Unseen Crete Villages
The Off-the-Beaten-Track Tour
Cut to the chase!
1. Argyroupoli: The Village of Springs
Among the most picturesque ancient villages on the island, with natural springs,
Argiroupolis pops out of nowhere when driving through the beautiful Cretan
countryside.
Crystal clear streams run through the village, creating a soothing
atmosphere—the perfect place to stop and have a quiet lunch with fresh trout caught
from the local streams. It also boasts some remains from the Roman era that give you a
glimpse into Crete’s rich history.
2. Theriso: History Hidden in the Mountains
But Theriso is not only a picturesque mountain village, smothered in thick forests; it’s
also steeped in history. The village lies only a short drive from Hania and was at the
center of the early 20th-century Theriso Revolt, led by Eleftherios Venizelos—the figure
critical to the creation of modern Greece.
Today, one can tour the museum built for the
event or simply admire the stunning scenery with which the village is surrounded. Due
to the historical element coming together with the serenity of the landscape, Theriso is
a must-see destination for history lovers alike.
3. Vamos: Taste of Traditional Crete
The village of Vamos, although a short drive from Chania, still retains an old-worldly
charm in its stone houses, narrow alleys, and friendly locals. It is well renowned for its
traditional craft shops, local cuisine, and nearby olive groves;
Vamos is just that perfect
stop for visitors who want to experience the rural life of Crete. Time your visit to
coincide with one of their food festivals where you can sample home-grown olives,
wines, and cheeses.
Check out 5 special places to visit in Crete!
4. Kritsa: Mountain Retreat for Artists
Kritsa sits high on the mountains and is a sort of center for traditional Cretan
handicrafts. Its narrow, meandering streets house beautiful, locally-made embroidery,
pottery, and jewelry.
After wandering around the village, drive a bit further on to the
nearby Church of Panagia Kera with its stunning 13th-century frescoes. With its artistic
community and peacefulness, Kritsa constitutes an excellent getaway from the noisier
tourist towns.
Ready to discover Crete’s best-kept secrets?
Rent a car with Autoway today anddiscover the island’s treasures at your leisure.
Whether this is out of curiosity for
Argyroupoli’s spring beauty or historical intrigue around Theriso, car rental will definitely
contribute to touching the real soul of Crete.
