast of Crete (Agia Galini area) and 14km from Matala area. However, depending on the angle of approach, it becomes clear that Nisi Paximadia actually consists of two, uninhabited, islets. The span of both rocks combined, is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 mi - 1.6 nm). Once dominated by Phaestos, a very strong, rich, populous and independent city, the little islands were called the Islets of Dionysoi, after Dionysos, the god of wine. It is said that the goddess Artemis, together with the nymph Vritomartis, often hunted in this area. Another name for these two rocks was Litoai or Letoae, after the goddess Lito, mother of Apollo and Artemis.Nowadays, the two rocky lumps are called Paximadia, because they resemble the shape of this ancient food. Paximadia is a traditional dry bread, named after the Hellenistic cook Paximus. This bread is so dry, that it cannot be eaten, unless dipped in water. It is protected by EU as a product of Crete, where it was developed many years ago for the sheep herders, when they would go up into the mountains for longer periods of time.Paximadia is located in the Gulf of Messara, which is part of the Libyan Sea on the Eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. The exact location is N 35º 00’ 29.79” and E 024º 35’ 43.23”. Goto the Google Map to see it.
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Platis Potamos 2984 hits

Platis river is located in the south Rethymnon, it stems from the torrents of Kedros Mountain and the Amari Valley and flows into the beach of Agia Galini. This is one of the largest rivers of Crete that flows all year round.

 

The river has different morphologies throughout its length, with narrow and inaccessible parts, waterfalls and elsewhere wide flow parts and is covered almost completely by dense vegetation. In several places there are bridges with most impressive the two old stone arched bridges that exist at the beginning of the river.

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Megalo Paximadi 2918 hits
At first glance, Nisi Paximadia is an island located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles or 6.5 nautical miles) off the south coast of Crete (Agia Galini area) and 14km from Matala area. However, depending on the angle of approach, it becomes clear that Nisi Paximadia actually consists of two, uninhabited, islets. The span of both rocks combined, is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 mi - 1.6 nm). Once dominated by Phaestos, a very strong, rich, populous and independent city, the little islands were called the Islets of Dionysoi, after Dionysos, the god of wine. It is said that the goddess Artemis, together with the nymph Vritomartis, often hunted in this area. Another name for these two rocks was Litoai or Letoae, after the goddess Lito, mother of Apollo and Artemis.Nowadays, the two rocky lumps are called Paximadia, because they resemble the shape of this ancient food. Paximadia is a traditional dry bread, named after the Hellenistic cook Paximus. This bread is so dry, that it cannot be eaten, unless dipped in water. It is protected by EU as a product of Crete, where it was developed many years ago for the sheep herders, when they would go up into the mountains for longer periods of time.Paximadia is located in the Gulf of Messara, which is part of the Libyan Sea on the Eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. The exact location is N 35º 00’ 29.79” and E 024º 35’ 43.23”. Goto the Google Map to see it.
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Katsouni 2913 hits
Next to Ligres beach to the western side lies Katsouni Agalianos beach. It is total unorganized and there are some tourist facilities (rooms and tavernas) to be found in the nearby area of Ligres beach or Kerames - Agia Fotini Beach to west. 

The beach has access from Akoumia : Akoumia - Agia Paraskevi - Katsouni Beach or Adraktos - Agalianos - Ligres.
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St George 2886 hits
The valley of St. George or Agios Georgios is located 3km west of Agia Galini, 69km southeast of Heraklion and 60km south of Rethymno. There are two small bays with wonderful pebbly beaches, which are separated by a rocky shore. The weather here is always mild, making the beaches ideal for swimming all year round. 

 

One day Agios Giorgios will grow up and become a recognized village, but for the meantime it is a beach with a rent rooms establishment and 3 tavernas and a cluster of private homes. It can be reached by road, or by pleasure boats which leave from Agia Galini harbour and of course it is also popular as a walk from Agia Galini.

The beach is small pebbles, and the water is crystal clear and ideal for snorkelling and swimming. There is a rustic taverna situated right down on the beach which is very popular and while the fare is simple it is absolutely fresh and the owner, a true Cretan, is very entertaining and welcoming. At the furthest end there is a taverna which provides organic food and herbs where the owner and his charming wife, take a great interest in nature and the provision of the food on offer reflects this.

There are coves where one can hide away and where the naturalists can soak up the sun. This area is in a protected valley and enjoys particularly mild weather during the winter months. As it is only 6kms from Agia Galini and the road is clearly demarcated, it is about the same distance to Melambes further up the hill. If you visit Agios Georgios, you can stroll in the wild Cretan countryside and walk to the Monastery of St. George (500m northern). Note the slope of the church walls, which has been damaged due to ageing and soil sedimentation (don’t worry, it is safe). The Church is known for its old wall paintings.
Agia Galini
Agia Galini 2836 hits

Agia Galini in Rethumno south Crete. Agia Galini (Aghia Galini) is a lovely seaside village at the south coast of Crete very close to Matala. Agia Galini is built on a hill above the picturesque little harbor with unlimited view towards the sea.  On the eastern side of the bay, with its rocky shores, there are interesting marine caves which one can visit with boat. There are also may restaurants, tavernas, bars, discos, folk art shops etc.

All the necessities in Agia Galini are located on the main street that runs down the hill from the bus station to the small harbor. The Crete KTEL bus service has regular daily service to Matala, Iraklion, Phaistos and Rethymno. There are daily ferries to Preveli beach. In Agia Galini there are a lot of currency exchange places, 24h ATMs, post office, pharmacy and plenty of cafes, restaurants and other shops.

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Triopetra 2764 hits

Triopetra beach also know as Akoumiani gyalia (actually it is a group with the beaches of Triopetra, Ligres and Agios Pavlos). The beach of Triopetra, named after the three impressive rocks ("Triopetra" means "three stones" in Greek) in the sea, is found 52 kilometers far from Rethymnon and 13 kilometers from the village Akoumia, at the South!! The three stones separate Triopetra beach to 2 beautiful beaches (both named Triopetra). The beach from the west side is called from the locals "Chatzis" beach and the east "Koumantos" beach, cause this persons from the old time they had there store houses that you can still see if you visit this place.

In Triopetra beach you can find clean rooms and excellent food in very good prices. It is more popular to the locals but if you want to visit it, combines the quietness for those who want to relax in an isolated beach and the comfort because you can find restaurants and hotels in the Eastern coast. It is worth visiting in order to enjoy a great sunset.

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Platys Potamos 2760 hits
The gorge of Plati Potamos is located at the southern side of the Amari valley, Rethimno prefecture, 42 km souteast of Rethymnon city and 18 km north from Agia Gallini at the south coast.

 

The river-gorge described has a length of 4 km and starts from the village of Agios Ioannis, which is  located 2 km east of Nithavris, at the west slopes of Psiloritis mountain. It goes through the east side of the Kedros mount, towards Agia Gallini, south coast, where flows 1 km east of the tourist town. The most impressive part to hike lies between Agios Ioannis village and Agia Paraskevi. The gorge is easy to pass and is marked with red signs. 4 km far from the start of the gorge (Agios Ioannis), 1800m east from the village Orne, there is stone, traditional bridge of impressive construction. A bit later the river turns to a deep narrow gorge and becomes inaccessible and dangerous.There are small ponds with water all year round that make walking pleasant.

In the middle of the gorge there are only two difficult points that require little experience. At those parts it is better to go up the slope bypassing the difficult points and meet the riverbed again further down. The river continues its course to the beach of Agia Galini.
Daedalus - Icarus park
Daedalus - Icarus park 2759 hits

Daedalus and Icarus park is located in Agia Galini on the south coast of Rethymno prefecture. It is dedicated to the legend of Daedalus and Icarus who take off with the wax wings of the hill on which located the park.

 

The ancient legend says that Daedalus was punished by the Supreme Court for the murder of artisan Talos, and found refuge from King Minos of Crete which built the famous labyrinth in which lived the Minotaur. Later Minos ordered Daedalus to live in the labyrinth because he helped his wife Pasiphae to birth the Minotaur with Taurus of God Poseidon. Daedalus and his son Icarus made wings of feathers and wax and escaped from the island.

The park is a creation of the local improvement society Daedalus - Ikaros of Agia Galini. It is located on a hill right of the village,  from the parking of the port. To reach the park follow the uphill path that leads behind the building of coast guard just before the entrance of the harbor.

Saktouria
Saktouria 2746 hits

This dreamy traditional Cretan village rests on a hill side at 600metres above sea level. Saktouria is divided into an upper and lower village.

The population in total being about 350 which increases in summer as all the families who live away in Athens and other places come home for holidays in August. It is 49 km away from Rethymnon city. It is recorded as Sacturia in all the Venetian censi of the 16th and 17th centuries. Chourmoutzis Vizantios calls it Sachtouri. In 1881 it is recorded as forming part of the municipality of Melambes with 360 inhabitants and in 1900, still in the same municipality until 1940 when it becomes the seat of a commune with the same name.

The first thing that is sticking about this village is the wonderful view down to the sea, the beach of Triopetra and the coast line as far as Xora Skafia. It hosts traditional white washed houses a church and two cafenions. It is a country village and most of the inhabitants have land that they farm, so during at the break of day in the summer months the villagers are up and about going to work their land, tend there amimals or doing chores around the house while it is still cool. In the afternoon it is quiet and then in the evenings most of the villagers emerge to gather for a chat .

There are also a few stills and it is renowned for its excellent raki. Every year when the grapes have been collected and the stills are bubbling away it is customary for all passers bye to stop and partake in a glass or two. Needless to say this is a very jolly time. Not so long ago this was an area for the production of silk and there are many mulberry trees at the back end of the village. Sadly this trade came to an end as the silk from Thailand and other areas could be produced at a much lower cost.

The land around Saktouria is also famous for its wild mushrooms which are very sought after and during November there is a scramble to collect them. Daily you can see the local women walking the land early in the morning collection their wild Horta which is like wild spinach to cook with their daily meal. The villagers are friendly and accommodating and there are a small handful of foreign community now in permeant residence.

This village is within a short drive from some of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. It is only 10 minutes drive to the nearest beach of Agios Pavlos, 15 minutes drive to the beautiful beaches at Triopetra and Akoumia and 15 minutes drive to the resort of Agia Galini.

As this village is quite high up it enjoys cooler temperatures during the summer months sometimes as much as 5 degrees less than those villages along the coast and at sea level, this makes it very pleasant. The sunsets are quite spectacular and in the winter one can see the snow capped White Mountains in the distance. It is approximately one and a half hours to the airport in Heraklion and one hour to the city of Rethymnon on the north coast. There is also a regular bus which goes to Agia Galini and Rethymnon.