A guidebook for your stay in Roustika, Rethimnon, Crete
Accomodation
79QG+42
This is where you stay :)
Abelos Villa: https://goo.gl/maps/EcnL9N1qxS7Wi6oH8
Food scene
"Petros Polopetrakis"
Traditional tavern located in the village of Roustika, in a distance of 280m from accommodation (3 min walking).
Πέτρος Πολοπετράκης
"Petros Polopetrakis"
Traditional tavern located in the village of Roustika, in a distance of 280m from accommodation (3 min walking).
This is a traditional cafe in the village of Roustika, where upon request it can also serve food.
It is 220 meters away from accommodation (3 minutes walk).
79PF+GP
This is a traditional cafe in the village of Roustika, where upon request it can also serve food.
It is 220 meters away from accommodation (3 minutes walk).
Tavern with many traditional Cretan dishes that is close to village Roustika (aproximately 1.7 km away, 4 minutes drive).
79W8+PW
Tavern with many traditional Cretan dishes that is close to village Roustika (aproximately 1.7 km away, 4 minutes drive).
City/town information
Rethymno is the capital of Rethymno regional unit, and has a population of more than 30,000 (near 40,000 for the municipal unit). It is a former Latin Catholic bishopric as Retimo(–Ario) and former Latin titular see.
Rethymno was originally built during the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city was prominent enough to mint its own coins and maintain urban growth. One of these coins is today depicted as the crest of the town: two dolphins in a circle.
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Rethymno
Rethymno is the capital of Rethymno regional unit, and has a population of more than 30,000 (near 40,000 for the municipal unit). It is a former Latin Catholic bishopric as Retimo(–Ario) and former Latin titular see.
Rethymno was originally built during the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city was prominent enough to mint its own coins and maintain urban growth. One of these coins is today depicted as the crest of the town: two dolphins in a circle.
Roustika is located seventeen kilometers southwest of Rethymnon at an altitude of 290 m. at the foot of Ampelos hill. Rustica existed before the occupation of Crete by the Venetians. The name comes from the Arabic word Rustak which means village, and the Venetians adapted it to their language, as Rustika. Others believe it comes from the Latin word Rusticus = rural. It is in a nice location and has the appearance of a small state. It is characteristic that a suburb on the outskirts of Rome has also this name. Roustika has been characterized as a traditional settlement of medium cultural value. Many of the inhabitants are educated and distinguished in literature.
Roustika
Roustika is located seventeen kilometers southwest of Rethymnon at an altitude of 290 m. at the foot of Ampelos hill. Rustica existed before the occupation of Crete by the Venetians. The name comes from the Arabic word Rustak which means village, and the Venetians adapted it to their language, as Rustika. Others believe it comes from the Latin word Rusticus = rural. It is in a nice location and has the appearance of a small state. It is characteristic that a suburb on the outskirts of Rome has also this name. Roustika has been characterized as a traditional settlement of medium cultural value. Many of the inhabitants are educated and distinguished in literature.
Shopping
Butcher - mini market "Kourkoulos"
This is the nearest well equipped mini-market to village of Roustika, that includes a meat and cold cuts sale point. It is located in the next village of Agios Konstantinos, in a distance of 1.8 kilometers (4 minutes drive).
Κρεοπωλείο - μίνι μάρκετ "Κουρκουλός"
Butcher - mini market "Kourkoulos"
This is the nearest well equipped mini-market to village of Roustika, that includes a meat and cold cuts sale point. It is located in the next village of Agios Konstantinos, in a distance of 1.8 kilometers (4 minutes drive).
79W8+PW
A small industry that makes local meat products that you can buy.
79X8+CV
Closest bakery shop to village Roustika (1.9 km away, 4 minutes drive).
Sightseeing
The monastery of Profitis Ilias is an Orthodox monastery built during the Venetian occupation and one of the oldest in Crete. It is located near the village of Rοustika, southwest of the village on a small rocky hill and in a verdant landscape. It has a fortress architecture. The monastery had become the center of the revolutionaries against the Turks and for this reason it was destroyed by them in 1823. During the Second World War, the Historical Archive of Crete was kept in the Monastery. In the National Library in Paris there is a special area for the old books that come from this monastery.
It is 550 meters away from the accommodation (8 minutes walking or 3 minutes drive).
Μονή Προφήτη Ηλία
The monastery of Profitis Ilias is an Orthodox monastery built during the Venetian occupation and one of the oldest in Crete. It is located near the village of Rοustika, southwest of the village on a small rocky hill and in a verdant landscape. It has a fortress architecture. The monastery had become the center of the revolutionaries against the Turks and for this reason it was destroyed by them in 1823. During the Second World War, the Historical Archive of Crete was kept in the Monastery. In the National Library in Paris there is a special area for the old books that come from this monastery.
It is 550 meters away from the accommodation (8 minutes walking or 3 minutes drive).
Here is the temple and the tomb of the "Holy Five Virgins", and next to it five carved rooms on the rock, where, according to tradition, the five saints honored in the area lived as ascetics.
It is one of the most important sanctuaries on the east side of the prefecture of Rethymno with a history of centuries, recorded by Western European travelers since the 15th century. The whole site is located in the area of the Greco-Roman cemetery of the ancient city of Lappa, which has been excavated to some extent by the Archaeological Ephorate of Rethymnon with important findings. The tomb of the five saints, as well as the five carved rooms, where tradition places their ascetic life, are tombs of the Greco-Roman period, which were apparently used by the saints a few centuries later.
Next to the temple and inside the Roman cemetery, there is a plane tree that due to its size and location in this important archaeological site, has been designated as a protected natural monument by the Greek state.
The Church of Holy Five Virgins and ancient cemetery
Here is the temple and the tomb of the "Holy Five Virgins", and next to it five carved rooms on the rock, where, according to tradition, the five saints honored in the area lived as ascetics.
It is one of the most important sanctuaries on the east side of the prefecture of Rethymno with a history of centuries, recorded by Western European travelers since the 15th century. The whole site is located in the area of the Greco-Roman cemetery of the ancient city of Lappa, which has been excavated to some extent by the Archaeological Ephorate of Rethymnon with important findings. The tomb of the five saints, as well as the five carved rooms, where tradition places their ascetic life, are tombs of the Greco-Roman period, which were apparently used by the saints a few centuries later.
Next to the temple and inside the Roman cemetery, there is a plane tree that due to its size and location in this important archaeological site, has been designated as a protected natural monument by the Greek state.
Lake Kournas is a popular destination for locals and visitors of the island. It is an ideal place for relaxation and for a walk. A walk around the lake usually takes less than an hour (during summertime). On one side of the lake there are cafes and taverns, and right next to them there are small sandy beaches where you can swim.
There are also pedal boats for rent for a small 'sail' on the lake, preferably in the afternoon where the colors of the landscape and water are wonderful and the lake is calmer. In winter the level of the lake rises and while it is also beautiful, the walk due to the vegetation is slightly more difficult while the beaches disappear and the waters cover part of the constructions in the aforementioned shops.
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Tasik Kournas
Lake Kournas is a popular destination for locals and visitors of the island. It is an ideal place for relaxation and for a walk. A walk around the lake usually takes less than an hour (during summertime). On one side of the lake there are cafes and taverns, and right next to them there are small sandy beaches where you can swim.
There are also pedal boats for rent for a small 'sail' on the lake, preferably in the afternoon where the colors of the landscape and water are wonderful and the lake is calmer. In winter the level of the lake rises and while it is also beautiful, the walk due to the vegetation is slightly more difficult while the beaches disappear and the waters cover part of the constructions in the aforementioned shops.
The small canyon of Kotsifos starts from the village of Kanevos of Agios Vassilios and ends north of the village of Plakias, on the beach of which ends the stream of Kotsifos that flows through the canyon.
The beginning of the canyon is very narrow at a width of about 10 meters, which gradually increases and reaches about 600 meters width. Its total length is 1800 meters, and its vertical sides reach a height of 500 meters.
Between the imposing rocks there is a narrow asphalt road. At the southern exit of the canyon is the very picturesque stone-built church of Agios Nikolaos, which is built in a rocky cavity at the height of the road and was renovated relatively recently.
In winter, an impressive small waterfall is created on the east side.
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Kotsifou Canyon
Eparchiaki Odos Rodakinou - SelliasThe small canyon of Kotsifos starts from the village of Kanevos of Agios Vassilios and ends north of the village of Plakias, on the beach of which ends the stream of Kotsifos that flows through the canyon.
The beginning of the canyon is very narrow at a width of about 10 meters, which gradually increases and reaches about 600 meters width. Its total length is 1800 meters, and its vertical sides reach a height of 500 meters.
Between the imposing rocks there is a narrow asphalt road. At the southern exit of the canyon is the very picturesque stone-built church of Agios Nikolaos, which is built in a rocky cavity at the height of the road and was renovated relatively recently.
In winter, an impressive small waterfall is created on the east side.
The springs of Argyroupolis are a place you should definetely visit. Numerous small waterfalls dominate the scenery, shaded by ancient plane trees.
There is also a very small church inside a rock, the chapel of Agia Dynami (Holy Force). The water which flows the chapel is said to be miraculous.
There are many taverns which are almost as one with the scenery. Taverns except local cuisine (they serve also 'Antikristo', which is meat roasted in a Cretan way) also serve grilled trout which guests can catch directly from the springs themselves and have it grilled to order.
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Sumber air Argiroupoli
Eparchiaki Odos Argiroupolis-Asi GoniasThe springs of Argyroupolis are a place you should definetely visit. Numerous small waterfalls dominate the scenery, shaded by ancient plane trees.
There is also a very small church inside a rock, the chapel of Agia Dynami (Holy Force). The water which flows the chapel is said to be miraculous.
There are many taverns which are almost as one with the scenery. Taverns except local cuisine (they serve also 'Antikristo', which is meat roasted in a Cretan way) also serve grilled trout which guests can catch directly from the springs themselves and have it grilled to order.
At Kalyvaki beach, you can find a tavern and a Studios facility named after it, where you can enjoy a very small 'park' of miniatures of historical buildings such as Acropolis or Minoan Palace at Knosos.
If you around this area, you could check all these out.
Miniaturenpark
At Kalyvaki beach, you can find a tavern and a Studios facility named after it, where you can enjoy a very small 'park' of miniatures of historical buildings such as Acropolis or Minoan Palace at Knosos.
If you around this area, you could check all these out.
The Fortezza (Greek: Φορτέτζα, from Italian for "fortress") is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by the Ottomans in 1646. By the early 20th century, many houses were built within the citadel. These were demolished after World War II, leaving only a few historic buildings within the Fortezza. Today, the citadel is in good condition and is open to the public.
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Kastil Fortezza
The Fortezza (Greek: Φορτέτζα, from Italian for "fortress") is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by the Ottomans in 1646. By the early 20th century, many houses were built within the citadel. These were demolished after World War II, leaving only a few historic buildings within the Fortezza. Today, the citadel is in good condition and is open to the public.
Wandering the cobbled streets of Rethymnon's car-free old town takes you back through the centuries. The mix of architectural styles reflects the town's history, so you'll see attractions such as the 16th-century Venetian loggia, the 17th-century Rimondi Fountain with water flowing from the mouths of three stone lions, and a towering Ottoman minaret from 1890. Sometimes styles are combined — lovely pastel-colored Venetian-era town houses have wooden balconies added by the Turks.
Getting lost in the narrow streets is half the fun of visiting this town. Chances are you'll find a cute café or restaurant, either in the streets or along the waterfront, and settle in for a bit of people watching.
If you are looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Crete, this is the place to find it. Unique, funky, and fun shops sell items that range from designer clothes to fridge magnets.
If you have your own car, the best place to park and access the old town is down near the ferry terminal, where you'll find a large parking lot with very reasonable rates.
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Old Town
36 Emmanoil VernardoyWandering the cobbled streets of Rethymnon's car-free old town takes you back through the centuries. The mix of architectural styles reflects the town's history, so you'll see attractions such as the 16th-century Venetian loggia, the 17th-century Rimondi Fountain with water flowing from the mouths of three stone lions, and a towering Ottoman minaret from 1890. Sometimes styles are combined — lovely pastel-colored Venetian-era town houses have wooden balconies added by the Turks.
Getting lost in the narrow streets is half the fun of visiting this town. Chances are you'll find a cute café or restaurant, either in the streets or along the waterfront, and settle in for a bit of people watching.
If you are looking for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Crete, this is the place to find it. Unique, funky, and fun shops sell items that range from designer clothes to fridge magnets.
If you have your own car, the best place to park and access the old town is down near the ferry terminal, where you'll find a large parking lot with very reasonable rates.
Found near the center of town and easily recognized by its 27-meter-high minaret, is the Neratze Mosque, dating from 1600. No longer functioning as a religious building, it now hosts musical concerts. It is not open for tours, but be sure to have a look at the main doorway as you walk by. Out front is a large courtyard, and around the side you'll find pleasant cafés in the shadow of the walls.
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Neratze Mosque
2 Emmanoil VernardoyFound near the center of town and easily recognized by its 27-meter-high minaret, is the Neratze Mosque, dating from 1600. No longer functioning as a religious building, it now hosts musical concerts. It is not open for tours, but be sure to have a look at the main doorway as you walk by. Out front is a large courtyard, and around the side you'll find pleasant cafés in the shadow of the walls.
On Crete's isolated south coast, built into a remote hillside overlooking the Libyan Sea, Preveli Monastery lies 36 kilometers south of Rethymnon and is only accessible via a winding road through the mountains. Dating from the 17th-century, the monastery features a church and a small museum displaying icons and ecclesiastical paraphernalia.
Outside stands a Memorial for Peace and Resistance, erected in 2002. During the Battle of Crete, in 1941, the monks at Preveli gave supplies and shelter to the Allies. The monument is composed of a large headstone, with an unusual statue of a priest (holding a machine gun) and a soldier (one of the Allies) standing to each side. From here, you have absolutely stunning views down onto the sea.
The drive to the monestary offers beautiful views over the south coast. You can combine a trip here with a stop at nearby Preveli Beach.
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Moni Piso Preveli
Επαρχία Αγίου ΒασιλείουOn Crete's isolated south coast, built into a remote hillside overlooking the Libyan Sea, Preveli Monastery lies 36 kilometers south of Rethymnon and is only accessible via a winding road through the mountains. Dating from the 17th-century, the monastery features a church and a small museum displaying icons and ecclesiastical paraphernalia.
Outside stands a Memorial for Peace and Resistance, erected in 2002. During the Battle of Crete, in 1941, the monks at Preveli gave supplies and shelter to the Allies. The monument is composed of a large headstone, with an unusual statue of a priest (holding a machine gun) and a soldier (one of the Allies) standing to each side. From here, you have absolutely stunning views down onto the sea.
The drive to the monestary offers beautiful views over the south coast. You can combine a trip here with a stop at nearby Preveli Beach.
The Orthodox Church played an important role in liberating Greece from Turkish occupation. Set amid the rural foothills of Psiloritis (Mount Idi), 23 kilometers southeast of Rethymnon, this fortress-like 16th-century monastery is surrounded by high stone walls. Today, it's a wonderfully peaceful place, with a delightful Baroque church and a rose garden, but it has not always been so.
In 1866, the monastery became the central meeting place for Cretan revolutionaries, with the Abbot as chairman. During an uprising against the Turks, some 900 locals (mainly women and children), who had taken refuge here, chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender. Outside the monastery, their skulls are displayed in glass cabinets as a haunting monument to their bravery.
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Biara Arkadi
The Orthodox Church played an important role in liberating Greece from Turkish occupation. Set amid the rural foothills of Psiloritis (Mount Idi), 23 kilometers southeast of Rethymnon, this fortress-like 16th-century monastery is surrounded by high stone walls. Today, it's a wonderfully peaceful place, with a delightful Baroque church and a rose garden, but it has not always been so.
In 1866, the monastery became the central meeting place for Cretan revolutionaries, with the Abbot as chairman. During an uprising against the Turks, some 900 locals (mainly women and children), who had taken refuge here, chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender. Outside the monastery, their skulls are displayed in glass cabinets as a haunting monument to their bravery.
About Healthcare
Closest Pharmacy to Roustika (two routes, 9.1 or 7.4 kilometers away, both routes 13 minutes drive).
If you are on the go, search for the closest pharmacy to your current position through application maps, there is a plethora of such shops in the Prefecture of Rethymno.
Pharmacies are open during shopping hours, but every time of the day or night there is always one open (they arrange shifts that are always displayed on a spot on each pharmacy shop). You can always check online which one is open (https://www.vrisko.gr/en/pharmacy-duties/rethymnon/). After midnight, an open pharmacy might assist you only if it is an emergency.
ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΙΟ ΒΑΡΔΙΑΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ
Closest Pharmacy to Roustika (two routes, 9.1 or 7.4 kilometers away, both routes 13 minutes drive).
If you are on the go, search for the closest pharmacy to your current position through application maps, there is a plethora of such shops in the Prefecture of Rethymno.
Pharmacies are open during shopping hours, but every time of the day or night there is always one open (they arrange shifts that are always displayed on a spot on each pharmacy shop). You can always check online which one is open (https://www.vrisko.gr/en/pharmacy-duties/rethymnon/). After midnight, an open pharmacy might assist you only if it is an emergency.
Second closest Pharmacy to Roustika (8.1 kilometers away from accommodation, 17 minutes drive).
If you are on the go, search for the closest pharmacy to your current position through application maps, there is a plethora of such shops in the Prefecture of Rethymno.
Pharmacies are open during shopping hours, but every time of the day or night there is always one open (they arrange shifts that are always displayed on a spot on each pharmacy shop). You can always check online which one is open (https://www.vrisko.gr/en/pharmacy-duties/rethymnon/). After midnight, an open pharmacy might assist you only if it is an emergency.
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Pharmacy
Eparchiaki Odos Episkopis-Chora SfakionSecond closest Pharmacy to Roustika (8.1 kilometers away from accommodation, 17 minutes drive).
If you are on the go, search for the closest pharmacy to your current position through application maps, there is a plethora of such shops in the Prefecture of Rethymno.
Pharmacies are open during shopping hours, but every time of the day or night there is always one open (they arrange shifts that are always displayed on a spot on each pharmacy shop). You can always check online which one is open (https://www.vrisko.gr/en/pharmacy-duties/rethymnon/). After midnight, an open pharmacy might assist you only if it is an emergency.
The closest Hospital to Roustika (20 km away from accommodation, 33 minutes drive).
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General Hospital of Rethymno
19-21 TrantalidouThe closest Hospital to Roustika (20 km away from accommodation, 33 minutes drive).
Closest beaches
Organized beach with a very large coastline, with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and shops and various facilities. You will enjoy it when there is no strong wind, so consult weather applications for your visit. It is about 13 km from Roustika (20 minutes drive).
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Episkopi Beach
Organized beach with a very large coastline, with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and shops and various facilities. You will enjoy it when there is no strong wind, so consult weather applications for your visit. It is about 13 km from Roustika (20 minutes drive).
The beach is located south of the village, at a distance of about 19 km from Roustika (30 minutes drive). It is a sandy beach with a coastline of about 2 km, and it is located in the village of the same name. There are many options for food or drink. Usually the sea is slightly wavy.
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Plakias Beach
Ethnarchou Eleftheriou VenizelouThe beach is located south of the village, at a distance of about 19 km from Roustika (30 minutes drive). It is a sandy beach with a coastline of about 2 km, and it is located in the village of the same name. There are many options for food or drink. Usually the sea is slightly wavy.
Quiet beach with umbrellas, showers and seafood taverns, surrounded by an area with rare Cretan "date palm" trees. It is aproximately 19 km away from Roustika (35 minutes drive).
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Souda Beach
Quiet beach with umbrellas, showers and seafood taverns, surrounded by an area with rare Cretan "date palm" trees. It is aproximately 19 km away from Roustika (35 minutes drive).
Some of Crete's most beautiful beaches are on the remote south coast looking out on the Libyan Sea. Hidden away below Preveli Monastery, which is 36 kilometers south of Rethymnon, this fine pebble beach lies at the mouth of a river and is backed by a lush palm grove. Visiting this beach is one of the top things to do in the area. There is nothing here, so come prepared with your own lunch and umbrella.
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Pantai Preveli
Some of Crete's most beautiful beaches are on the remote south coast looking out on the Libyan Sea. Hidden away below Preveli Monastery, which is 36 kilometers south of Rethymnon, this fine pebble beach lies at the mouth of a river and is backed by a lush palm grove. Visiting this beach is one of the top things to do in the area. There is nothing here, so come prepared with your own lunch and umbrella.