Santa Marina is located at Polyrizos, a small settlement on the Southern Coast of Rethymnon, just a few kilometers from Rodakino Village where it belongs. Lose yourselves in the vast olive yards that cover the slope from side to side like a beautiful dress. Take in as much sun as you possibly can and seize the chance to swim into the crystal clear Southern Sea in one of the numerous beaches extended along the coast. Indulge in the authentic Mediterranean cuisine in one of the taverns located in and around Polyrizos and don’t forget to make a stop at one of the cute little shops with traditional Cretan products to take a piece of Crete with you.

But, the journey does not end here. 30 kilometers west of Santa Marina stands the famous 16 kilometers long Samaria Gorge, probably the longest gorge in Europe, after Verdon Gorge in France. The gorge which belongs to the county of Chania extends from Omalos to the beautiful little beach of Agia Roumeli. It is not exactly an easy hike; however, it is a wonderful challenge for those who can take a little adventure.

A bit closer but still in Chania, lies the historic Frangokastello, featuring the Castle of Drosoulites. Actually, it is a blockhouse built during the Venice Domination between 1371 and 1374, to protect the Italians from attacks by the rebels of Sfakia. Local legends speak of hordes of marching warriors heaving in sight like shadows every year at the Frangokastello Battle anniversary. In fact the warrior shadows are only visible in the morning when there is dew (= drosoula = Drosoulites). Is this what the Castle was named after? But, apart from a historic monument, Frangokastello features one of the best beaches of Southern Crete, one shouldn’t miss out.

Frangokastello is located right next to Sfakia, probably the most famous village in Crete. And not unjustifiably, since it is one of the very few regions of Greece that was never conquered during the Turkish or the Venice Domination. Even today, Sfakia remains the most authentic village all over Crete. Here, you will savor the famous Pie of Sfakia with home-made pastry and traditional mizithra cheese.

Of course, one could not leave out Preveli, located to the east of Polyrizos at the end of Kourtaliotis Gorge. The homonymous Abbey of Preveli played a leading part in all liberating battles against Cretan conquerors. At the same time, Preveli accommodates one of the best beaches in Rethymno County, as well as a rare natural palm groove. Unfortunately, the fire that hit the area in 2009 burned part of it, still, recent studies have shown that there is still life inside the burnt palm trees.

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