Villages
Spring in Mourné
The Spili area is situated in the municipality of Lampis in Rethymnon province, in the centre of Crete, on the main north/south road between Rethymnon and Ag. Galini. It is a most attractive and interesting region and is an excellent base for exploring the whole of Crete. There is superb walking in the immediate vicinity with wonderful opportunities to observe the wild flowers and bird life. Hunting and fishing are the local sports.
The lovely Amari Valley is just over the mountain behind Spili.
Plakias is reached through the spectacular Kourtaliotiko Ravine just down the road.
Ag.Galini, the well-known summer resort, which has boat trips to neighbouring beaches and islands, is about 20 minutes away.
Spili
Main Square with Fountains One of the small roads Picturesque corner in autumn
Spili is a very picturesque small town, well-known for its fountains and greenery.
It is the centre for the neighbouring villages with its large modern health centre, bank with ATM, post office, small supermarkets, police station, OTE (telephone) office, town hall, schools, tavernas, cafes, and, most important, a Cretanagora office!
Tourists are catered for by souvenir shops, hotels and rent rooms.
KTEL buses pass through Spili and offer access to both north and south coasts.
Taxis are also easily available, and there is a large free car park in the centre.
Spili is:
• 30 minutes from Rethymnon, one of Crete’s four major towns
• 25 minutes from quiet south coast beaches
• About one and a half hours from Heraklion or Chania airports
Mourné
Upper Mourné Lower Mourné Restoring the few derelict houses
Mourné is a delightful small working village where you can still see donkeys passing by on their way to work. Most of the inhabitants are farmers who raise their own animals, grow their own fruit and vegetables, and make their own oil, wine and raki. There is nothing better than buying their fresh food and drink. The village is 4 km. from Spili. A dirt road, which is gradually being asphalted, connects Mourné directly with the south coast beaches. When finished the journey should take about 10 minutes.
Kissos
Kissos Village
Kissos in Winter with views
to the White Mountains
Byzantine Kissos
Kissos is a peaceful medieval hill village with a giant plane tree over the plateia (village square) and small Byzantine churches. Situated on the flank of Mount Kedros, 630 metres above sea level, it is only about 7 minutes from Spili and 15 minutes from the south coast beaches of Ag. Galini, Trio Petra, etc. It has spectacular views down to the valley, where the road runs between Rethymnon and Agia Galini, and up to the Sideros mountains opposite.
Ag. Galini
Situated on the south coast, 54 kms. from Rethymnon, Ag. Galini is a lovely seaside village in the sheltered Messara Bay, built amphitheatrically above a picturesque little harbour.
With unlimited views towards the Libyan Sea it attracts many tourists. It offers accommodation to suit every taste with hotels, pensions, rooms and apartments to rent, camping sites, etc.
There are boat trips from the port to the neighbouring islands, and beaches with interesting marine caves.
Join in the village social life…
Welcoming Committee – is this the last generation of typical village women?
Easter – It’s hot work but worth it!
Picnic – everyone is invited to these local celebrations
Making raki – plenty of free samples and fresh boiled eggs!