Agia Galini: top attractions and beaches, island of Crete | exotic Greece
Agia Galini is a a very charming village & summer resort in Rethymno, Crete, Greece. It's situated on a steep hill a little north of Matala at a distance of one and a half hours drive from the capital of Crete: Heraklion. Agia Galini has all amenities like souvenir shops, supermarkets and ATM machines to withdraw cash. There are cosy terraces where you can have a drink and the beach is pretty good. It doesn't get as busy here as it gets in some other places in Crete (for instance Chersonissos or Malia). It's still a place with atmosphere and there is plenty of space on the beach.
When you are staying in Agia Galini you can make a day trip to Preveli beach.
Agia Galini has a cosy harbour and interesting scenery: high cliffs, flowers, a river, a beautiful view of the white mountains, and last but not least a good (pebble) beach. On one side of the harbour on some sort of a small hill are the statues of Daidalos and Ikaros, overlooking the bay. These two mythological figures flew with wings that had been attached to their bodies with wax. Ikaros came too close to the sun and the wax melted, so he crashed into the sea (near the island of Ikaria). What their two statues are doing over here was a big question to me, but they are decorative and beautiful indeed. The myth tells that Ikaros and Daidalos after escaping from King Minos fled to Agia Galini (which was named Soulia at that time, the Minoan times) and took off into the sky from this rock. From this spot where the statues stand - which can be reached easily on foot - you also have a nice view over the village and the sea.
Agia Galini is one of the most popular seaside resorts of southern Rethymnon prefectire, situated next to the exit of the Amarianos or Platys River, 61km south of Rethymno city and 68km southwest of Heraklion. This small town is bustling with life during the summer months and provides all the necessary touristic amenities. The natural beauty of the emerald beaches, the rugged caves in the west, the myth of Icarus and Daedalus, the memories of the hippies and the tranquility of the sea, have made this village a favorite destination for thousands of visitors.
East of the port starts a long beach, which stretches east to Kokkinos Pirgos. The sea in the area is almost always calm. The part of the beach near the port is very well organized and provides all the necessary amenities. It has fine pebbles and cold water, due to the river Platys or Amarianos which is located 200m east of the port. In the area near the river, ruins of an ancient temple of Artemis have been identified.
If you cross the river (there is a metal bridge), you will find the second beach which extends further 1km to the east. The beach has small pebbles and is less organized. Next to it, there is the camping site of Agia Galini. As you walk eastwards, the beach becomes narrower and rockier. You can walk (1.5-2 hours) to Kokkinos Pirgos. This beach, in which there is no access by road, is popular to naturists. It is totally unorganized, thus make sure you have food, water or umbrellas with you.
Η Αγία Γαλήνη είναι χωριό του νομού Ρεθύμνης, στην περιφέρεια Κρήτης.
Σχετικά με την προέλευση της ονομασίας του χωριού, η παράδοση αναφέρει πως κάποια βυζαντινή πριγκίπισσα, ή Βασίλισσα, παραπλέοντας την περιοχή σε μεγάλη θαλασσοταραχή κατόπιν προσευχής της η θάλασσα γαλήνεψε και το πλοίο της αγκυροβόλησε στην έναντι ακτή όπου εξερχόμενη εκείνη διέταξε την οικοδόμηση ναού προς τιμή της Παναγίας της επονομαζόμενης Γαλήνης.
Η ιστορική όμως αλήθεια πρέπει να σχετίζεται με την Μονή του Γαλήνου Χριστού, που κατά τη μαρτυρία του Ιωσήφ του Βρυεννίου, υπήρχε στη περιοχή. Ανεξάρτητα όμως αυτών και από πλευράς καιρικών συνθηκών γενικά ο όρμος και η θαλάσσια περιοχή της Αγίας Γαλήνης είναι σχεδόν «αεί γαλήνη»
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