Agia Galini is a small traditional seaside village located in the south coast of Crete. It is located in the midway along the south coast of Crete, making it a perfect starting point for the various ‘must see’ spots on this wonderful island. It is located 61 km southeast of Rethymno and 68 km southwest of Heraklion.
The name of Agia Galini means ‘Saint Serenity‘ or ‘Holy Peace‘ in Greek, suggesting that the place is very peaceful and the sea is always calm. Visitors can experience the tranquility, the aura of the place and enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants.
The beauty of the village lies in its geographical position. The steep almost vertically-cut rocks dominate the landscape. The village of Agia Galini is surrounded by three mountains: Asideroto, Kedros and Idi (Psiloritis). The amphitheatrically-built houses overlook the vast Messara bay and the endless Libyan Sea, making Agia Galini unique and ideal for visitors who want to experience seaside holidays close to beautiful mountainside.
The main road of the village opens out into an attractive, picturesque harbour which still maintains its typical Cretan appeal. The view from the harbour is lovely, especially at dusk and at night where the houses and shops on the hill are lit up. Also, in the area of the harbour cultural events or festivals(e.g. the nautical week) take place in the summertime.
Agia Galini has a wonderful beach with sand, small pebbles and crystal clear waters. There is a pedestrian road across the coast that connects the harbour with the beach and you can walk the path to reach the River Platys that flows into the sea.
If you wander around the narrow, paved streets of Agia Galini, you will see the old white painted village houses with the blooming yards and discover the history of the village 40 years ago when Agia Galini used to be a small fishing village.
You can enjoy your meal in one of the many taverns and restaurants in the area, which line the harbour, the beach and the village center. In the traditional taverns you will find home-made local Cretan food and fresh fish that is caught daily and is abundant in Agia Galini. If you prefer to have dinner with view, there are many restaurants on the rock above the port with excellent view of Messara bay. Moreover, there are restaurants with live traditional Cretan music.
Photo Gallery