SIGHTSEEING IN PALEOCHORA

There are many old traditional villages close to Paleochora (Palaiochora), such as Azogires, Kantanos, Anidri, Temenia, Sougia. Take the chance to walk through the villages to discover Byzantine churches with exceptional Byzantine and Venetian wall paintings. In Azogires is the monastery of the 99 Holy Fathers with a small museum with religious relics, historical and folklore items and what is claimed to be the holy Evergreen Plane Tree of the 99 Holy fathers. You can also see the old Venetian rock bridge standing above the river and walk to the caves of Papa Karali and of the 99 Holy Fathers.

Castel Selino was named after the celeries that abound in the area (Selino means celery in Greek). Built in 1278, by Venetian general Marino Gradenigo, this fortress was one of the few that were built along the south coast of Crete to protect Venetian domination from rebels and control the bays of the area. With a typical square plan, the fortress featured quartering areas, houses of officials, a chapel and water tanks.

This one-of-a-kind museum is located in the centre of Paleochora and showcasing the life of “Acritans” (i.e. Frontiersmen) along Europe, their common features, as well as their customs and traditions. If you would like to know more about the cultural heritage of European peoples, you might want to pay a visit at this museum.

If you are a nature lover, don’t miss exploring the countryside hosting numerous species of flora and fauna, including indigenous flowers and animals. Take one of the signposted walking routes or footpaths in the area, hike along gorges and discover the natural beauty of Paleochora and South Crete.