Melabes

Melabes village is located in the prefecture of Rethymno almost 50km far from the city of Rethymno, near Agia Galini village.

On the northern slope of Mount Vouvalas at an altitude of 600 meters, the village Melabes is found, offering a unique view at the sea and land, since at the horizon the visitor can discern the Psiloritis Mountain and Mount Kedros.

The name of the Melabes village comes from the ancient archaic Greek name and, according to a local tradition, indicates those who settled latter in the area, while according to some others, it means the first rays of the sun at sunrise illuminating the surrounding area and particularly this village.

The centuries-long history of the village Melabes relates to pirate raids and the constant movement of residents of nearby settlements. In general, the village has often found itself in the center of the revolutions and protests against the Turks. In 1940, the residents of Melabes created a strong resistance group that showed a significant action.

What mostly impresses every visitor, however, is the architecture of the Melabes village, two springs with cool, fresh water, its labyrinthine alleys and two-storey houses with grapevines on their terraces, while in the central square of the village, the guests can take their coffee quietly and exchange conversations with the locals.

Near the Melabes village, the beach of Agios Georgios lies and in about 500 meters from the beach there is the Monastery of Agios Georgios, where you can take a look at rare ancient frescoes.