5 SENSES DESTINATIONS: RETHYMNO PASSION OF THE CRETANS

The Fortezza Castle with its impressive view, the old Venetian harbour with the lighthouse and the old town make up the medieval style of the city. A few kilometres away is the monastery of Arkadi, a symbol of sacrifice, bravery and freedom, located on the slopes of Psiloritis, which was the base and headquarters of the Cretans in their attempt to throw off the Turkish yoke. It is worth visiting the small picturesque villages of the area to experience the authentic Crete, such as the heroic Anogia and the natural beauties of the springs of Argyroupoli, on the way to Chania.

“Koukouvagia”, the Rethymno variant of dakos is served in every restaurant and tavern in the area. The difference is in the lily nut. Of course, there is also oregano from Psiloritis, which gives a special taste. The apaki, slices of smoked pork tenderloin, also dominates the cuisine of Rethymno, and in the villages of Psiloritis it is also common to have the meat braised with rods around the fire. For dessert, choose the well-known lychnarakia with myzithra or delicious Rethymno doughnuts.

On the slopes of Psiloritis also grows the beneficial dittany, which, apart from its other properties, Hippocrates recommended it to women for an easy and painless childbirth. Also, at the high altitude of the multi-songed mountain grows malotira, the tea of Crete with antimicrobial and medicinal properties. Also, the marjoram, known since antiquity to the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Arabs, for whom it was the symbol of happiness. These three herbs grow only in the White Mountains, Psiloritis and the Diktaia Mountains and nowhere else in Greece.

In Rethymno you will find many hotels and rooms from 35 euros, in the city or by the sea at the neighboring beaches of exotic Bali, Agia Galini and the green Preveli, where you can plan your excursions to the surrounding areas while diving in the sea. Cycling through the city, mountaineering and climbing on Psiloritis and. Mix with the locals, especially in the villages at the foothills of Psiloritis to meet authentic Cretans and Cretan hospitality that you will not find anywhere else in the country.

Most of the Lyrarides who made Cretan music known in Greece and abroad were born in the wider region of Rethymnon, with Anogia leading the way. Mountakis, Kalogridis, Skordalos and the later Xylouris, Psarantonis, Skoulas. The late Xylouris, the Archangel of Crete, with his ecstatic voice, captivated us with “Erotokritos”. Psarantonis, brother of Xylouris, has participated in international festivals and collaborated with the well-known Australian rock musician Nick Cave. Combine the traditional Cretan sounds with plenty of feasting, wine and food at the Panagia festivals on 15 August.

INFO
The Cretan lyre “dresses” with its sounds the traditional Cretan songs, the rizitika and the mantinades. It is a three-stringed instrument in the shape of a pear with a bow. There are different versions of how and when it arrived in Crete, the most prevalent being from Constantinople during the Byzantine period. The lyre that is used today, was first manufactured
by Manolis Stagakis from Rethymnon in 1940.