Ancient Eleftherna an excursion that you can't miss!

In Ancient Eleftherna building and other findings indicate the existence of civilization since ancient times. Civilizations like the ones during Early and Late Minoan Era have left important findings and buildings. Pottery items, paved Roman roads and structures have also been found. There is also a Byzantine church in the region.

Ancient Eleftherna is located south-east of Rethymno. It occupies a wide area that mainly includes two ridges, called Pyrgi and Nissi. Three streams flow around the foot of the hills and join to the north of them.

At a well protected location in a unique natural environment, suitable for grazing, felling trees and cultivation, and having potable water springs it is obvious why it was said to be a unique area to be populated until the middle of 8th century B.C., when the island was conquered by the Arabs. After their liberation with the help of Nikiforos Fokas, in 961 B.C., locals returned to the region, but this time they settled not far from the area they lived during ancient times, at the saddle of the hill. This settlement finally evolved to Eleftherna village in modern times.

Eleftherna is since 30 years among the designated areas of "outstanding natural beauty".