Crete tourist guide

The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.

Ancient Lappa, modern Argyroupolis

About 27 km southwest of Rethymno is an unusual village, which you will not find much information in popular guidebooks, and some of them do not mention it at all. And a pity because the modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi). And what makes this village extraordinary is this antiquity that accompanies the present at every step. The construction of the village creates a peculiar mosaic in which the present buildings were mixed with the ancient remains of the old city, which were extracted from the ruins by current residents. The present Argyroupolis is not only preserved villas standing in the neighborhood with other houses. These are also small architectural elements dating back centuries, today fulfilling decorative and sometimes useful functions.

lappa

You do not have to look for examples of this historic mosaic for a long time. In the stairs leading to the contemporary house, you can find fragments of the ancient lintel, while the ancient column is a decoration reminiscent of the splendor of the ancestors and the place where today stands a flower pot. If during the summer you will be near this extraordinary place, it is worth adding them to your holiday list.

Lappy's story

Formerly, according to Mykene legends, it was believed that Lappa was founded by the Greek hero Agamemnon. At the time, it was a huge and extensive city, covering a large part of the Rethymno region between the northern and southern coasts of Crete.


In the 2nd century BC, Lappa, Lyttos and several other cities of Crete of that time, formed a covenant against the powerful Knossos. This conflict did not end with the thoughts of the allied cities. Knossos turned out to be the winner and the inhabitants of Lyttos had to look for shelter in Lappa after their defeat.

The city also suffered from conflicts in the then Roman Empire. Besieged and destroyed by Metellus, it was later rebuilt. During the civil war, which took place during the conflict between Octavian August and Mark Antony, Lappa opted for Octavian. (31 bc) It was a favorable decision as it turned out, because after the defeat of Antonius in the Battle of Actium, the city enjoyed special privileges and gained autonomy. This was the beginning of the best period of ancient Lappy. The prosperity that prevailed during the late Roman period left a mark in the form of rich and impressive architecture. Roman baths, sculptures, bone tools, mosaics, ceramics and various types of inscriptions are traces of splendor that archaeologists found here. Also found coins minted in Lappie. The earliest represent Greek gods: Apollo, Poseidon, Athena and Artemisia. Roman emperors were depicted on coins dating back to Roman times.


Nearby sources also made Lappa a well-known spa in the past. The city also acted dynamically in the commercial field. Goods were exchanged, among others, from Phoenix located next to Loutro, as well as from Dramia (Ydramia). Here it was also founded by the apostle Titus, called the Titus of Crete, which is also the patron of the island, the oldest diocese of Crete. Titus was appointed Bishop of Crete by Saint. Paul. In 961 BC, this diocese was transferred to Episkopi, and its remains in Lappa, nearly 140 years later, were destroyed by the Arabs.

The later history of this place was no less turbulent. In the 11th century, the city was razed by the Saracens. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as a shelter and a base of insurgents fighting against the Venetian occupant, as was the case during the Turkish occupation. At that time, the city was known as Gaidouropoli and Samaropoli (Ośle Town), and in 1822 it was renamed by the rebels at Argyroupolis. This name is used today.

How to visit and get to Argyroupolis

If you plan to visit this area, you can get to Argyroupolis by KTEL bus, which leaves twice a day from Rethymno. The ticket costs 3,3 €. Of course, the second option is to come here by car or scooter. The best way to park your car is on a large square in front of the Agios Ioannis church, rightnext to the tiny archaeological site. Visible from here the gate will lead you to the old and charming part of the city. After crossing it, you have to keep your eyes wide open to catch all the Roman and Venetian details and artifacts blended into contemporary buildings. In the further part of the village you will also find the remains of a Roman bath with a well-preserved fragment of a mosaic, which supposedly consists of 7,000 elements in 6 different colors.

On the way back, take a look at the shops that are located in the gate leading to Argyroupolis, you will find here both local products, herbs and products made on the basis of avocado.

Map

Sources of Argyroupolis

After completing the tour it is also worth going down to the lower north-western part of the village, where the above mentioned sources are found. It is a very picturesque place, water flows from springs creating small waterfalls. Formerly, the strength of water was used to grind grain. Nearly to the present day, the remains of the then mills have survived. In total, about 20,000 cubic meters of water flow here. Today, with every mini-waterfall taverns are located. It's a good place to catch your breath after a hot day and enjoy the dishes of the local cuisine.


When visiting the sources of Argyroupolis, it is impossible not to pay attention to the lush vegetation that creates here something like an oasis. It is also worth visiting the nearby cave, where Agios Ioannis is also called the church of Agia Dynami. Water flowing here is attributed to miraculous properties.

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Interesting places on Crete

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Knossos
Knossos

Knossos

Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.

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Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece.

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Margarites
Margarites

Margarites

Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.

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Heraklion - airport
Heraklion - airport

Heraklion - airport

International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.

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Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.

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Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

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Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

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Rethymnon
Rethymnon

Rethymnon

Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.

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Thrapsano
Thrapsano

Thrapsano

Thrapsano is a small town inhabited by slightly over 2,500 people, the vast majority of which until recently maintained their activity as a potter.

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Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

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Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

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Jaskinia Idi
Jaskinia Idi

Jaskinia Idi

According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

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Plakias
Plakias

Plakias

Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

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Gorge Kourtaliotiko
Gorge Kourtaliotiko

Gorge Kourtaliotiko

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.

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Minoan Agia Triada
Minoan Agia Triada

Minoan Agia Triada

Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.

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Fajstos
Fajstos

Fajstos

Około 60 kilometrów na południowy zachód od stolicy Krety - Heraklionu znajdują się ruiny drugiego co do wielkości starożytnego pałacu - Fajstos.

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Melidoni Cave
Melidoni Cave

Melidoni Cave

Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824.

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Koules Fortress
Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.

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Archeological museum
Archeological museum

Archeological museum

It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.

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Tylissos
Tylissos

Tylissos

Tylissos is one of the few places in Crete that has kept its name since ancient times.

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Damnoni
Damnoni

Damnoni

Plaża w Damnoni jest położona po sąsiedzku z Plakias - popularną turystyczną miejscowością

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Agios Pavlos
Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos is a small town located on the southern coast of Crete near Saktouria.

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Triopetra
Triopetra

Triopetra

Triopetra is located at the foot of the Siderotas mountain about 52 km south of Rethymno.

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Agia Galini
Agia Galini

Agia Galini

gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.

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Skinakas Observatory
Skinakas Observatory

Skinakas Observatory

The observatory is located at the top of the Skinakas mountain at an altitude of 1750 m. The idea for its construction was born in 1984.

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Armeni
Armeni

Armeni

The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno.

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Military Museum
Military Museum

Military Museum

The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.

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Argyroupolis
Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis

The modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi)

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Lentas
Lentas

Lentas

Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.

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Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos
Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.

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Archeological Museum in Eleftherna
Estiatorio Chrisopigi
Estiatorio Chrisopigi

Estiatorio Chrisopigi

If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.

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Gortyna
Gortyna

Gortyna

Gortyna is considered one of the most extensive excavations in Greece.

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Psiloritis - Timios Stavros
Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.

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Rouvas Gorge
Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.

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Matala
Matala

Matala

Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.

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Monastery of Odigitrias
Monastery of Odigitrias

Monastery of Odigitrias

The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.

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Kali Limenes
Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.

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Vathipetro
Vathipetro

Vathipetro

In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.

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Kommos
Kommos

Kommos

When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.

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Sfendoni Cave
Sfendoni Cave

Sfendoni Cave

Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl

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Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse
Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.

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Nice
Nice

Nice

Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.

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Komentarze

Joanna Be
2015-07-26 18:26:05

o tak, tam też byliśmy :) mnóstwo kaskad wodnych i tawern gdzie można zjeść świeżą rybę :)

1
Gabriela Kalinowska-Czakon
2015-07-26 18:48:24

też byłam :) http://gabi-ostatniaprosta.blogspot.com/2013/10/skuterem-po-krecie-dzien-pierwszyczii.html

2
Małgorzata Jakubowska
2015-07-26 21:12:00

Bylam,tam jest pieknie i sa wspaniale naturalne kosmetyki z awokado i oliwy z oliwek! :)

2
 gość}
gość Bogdan
2019-06-14 07:01:29

Polski akcent

Biskupem tytularnym Lappy był od 1939r. do swej śmierci w 1943r.polski biskup Michał Kozal. Zamordowali go Niemcy w Dachau zastrzykiem z fenolu.

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Inne strony tej kategorii

Pachia Ammos

Pachia Ammos

However, Pachia Ammos is not a typical crowded and lively tourist destination, which is not lacking in the north of Crete. It is a quiet place with few private guesthouses, but a few good tavernas.

Margarites - potters' village

Margarites - potters' village

Margarites at every step does not let you forget about what the inhabitants live with. Even trees seem to bear here pots that hang picturesquely from branches. It is in this peculiar way that one of the craft workshops advertises its products. After visiting the Margarites, our luggage was enriched by a good few kilos of pottery. Although products from this village can be bought practically all over Crete, it is only here that you will find less-known, though equally beautiful, patterns. Despite its popularity, Margarites has preserved its authentic Greek atmosphere, so it is worth taking a walk along the main street, which is simply flooded with local potter's products.

Mochlos

Mochlos

Mochlos is a small town located roughly halfway between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. There are several taverns and guest houses offering rooms for rent on the main road that runs through this village and then approaches the coast.

Polecamy:

Oliwa i kosmetyki organiczne Olivaloe

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Ciekawe miejsca na Krecie

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