Anogia in Crete

The mythical village of Anogia in Crete is located about 66 kilometres east of Rethymno and about 48 kilometres west of Heraklion.

Almost all men in Anogia are dressed in black from head to foot, even their big cars are black. Of course, everyone has a moustache, and wears high (black) boots. You get scared just thinking about it, don't you? I'm just kidding, the residents of Anogia are just as friendly as everyone else in Crete. But they are dressed in black. :-)

Anogia is said to be the last village in Crete to become civilized. True or not, I leave unsaid. What is true is that the inhabitants of Anogia are known for their rebellious spirit and their determination to express their Cretan character. Anogia was the base for parts of the resistance movement during the second world war, and the village had to pay dearly for that.

After the German general Kreipe had been kidnapped outside Archanes (just south of Heraklion) in May 1944, the kidnappers (together with the general) hid for a while in Anogia. As reprisal, the Nazis emptied the village (a number of the inhabitants were executed) and laid Anogia in ruins. The villagers returned after the war and rebuilt the village.

Anogia of today is calm and quiet. The village has a tremendously beautiful location at the foot of Mount Psiloritis, also known as Mount Ida. The village is divided into an upper and a lower part. Most of the village life revolves around the square in the lower part.

In and around the square are a number of tavernas and cafes, as well as shops selling hand-woven textiles. Anogia is known throughout Crete for its hand-woven carpets and embroidered textiles. Embroidering black-clad women sits here, there and everywhere. Thanks to the renown, bus loads of tourists comes to Anogia every day.

When it comes to tavernas, there are more than you first think. Almost everyone has grilled lamb as specialty. The largest range is in the lower part of the village. In the square there are several tavernas with large grills where lambs rotates on long spits.

In the square there is also a small museum dedicated to the mythical singer Nikos Xylouris, who died in cancer in 1980 only 55 years old.

Read more about Nikos Xylouris here »

ACCOMMODATION IN ANOGIA

Anogia is worth more than just a short visit. One should stay overnight to be able to get to feel the atmosphere in this particular village. Our favourite is Hotel Aristea.

Book Hotel Aristea »

Book other hotels in Anogia here »

View of Anogia and Mount Psiloritis.

If you stay overnight in Anogia you will also have time to do other things, like driving up to the Nida plateau, and the famous Idaion Cave. Also, don't miss Sendoni Cave located in the village of Zoniana near Anogia.

Learn more about Crete »

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