Eleftherna
The village of Eleftherna is located approximately 23 km from the city of Rethymno and almost 7 km from the village Margarites of the prefecture of Rethymno.
Built on a high hill, where the homonymous ancient city used to be, and surrounded by kermes oaks, the village of Eleftherna is a small village with approximately 60 permanent residents.
It was given the name “Eleftherna” when the rchaeological finds were excavated in the area and their importance became obvious. Today, the village still maintains the untouched natural beauty and its houses are well preserved, while, as a traditional settlement, it stands out for its small neighborhoods.
Historically, the city was founded by the Dorians in the 9th century BC at the intersection of the roads that connected the cities of Cydonia, Knossos and the sanctuary of the Psiloritis. During the first Cretan war, Eleftherna, sided with the king of Macedonia, Philip V, against Rhodes and Knossos and, finally, was destroyed by an earthquake.
During the summer months, Eleftherna gets vibrant, since many young people spend their holidays in the neighborhoods of their grandparents and in the Tzanakakis Square, in the heart of the village with its Cultural Center. In March 2015, the archaeological museum of this region is to open, which will surely attract more and more tourists.
