Melidoni
Melidoni is a traditional village of the prefecture of Rethymno that lies approximately 30 km away from the city of Rethymno.
Its name probably comes from the Byzantine surname Melidonis, which is still common on Crete, while it was first mentioned by the name Melidoni in the documents of 1379 and 1382. During the Venetian period it was even considered one of the largest villages of Mylopotamos.
Antonios Dandolos was hailing from Melidoni, a fighting member of the Society of Friends, appointed by Alexander Ypsilantis responsible for the initiation of the Minor Asia Greeks into the organization.
Northwest and in close proximity to the village of Melidoni, one of the most interesting caves in whole Crete lies, the Gerontospilos, which, with its outstanding stalactite decoration, was inextricably linked to the bloody fights against the Turks in October of 1823.
Another attraction of Melidoni is the monastery of Agios Georgios, which supposedly has been operating as of the 18th century, but we know nothing about its past, only that is was a fief of the Kallergis family, whose carved blazon can be seen on its walls.
Along with a trip to Melidoni, the visitor can also visit the closest beaches of Bali and Panormos, which are few kilometers away.
