Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a well-known seaside village that lies on the southeast coasts of the Rethymno prefecture, approximately 60 km far from the city of Rethymno.
At the southernmost edge of the Libyan sea overlooking the Bay of Messara, Agia Galini has been maintaining its uniqueness from 1960 until today, offering the guests a relaxing holiday in the mountains and sea.
It was named Agia Galini by the Byzantine empress Eudokia, who after having survived a major storm, built a temple dedicated to the Virgin Agia Galini. The Byzantine temple is of rare architecture and now stands in the cemetery of the village.
The village of Agia Galini is built amphitheatrically on the ancient Minoan city of Soulia, which was not only one of the hundred cities of Crete described by Homer, but also a place of worship of the goddess Artemis. The village was officially founded in 1884, when oil depots and a few houses were constructed for commercial purposes.
The cove of Agia Galini was a well-known anchorage for ships, used in the revolutions of 1821 and 1866 for munition unloading for the rebels.
There is a rock in Agia Galini, to the right of the harbor, which according to the myth was used as a base for the flight of Daedalus and Icarus and even today overlooks the sea like saying “goodbye” to their fateful journey. At the same point there are two statues of Daedalus and Icarus at the time of preparation for their journey.
The beach of Agios Georgios, although organized, is not crowded and you can relax here, while the cave of Agia Galini is considered one of the most spectacular underwater caves in Crete, so be sure to get to know it better.
Agia Galini has approximately 1000 permanent inhabitants, who are mostly engaged in tourism, trade, fishing and agriculture. The village has the necessary infrastructure to serve the needs of its residents and visitors all year round, while for the lovers of camping there is also an organized camp site in the area.
Moreover, in summer there are daily routes from the port of Agia Galini to Preveli and Paksimadia islands. There are also theater performances for adults and children, as well as Cretan folk music concerts during summer season.
