RETHYMNON
Agia Galini is a small fishing village on the south coast of
central Crete, which is surrounded by high mountains in the background. The
houses, one above the other, reach down the side of the hill to the harbour. The
main road leading downhill is lined with small, charming hotels and pensions.
In the last few years the village has developed very quickly
into a popular destination for young and old. That Agia Galini keeps its
original character is taken care of by the local inhabitants. The guests in
light summer clothes are joined by Cretans whether it is in the tavernas,
cafenions or bars. Joining company in this way allows for speedy contact and
guarantees a real insight into the Cretan way of life.
The souvenir shops in the pleasant narrow alleyways are inviting
for a stroll, the house walls are smothered with colourful bougainvillea,
geraniums and roses.
Along from the harbour there is a bay where different types of
water sports are on offer during the summer months.
Nearby there is an even greater choice of bays such as the palm
bay at Preveli, which can be reached by a pleasant boat trip from Agia Galini.
Agia Galini is also an ideal starting point for excursions, as
it is well worth visiting and discovering the area inland with its places of
interest such as the Minoan Palace of Preveli or the ancient Roman town of
Preveli can be
combined with a tasty meal of trout.
The south of Crete enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which can
sometimes be influenced by winds coming from Africa.
In order to take a trip to Agia Galini, there is a choice of two
wonderful routes, either from Heraklion or from Rethymnon. On the journey from
Heraklion one is accompanied by a vast mountain landscape, which opens out after
ca. 30 km and offers a wonderful view of the Messara Plain. The Plain stretches
for 40 km parallel to the Libyan Sea and is one of the most fertile plains on
Crete.
From Rethymnon one turns inland and drives via the town of Preveli
snuggled into the Ida Mountains. It is worth stopping here at the main square.
Out of the 25 spouts of the Venetian well, 19 of which are in the shape of a
lion's head, flows cool, spring water from the mountains. From here it is just
another ca. 26 km to Agia Galini.