Asomaton Monastery
This historic monastery is located in the Amari valley and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. Its architecture and rural setting invite a peaceful visit.
Europe / Greece · TRAVEL GUIDE
AmariCrete, Regional unit of Rethymno · Greece
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
C messier · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
In the heart of inland Crete, Amari is a green and quiet valley where traditional villages, gorges, and monasteries create a landscape rich in history. It is an ideal destination for exploring the island’s rural life at a relaxed pace, alternating nature walks with cultural visits.
5 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL AMARI
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
Patsos Gorge
A route among rocky walls, vegetation, and small streams, perfect for discovering the region’s wilder side. The gorge is a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Agios Antonios Cave
Located in Patsos Gorge, this cave is associated with the cult of Saint Anthony and houses a small sanctuary. Its natural setting and intimate atmosphere make it a memorable stop.
Syvritos Archaeological Site
Near the village of Thronos are the remains of ancient Syvritos, an important center in ancient Crete. The visit offers a glimpse into the long history of this valley.
Potamon Dam
The dam has created a vast artificial lake framed by the inland hills. It is a beautiful panoramic spot and a pleasant stop during a road trip through the region.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A day trip through Byzantine villages and rural landscapes at the foot of Mount Ida.
- 1Potami Lake and Dam
- 2Moni Asomaton Monastery
- 3Thronos Village
- 4Meronas Village
Three days discovering Minoan archaeological sites, spectacular gorges, and the authentic hospitality of Cretan villages.
- 1Patsos Gorge (Agios Antonios)
- 2Potamon Dam
- 3Monastiraki Archaeological Site
- 4Moni Asomaton Monastery
- 5Ancient Syvritos in Thronos
- 6Meronas Village
- 7Gerakari and its cherry orchards
- 8Fourfouras Village
A full week to experience the slow pace of the inland, among mythic peaks and hidden treasures of Rethymno.
- 1Rethymno Town
- 2Potami Lake
- 3Patsos Gorge
- 4Monastiraki Archaeological Site
- 5Moni Asomaton Monastery
- 6Early Christian Basilica of Vizari
- 7Thronos Village
- 8Meronas Village
- 9Vistagi Village
- 10Fourfouras and the trails of Mount Psiloritis
- 11Trek to the summit of Mount Ida (Timios Stavros)
- 12Gerakari Village
- 13Platania Village
- 14Platania Gorge and the Cave of Pan
- 15Amari Village (Historic Village)
- 16Agia Galini (Southern Coast)
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
How to get around
To explore the Amari valley, a car is the most convenient option: it allows you to reach the villages and stop at scenic viewpoints. The roads are often winding and narrow, so it’s best to drive carefully and allow more time than you might expect. Bus connections can be limited, especially between the smaller villages: check schedules and frequency before setting off. Refuel in the larger towns, as you may not find open services along the way.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting Amari, with temperatures generally suitable for walks and hikes. In summer, the heat can be intense, especially during the middle of the day, while winter is quieter but can bring rain and chilly days at higher elevations. In any season, check the forecast if you plan to walk.
Where to Eat
In the villages of the valley, look for family-run tavernas where you can sample Cretan dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Specialties worth trying include dakos, local cheeses, vegetables, olive oil, and meat dishes, often lamb. Outside the larger towns, places may have shorter hours or be closed on certain days, so it’s a good idea to check ahead.
Quick tips
- 01Bring comfortable shoes with good grip: even village visits can involve uphill walks and uneven paving.
- 02Keep water and sunscreen with you, especially if you’re hiking or traveling in summer.
- 03Don’t rely solely on your GPS: download offline maps, and keep in mind that coverage can be patchy on mountain roads.
- 04In smaller villages, carry some cash and ask permission before photographing people or private places.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Amari
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 2 distinct hotels, 5 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 2 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
Windy Place
Fourfouras Amariou, Fourfourás
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$55
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
Windy Place
Fourfouras Amariou, Fourfourás
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$55
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Orne Magical Retreat
Ορνέ Ρεθύμνου, Orné
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$91
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Alexander Mountain Resort
Gerakari, Yerakárion
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Aravanes
Thronos Amariou, Thrónos
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Pegasus Resort
Agia Paraskevi Traditional Village, Agia Paraskevi
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Vrachos Villas
Agia Paraskevi, Agia Paraskevi
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Elia Meronas
Meronas, Méronas
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Tulip House
Γερακαρι Αμαρι Ρεθυμνης, Yerakárion
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Meronas Eco House
Méronas, Amariou, Méronas
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Aposeti Villas
Petrochori, Amari, Petrochori
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
Not available for these dates
Your next story starts here.