Location Info
Archontiki, RETHYMNO
RETHYMNO,
ARCHONTIKI
Archontiki is a small traditional Cretan village 18km away from Rethymno town. The village is located at the east of the river Mousela, at an altitude of 180m, right on the border between Rethymno and Chania prefectures.
In the past the village used to be called Arkoudena. This name comes from the Greek goddess of the mythology, Artemis who was protecting the wild animals.
The village was very active during the years of the Greek Revolution. In 1865 the name of the village was changed to Archontiki which means noble in Greek as they wanted to honor the courage and the bravery of the villagers against the conquerors of the island.
Archontiki is known since the Venetian Era (1205-1669) when the island of Crete was an overseas colony of the Republic of Venice. All the old buildings of the village have elements of the distinctive Venetian architecture.
Destinations
Rethymno town: 14 Km (10 min drive)
Taverna & Mini Market: 600 meters (10 min walk )
General Hospital: 14 km (10 min drive)
Nearest Beach: 2,5 km (5 min drive)
Heraklion International Airport : 76 km (55 min drive)
Chania International Airport: 29 Km (35 min drive)
Car rental is essential to explore the nearby villages and unique sandy beach location
RETHYMNO CITY
Welcome to the city of Rethymnon, a place blessed with beauty, embraced by breathtaking mountains and the deep blue of the Mediterranean
Rethymnon stretches from the White Mountains to Psiloritis and covers a territory of 1496 sq. km with a population of 70,095 inhabitants.
The prefecture of Rethymno is the most mountainous region in Crete. 510 sqm οut of 1,496 sqm are agricultural land, 933 sqm are pastures, 36 sqm are covered by settlements and only 17 sq. km. are covered by Mediterranean forests of oak, pine and maple.
The Mediterranean climate is temperate and mostly dry-warm. The sunny days encounter about the 67% of the year and the temperature ranges from 12oC to 27oC. The prevailing winds are usually from the North and Northwest. Also winds from the southern are also strοng.
Rethymno with Psiloritis and the blue sea, with traces of 4,500 years of civilization, with numerous Byzantine churches and monasteries, with magical Venetian monuments, with the most well preserved Renaissance city in Greece, with endless beaches, caves, gorges, unique flora and fauna , is waiting for you.
sites of interest
in Archontiki and Rethymno in general, there are many places of interest
that are worth το visit!
EXPLORE ARCHONTIKI & WESTERN CRETE
Argiroupoli Village & Springs
Only 4km away from Archontiki lays the picturesque village of Argiroupoli. This village is built on the site of the ancient city Lappa.
The visitor can admire many architectural elements of the rich history of this city that have been preserved and walk around monuments from the Roman, Byzantine and Venetian period.
A must see attraction in the area is also the famous Springs of Argirpupoli. The water comes out from the cave of Agia Dynami and form small waterfalls all around the place.
There used to be many watermills in the area due to the springs which nowadays have turned into taverns with traditional Cretan food.
Church of Virgin Mary in Miriokefala
Miriokefala village, about 10km away from Archontiki, is famous for its temple which is dated back to 1020.
This temple is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary and used to be one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. Its interior is decorated with impressive murals of three layers that were revealed under the plasters. The icon of Virgin Mary which is stored in the temple is believed to be miraculous.
Every year on the 8th of September a very big fest is being held and many locals mob to the temple on foot from all over Crete for the grace of Virgin Mary.
Lake Kournas
Do not miss the opportunity to visit Kournas Lake during your stay in Archontiki. This is the only natural, fresh water lake in Crete.
It is located on a beautiful valley surrounded by hills just 11km away from our villas. The rich flora and fauna of the lake is protected by the Natura 2000 program. There are some interesting activities you can enjoy there, such as ride a pedalo, walk around the lake or swim.
Furthermore you can enjoy a meal in one of the many taverns with delicious local food by the lake.
Festivities
The village celebrates on August 6th, the Day of Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
Miscellaneous
There is public bus service (KTEL) from Rethymno.