Guidebook for Spili
Food Scene
"Drymos" tavern-cafe is a wooden, airy and traditional tavern just before the entrance of the St. Anthony's Gorge in Patsos. Probably after a good walk through the Gorge, visitors can indulge themselves with some traditionally grilled local meat (antikristo) or other local dishes. The tavern is large enough to accommodate large groups of people and sometimes, visitors may also stumble upon traditional Cretan feasts that take place in the area.
Within the premises of the tavern, visitors can also view stables of local farm animals, such as donkeys or Cretan goats.
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Faraggi Patsos
"Drymos" tavern-cafe is a wooden, airy and traditional tavern just before the entrance of the St. Anthony's Gorge in Patsos. Probably after a good walk through the Gorge, visitors can indulge themselves with some traditionally grilled local meat (antikristo) or other local dishes. The tavern is large enough to accommodate large groups of people and sometimes, visitors may also stumble upon traditional Cretan feasts that take place in the area.
Within the premises of the tavern, visitors can also view stables of local farm animals, such as donkeys or Cretan goats.
Off-track, in an unpopular location of Southern Crete lies one of the most charming and traditional little taverns on the island. Stavors and Vicky, a couple who used to live in Australia, took the decision to return to Greece and run of the most fulfilling family businesses called "Agia Fotia Taverna", next to the secluded, yet scenic village of Kerame.
The small, white family house of the tavern lies in front of a small beach that used to serve as an old merchant port ages ago. Nowadays, visitors may relax under the sun, have a good swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy some of the most traditional dishes of the Greek and Cretan cuisine: Fresh fish caught with Stavros' boat, local raki and wine, home-grown vegetables and a heart-warming family atmosphere. Perhaps the host's favorite little secret and in case you actually decide to visit it, give my warmest greetings to my uncle Stavros. :)
7 polecane przez mieszkańców
Agia Fotini
Off-track, in an unpopular location of Southern Crete lies one of the most charming and traditional little taverns on the island. Stavors and Vicky, a couple who used to live in Australia, took the decision to return to Greece and run of the most fulfilling family businesses called "Agia Fotia Taverna", next to the secluded, yet scenic village of Kerame.
The small, white family house of the tavern lies in front of a small beach that used to serve as an old merchant port ages ago. Nowadays, visitors may relax under the sun, have a good swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy some of the most traditional dishes of the Greek and Cretan cuisine: Fresh fish caught with Stavros' boat, local raki and wine, home-grown vegetables and a heart-warming family atmosphere. Perhaps the host's favorite little secret and in case you actually decide to visit it, give my warmest greetings to my uncle Stavros. :)
Despite being a relatively small village, Spili has always served as a resting point for travelers. For this reason, it features a number of coffee shops, both for locals and tourists, but also some very neat and family-run restaurants, ideal for trying out the local cuisine and spirits.
"Maria-Costas" tavern is a warm family tavern in about 5 minutes walking distance from the central square on the main road to Rethymno: grilled meat on the spot, local vegetables, wine and raki, reasonable prices. "Taverna Giannis" right after leaving the central square is another great spot that features fantastic traditional food and local spirits (wine and raki) with reasonable prices. Last but not least, "Miron", right under the house in front of the central square is also a nice place for quick lunch or dinner, right in front of the fountains, run by my cousin. :)
85 polecane przez mieszkańców
Spili
26 Epar.Od. Rethimou-Agias GalinisDespite being a relatively small village, Spili has always served as a resting point for travelers. For this reason, it features a number of coffee shops, both for locals and tourists, but also some very neat and family-run restaurants, ideal for trying out the local cuisine and spirits.
"Maria-Costas" tavern is a warm family tavern in about 5 minutes walking distance from the central square on the main road to Rethymno: grilled meat on the spot, local vegetables, wine and raki, reasonable prices. "Taverna Giannis" right after leaving the central square is another great spot that features fantastic traditional food and local spirits (wine and raki) with reasonable prices. Last but not least, "Miron", right under the house in front of the central square is also a nice place for quick lunch or dinner, right in front of the fountains, run by my cousin. :)
Parks & Nature
St. Antony Gorge or simply "Patsos" is a small gorge situated at the center of Rethymno region. Driving on a scenic mountain trail, visitors can follow the signs to "Drymos" tavern, scattered all over the region to find this wonderful location.
Once "Drymos" is reached, the entrance of the Gorge is clearly indicated by wooden signs. Visitors can then hike through a relatively simple path, doing a circle into the completely unspoiled inside of the gorge or move in a straight line for about an hour (depending on the pace). During the first few steps, the monastery of St. Anthony may be seen as part of the stone, accompanied by a refreshing natural view of running water and dense flora all around.
A walk there can be combined with food in the local "Drymos" tavern or vice-versa.
10 polecane przez mieszkańców
Patsos
St. Antony Gorge or simply "Patsos" is a small gorge situated at the center of Rethymno region. Driving on a scenic mountain trail, visitors can follow the signs to "Drymos" tavern, scattered all over the region to find this wonderful location.
Once "Drymos" is reached, the entrance of the Gorge is clearly indicated by wooden signs. Visitors can then hike through a relatively simple path, doing a circle into the completely unspoiled inside of the gorge or move in a straight line for about an hour (depending on the pace). During the first few steps, the monastery of St. Anthony may be seen as part of the stone, accompanied by a refreshing natural view of running water and dense flora all around.
A walk there can be combined with food in the local "Drymos" tavern or vice-versa.
Triopetra beach lies in the Southern part of Rethymno region, in an about 25 minute drive from Spili. Its name comes from the words "Tria" (three) and "Petra" (stone), denoting the small peninsula at its Eastern side formed by three large, sculptured-like rocks. Due to its size (about 1.5km in length), Triopetra can never be actually found crowded or even remotely dirty.
Adding to this secluded setting, its crystal clear waters and roaring waves come in nice contrast with its grey/yellow-ish sand and pebbles, especially during the afternoon hours. A majestic sunset rewards those who are willing to stay for a little bit more and later on, a clear, starry sky for the fans of night walks.
A visit to Triopetra can be combined with dinner at the "Girogiali" tavern right there: local cuisine with fresh meat and fish, friendly staff, good prices and of course, a wonderful view. Mandatory for visitors and locals who claim to know the hidden gems of the area. :)
57 polecane przez mieszkańców
plaża Triopetra
Επαρ.Οδ. Δρυμίσκου-ΑσώματωνTriopetra beach lies in the Southern part of Rethymno region, in an about 25 minute drive from Spili. Its name comes from the words "Tria" (three) and "Petra" (stone), denoting the small peninsula at its Eastern side formed by three large, sculptured-like rocks. Due to its size (about 1.5km in length), Triopetra can never be actually found crowded or even remotely dirty.
Adding to this secluded setting, its crystal clear waters and roaring waves come in nice contrast with its grey/yellow-ish sand and pebbles, especially during the afternoon hours. A majestic sunset rewards those who are willing to stay for a little bit more and later on, a clear, starry sky for the fans of night walks.
A visit to Triopetra can be combined with dinner at the "Girogiali" tavern right there: local cuisine with fresh meat and fish, friendly staff, good prices and of course, a wonderful view. Mandatory for visitors and locals who claim to know the hidden gems of the area. :)
Ammoudi beach is a relatively quiet, clean and easy-to-access beach at the southern part of the Rethymno region, within a 25 minutes drive from Spili. It is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters and a visible/interesting sea-bottom, that encourages long swims, diving and snorkeling. By climbing on the rocks that surround the beach or swimming around them, you can also find yourself in smaller, more secluded and scenic beaches. If you're a nudist/naturist, this is definitely the place for you. Back in the Ammoudi beach, there is also a small canteen that serves refreshments, beer or coffee. In just a few minutes drive away from the beach, visitors can also find the famous, touristic places of Plakias and Damnoni.
56 polecane przez mieszkańców
Ammoudi
Ammoudi beach is a relatively quiet, clean and easy-to-access beach at the southern part of the Rethymno region, within a 25 minutes drive from Spili. It is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters and a visible/interesting sea-bottom, that encourages long swims, diving and snorkeling. By climbing on the rocks that surround the beach or swimming around them, you can also find yourself in smaller, more secluded and scenic beaches. If you're a nudist/naturist, this is definitely the place for you. Back in the Ammoudi beach, there is also a small canteen that serves refreshments, beer or coffee. In just a few minutes drive away from the beach, visitors can also find the famous, touristic places of Plakias and Damnoni.
On the same route that connects Triopetra and Agia Fotia, travellers can find another special beach called Ligres. Ligres combines different elements from all the southern shores of Rethymno: grey-ish sand that turns gold with the sunset, huge rocks around and in the sea, clear waters and an ever-blowing gentle breeze.
23 polecane przez mieszkańców
Ligres beach
On the same route that connects Triopetra and Agia Fotia, travellers can find another special beach called Ligres. Ligres combines different elements from all the southern shores of Rethymno: grey-ish sand that turns gold with the sunset, huge rocks around and in the sea, clear waters and an ever-blowing gentle breeze.
Perhaps one of the most well-known beach for the locals in Southern Rethymno is Agios Pavlos. A semi-organized beach with a beach bar/canteen, with the same sandy and clear waters setting can serve as an easy-to-access alternative for tourists. However, what most people don't know is that if they make a turn at the intersection just before reaching Agios Pavlos, the road takes them to Ammolofoi, a peaceful, isolated beach which -as its name suggests in Greek- features great sand dunes, overlooking the waters. Visitors can also access this spot by following a distinctive path from Agios Pavlos beach.
72 polecane przez mieszkańców
Agios Pavlos
Perhaps one of the most well-known beach for the locals in Southern Rethymno is Agios Pavlos. A semi-organized beach with a beach bar/canteen, with the same sandy and clear waters setting can serve as an easy-to-access alternative for tourists. However, what most people don't know is that if they make a turn at the intersection just before reaching Agios Pavlos, the road takes them to Ammolofoi, a peaceful, isolated beach which -as its name suggests in Greek- features great sand dunes, overlooking the waters. Visitors can also access this spot by following a distinctive path from Agios Pavlos beach.
In just a ten minutes drive from Spili, you may go through a grand natural monument that is Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Luckily enough, the road to Plakias and several other beaches goes through this place and therefore you can easily stop by for a quick view of the moon-like scenery. The first thing you're going to notice is probably the crazy strong wind blowing through the gorge, so make sure to keep your things well-attached on you. The second peculiar sight is the (at times) yellow bottom of the gorge, indicating a high concentration of sulfur and other minerals that have drifted by the force of running waters. If you want to explore the gorge from the bottom, the municipality has crafted a path leading down, that you can follow until you actually reach the shore (close to Preveli), depending on your mood/courage.
92 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
In just a ten minutes drive from Spili, you may go through a grand natural monument that is Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Luckily enough, the road to Plakias and several other beaches goes through this place and therefore you can easily stop by for a quick view of the moon-like scenery. The first thing you're going to notice is probably the crazy strong wind blowing through the gorge, so make sure to keep your things well-attached on you. The second peculiar sight is the (at times) yellow bottom of the gorge, indicating a high concentration of sulfur and other minerals that have drifted by the force of running waters. If you want to explore the gorge from the bottom, the municipality has crafted a path leading down, that you can follow until you actually reach the shore (close to Preveli), depending on your mood/courage.
Drinks & Nightlife
Perhaps the most touristic place of Southern Rethymno would be the town(?) of Agia Galini. Here, you can find all sorts of touristic shops, cafeterias and restaurants (greek/italian). If you would like to experience some kind of minimal nightlife, this place features a small number of mellow bars (Blue, La Mar, Limani etc) with mostly foreign visitors. Also, by following a clearly lighted path from the port, you can find two or three popular taverns right in front of the beach.
75 polecane przez mieszkańców
Agia Galini
Perhaps the most touristic place of Southern Rethymno would be the town(?) of Agia Galini. Here, you can find all sorts of touristic shops, cafeterias and restaurants (greek/italian). If you would like to experience some kind of minimal nightlife, this place features a small number of mellow bars (Blue, La Mar, Limani etc) with mostly foreign visitors. Also, by following a clearly lighted path from the port, you can find two or three popular taverns right in front of the beach.
Sightseeing
Preveli monastery and beach are two typical touristic places of Southern Rethymno. Travellers may pay a small fare to enter the Preveli Orthodox monastery and visit the internal museum about the history of the area, which also features a small exhibition of orthodox works of art. Not far away from the monastery, travelers will surely stumble upon signs to the Preveli beach, which is famous for the small river that ends up to its waters, thus making them cold and extra-clear. Small boats to Preveli are also available in Agia Galini. Otherwise, you can access the beach by driving through a dirt road and doing a small hike up and down a hill. Mostly recommended as a lower-priority attraction.
416 polecane przez mieszkańców
plaża Preveli
Preveli monastery and beach are two typical touristic places of Southern Rethymno. Travellers may pay a small fare to enter the Preveli Orthodox monastery and visit the internal museum about the history of the area, which also features a small exhibition of orthodox works of art. Not far away from the monastery, travelers will surely stumble upon signs to the Preveli beach, which is famous for the small river that ends up to its waters, thus making them cold and extra-clear. Small boats to Preveli are also available in Agia Galini. Otherwise, you can access the beach by driving through a dirt road and doing a small hike up and down a hill. Mostly recommended as a lower-priority attraction.