Best things to do in Gallos in 2024: Activities and Attractions
Gallos is an inland village in the Rethymno region of Crete, about 3.5 km southwest of Rethymno city. Gallos sits back from the shore, so the nearest sea is at Koumbes, 2 km away, the only beach on the western side of Rethymno. The ravine that carries the village name starts southeast of the houses and drains north to that coast. Tavernas, bakeries and grill houses stand within 2 km, most of them on the road towards the city.
Chania (CHQ) is the closest airport, reached on the coastal highway that links Chania with Rethymno. Gallos works as a base beside the city rather than as a beach resort, with the old town, the town beach and two gorges all within about 7 km.
Things to do in and around Gallos
Six outings sit within about 5 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
- Walk the Gallos gorge. The ravine, also called the Galliano canyon, begins southeast of the village and ends at Rethymno town, carrying water from the Armeni region down to Koumbes beach over 5.5 km. The old Saounatsides watermill stands near the entrance, with a ruined chapel beside it and a path a few metres south to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony. Shepherds have strung wires across the streambed in places, which makes walking the full gorge route awkward.
- Visit the Atsipopoulo folklore centre. The Culture and Folklore Center Atsipopoulo is 1.6 km from Gallos, close enough to reach on foot.
- Swim at Koumbes. The beach lies 2 km away and looks east to the Fortezza a few hundred metres along the shore. The municipality has added walkways and similar works here, so Koumbes carries the usual visitor facilities, including a lifeguard service.
- Spend a day in Rethymno. The city centre is about 3.5 km away and is the most completely preserved Renaissance city on Crete, with the Loggia, the Neratze Mosque and the church of Agios Frangiskos inside the old streets. Banks and shops sit in the same quarter, which makes Rethymno the practical stop as well as the sightseeing one.
- Snorkel at Kamari. The beach is 4.3 km away near Gerani village, at the mouth of the Vederi Gorge, and its pebbles and rock patches suit snorkelling. The sealed entrance of the Gerani cave lies a short distance south of Kamari, with a small harbour and the church of Panagia Kamariani nearby.
- Hike the Mili Gorge. The signed trail runs 2.5 km between Chromonastiri and Xero Chorio, 4.9 km from Gallos, and takes about 2.5 hours at a difficulty of 1 out of 10. A year-round stream runs through Mili Gorge, past an abandoned mill village, spring-fed pools and small rock-cut churches.
About the village and its setting
Gallos is a small settlement at the inland edge of Rethymno, and the villages around it show how far the city has spread. Pervolia, Misiria and Platanias began as separate settlements and have since been taken into Rethymno’s urban district as housing filled the gaps. Gallos keeps its own name, its own gorge and a scale small enough that its nearest taverna stands 100 m from the centre.
The country changes quickly beyond that built-up edge. Agios Konstantinos, 9.5 km away, stands on a wide plateau at 250 m among olive trees, vineyards, carobs and cypresses, and takes its name from a church built in 1315. Preserved buildings in Agios Konstantinos still show the Venetian presence, and another ravine, Prasses Gorge, cuts the hills 7.8 km from Gallos.
Beaches in and around Gallos
Gallos has no beach of its own, but 4 lie within 6 km of the village, and they differ in size and in how busy they get.
- Koumbes sits 2 km away, the only beach on the western side of Rethymno, with sand and fine pebbles and a view of the Fortezza. The name comes from the Turkish word kubbe, meaning dome.
- Rethymno beach lies 3.9 km away, the organised town beach, golden sand and shallow clear water beside the Venetian port, 500 m east of the old town. Entry is free and you pay only for a sunbed and umbrella.
- Kamari is 4.3 km away, compact, with pebbles and rock in places and a few umbrellas, taverns and rooms. It takes the northerly wind head-on.
- Pervolia stands 5.8 km away, a long sandy beach in front of the suburbs, part of the 13 km run of coast between Rethymno harbour and Skaleta. Loggerhead turtles nest along it.
Where to eat in Gallos
Eating near Gallos means one taverna in the village and a cluster of grill houses, bakeries and restaurants about 2 km out towards Rethymno.
- Taverna of Christos is the closest place to eat, 100 m from the centre.
- Bikakis Bakery-Cafe-Street Food does bakery and street food 1.5 km out.
- Subulus Grill House serves grilled dishes 1.7 km out.
- Oil & Oregano sits 1.7 km from the village.
- Prima Plora Organic Restaurant & Wine Bar pairs organic cooking with wine, 1.9 km out.
Getting to Gallos
Reach Gallos from Rethymno, about 3.5 km away, which carries the roads into this corner of the region. The coastal highway between Chania and Rethymno runs along the shore to the west, so drivers from Chania airport leave it near the city and turn inland for the village.
A car helps here, because the gorges and the quieter beaches sit 4 km to 8 km out. Koumbes at 2 km and the folklore centre at Atsipopoulo at 1.6 km are both close enough to walk or cycle to.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gallos in Crete?
Gallos lies about 3.5 km southwest of Rethymno city, inland from the north coast in the Rethymno region. The village stands beside the gorge that shares its name, which drains north to the sea at Koumbes.
Does Gallos have a beach?
Gallos is inland and has no beach of its own, but 4 lie within 6 km. Koumbes, 2 km away, is the nearest, and the organised town beach of Rethymno follows at 3.9 km.
Which airport is closest to Gallos?
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Gallos. The route runs along the coastal highway that links Chania with Rethymno, then turns inland at the city.
Can you walk a gorge from Gallos?
Yes, the Gallos gorge starts southeast of the village and ends at Rethymno town. It runs 5.5 km, passes the Saounatsides watermill and the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony, and carries wires across the streambed where shepherds keep their flocks.
Is Gallos a good base without a car?
Gallos works without a car for the city and the nearest beach. Rethymno is about 3.5 km away and Koumbes 2 km, while the Prasses gorge and the beaches near Gerani sit 4 km to 8 km out.
Where Gallos is
Best things to do in Gallos in 2024 is located at Gállos. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
