Spili - West Crete

Spili is located 30 km south of the port city of Rethymnon, 89 km from Chania, 108 km southwest of the capital Heraklion and 23 km north of the south coast town of Plakias. The village with 800 habitants is a hub and a stop-over station for visitors who want to go to the south of Crete. Everyone who wants to visit the Preveli Palm Gorge pass this charming mountain village. Spili also has a religious meaning for the locals as the bishop's seat of the southwest coast is at the western end of the village. The building with the church of Agios Pavlos and Agios Petros decorates the small town. Located on the edge of the Kedros Mountains, there is never a lack of water. The region is green and abundant in water.

The Venetian village fountain from the 16th century with the 25 lion heads from which the clean drinking water always flows is the landmark of Spili. Here you can make yourself comfortable in one of the village taverns or cafes under the old plane trees and enjoy the ambience of the village with a cappuccino. I recommend to combine this tour with a swim in the south coast village of Plakias. The most beautiful beach near Plakias is Souda Bay or Damnoni Bay. If you have more time available, I recommend the boat tour to the Preveli palm canyon in Plakias. Small boats go from the coastal village Plakias to the mouth of the gorge every hour. There you can hike up the palm gorge to the Preveli monastery or simply enjoy this beautiful beach.