On the way from Agia Galini to Rethymnon, it would be negligent to not stop at Spili. However, on the way there, it is advisable to drive to the villages of Saktouria and Melambes, catching a glimpse of what the traditional villages are like, how locals sit in the local “kafenions” (cafés) playing backgammon or working in the fields with their donkeys. Spili (located approx. 30km from Rethymnon), got its name from the cave that exists on the outskirts of the village. Once there, you will realise that it has become most popular, not for the cave but for its lionhead fountain located in the centre of the village. The spring is surrounded by the square, trees and quaint shops and restaurants where it is truly hard to resist making a pit stop to “refuel”. If you are willing to explore further, there is also a small folk museum which gives insight to the local culture and way of life as well as a taster of the local raki.
In the opposite direction, once past the fish tavern of Red Castle area and towards (approx. 67km from) Heraklion, lies the village of Kamilari. The name comes from the Greek word for camel because the village sits between two hill tops, as if on a camel’s back. This is a small and quaint village to explore, with a picturesque square and cute shops to buy your souvenirs from. If you seek a more bustling place, then Matala is more appropriate for you. Known for being home to hippies in the 60’s, a long pebbly beach awaits, many shops and restaurants to be found and a view of the iconic caves where the hippies lived, found on most postcards for the area. Venturing inland, Pitsidia village offers a little tradition and various options for food and drink (including a vegan café-restaurant worth visiting, named Green Koukounari) while the almost abandoned village of Kouses is home to the amazing herb shop known as Votano which nobody should miss visiting – a treasure of local and international herbs, spices, teas and more.
