Platanos

On the road leading to the village of Fourfouras in the prefecture of Rethymno, approximately 55 km far from the city of Rethymno, the village Platanos is situated, the biggest settlement of the municipality.

The traditional settlement of Platanos is built at an altitude of 580 meters south of the famous Mount Psiloritis.

The Platanos village was named after the enormous tree next to the Old Vrysi (hydrant), which still has fresh water running. The legend mentions a woman, who had visions of flames bursting out of the tree and when people finally explored its roots, they discovered foundations of an old icon painted church.

During the Minoan period, many wealthy families had settled in the village of Platanos in order to keep an eye on the area. In case they spotted a pirate ship, the villagers would set a fire and notify the guards of Psiloritis and Lefka Oroi (White Mountains) about a potential enemy raid.

During the Turkish occupation, the village of Platanos had given prominence to local leaders, while in modern times from 1912 onwards, the villagers shed their blood in various National wars and especially during the national resistance for liberation, their contribution was crucial for the whole province of Amari.

Finally, in the village of Platanos visitors can wander among the attractions of the village, explore the large and unexplored yet Syriáki cave with beautiful stalactites, walk along the Hondrada Mountain, a habitat for many rare birds and animals, visit the Byzantine cave temple of Agios Antonios (St. Anthony) or the church of Agios Ioannis the Theologos (St. John the Theologian) with its remarkable belfry.