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Gerakaris

Gerakaris is a big settlement in the prefecture of Rethymno, located approximately 40 km far from the city of Rethymno.

The Gerakaris village is located on the slopes of Mount Kedros at an altitude of 680 meters with a panoramic view at the Amari valley and the Mountain Psiloritis.

The village Gerakaris had already made its appearance from the Byzantine period, during which the inhabitants were hunting with falcons (geraki) on their shoulders, which most likely the village was named after. Others claim that the people of this place are robust skulled, meaning clever mind. The most prevailing version, however, seems to originate in the surname of the first settler of the area.

The contribution of Gerakaris’ residents in the liberation struggles was so important, that today the village is a regional model of a completely destructed settlement development. So year by year, the settlement shows an unprecedented development, a modern nursing home has been built, as well as taverns and recreational areas, churches has been erected and all of these with a financial contribution of one resident, who moved to the village.

Around the Gerakaris village, there are five natural springs that provide homes and gardens of the residents with water. Near the village, there is also a cave, inside of which there is a stone built church of Prophet Elijah, who feasts every year on July 20th. Furthermore, in the village, visitors can admire the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary with the Venetian bell.

Above all, Gerakaris is considered the biggest cherry providing village of Crete, with its famous and immortal Politika cherries. In winter, of course, it is covered with snow, while the springs get stronger, forming dozens of waterfalls with foaming icy waters, which are a wonderful miracle of nature.

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