Argyroupolis town: Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Argyroupolis is a spring-fed hill village in the Rethymno region of Crete, built on the grounds of the ancient city of Lappa and known for its waterfalls, old grain mills that now serve trout, and shady tavernas beside running water. Argyroupolis sits at about 260 metres, above the Mouselas river valley, roughly 22 km inland from the north coast. The village pairs a cool, green setting with layered Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history, which makes it a popular half-day trip from the beaches near Rethymno.

What and where is Argyroupolis?

Argyroupolis is a small traditional town in the Rethymno region of Crete, set at about 260 metres above the Mouselas river valley. Argyroupolis keeps much of its heritage architecture, so the lanes still read as an old Cretan settlement rather than a resort. The village lies inland from the north coast, about 22 km from the national road, which puts several beaches within a short drive.Two things draw most visitors here: the natural springs at the foot of the village, and the ancient ruins scattered through and around it. Both sit within walking distance of the village centre, so a single stop can cover water, shade, food, and history.

The Springs of Argyroupoli

The Springs of Argyroupoli are the village’s most visited spot, a set of natural water sources that rise just below the settlement and feed a run of waterfalls and old watermills. The springs originate in a verdant area below the village, starting from the Agia Dynami cave. This water is what keeps the valley green through the Cretan summer, and its coolness is the main reason the springs stay busy on hot days.The flowing water passes a line of old grain mills, several of which now work as tavernas serving traditional food. The setting is shaded and loud with running water, which makes it a comfortable lunch stop even in high summer. The same spring water once supplied the Roman baths of Lappa, so the site has been valued for its water for close to two thousand years.

Ancient Lappa and the history of Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis occupies the grounds of ancient Lappa, an old city whose remains span the Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. Ancient Lappa left traces that are still visible as you walk, so the village doubles as an open-air record of its past. A stroll through the narrow lanes passes vestiges of mosaic floors, Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes, and grand Venetian mansions.Just outside the village stands the necropolis of Lappa, the old burial ground. This necropolis holds Greco-Roman tombs, a monumental plane tree, and the Temple of Pente Parthenes, the Holy Five Virgins. A cave here holds tombs from which holy water flows, and a small church honours the five martyred virgins. Together the springs and the ruins are the core of what makes the village worth a stop, and both feature in the local rundown of things to do in Argyroupolis.

Where to eat: trout, sturgeon, and antikristo lamb?

The village tavernas sit beside the springs, in converted grain mills, and their signature dishes are freshwater trout, sturgeon, and the local antikristo lamb. Trout and sturgeon suit the setting, since the tavernas share the same running water that cools the tables. Antikristo lamb is a Cretan speciality, slow-roasted upright around an open fire.Eating here is as much about the place as the plate. The mills open onto the waterfalls and pools, so the meal comes with shade, sound, and moving water. Portions of Cretan cooking are generous, and the setting suits a long, slow lunch rather than a quick bite.

Gorges and walks near Argyroupolis

Two linked canyons, the Kollita Gorges near Vilandredo, sit about 22 km southwest of Rethymno and make the main hike near Argyroupolis. The name refers to two parallel canyons that end near the village of Kato Poros. Both were part of the water system that once fed the Roman baths of Lappa, so the walk connects directly to the village’s history.The eastern canyon, Moundros Gorge, runs between the Vigla peak at 567 metres to the east and the Nissiani hill to the west, where the abandoned settlement of Nissi still stands. West of it lies the Vilandredo Gorge, often called Kollita Gorge after the village at its entrance. This canyon is the more striking of the two, thick with plane trees and threaded by a path along the riverbed, and its high walls almost meet to form a narrow passage lined with fig and holly trees. A full traverse takes roughly four hours.

Lake Kournas and nearby beaches

Lake Kournas, Crete’s largest natural freshwater lake, sits close to Argyroupolis and works well as a companion stop. The lake suits kayaking or pedalo rides for groups, couples, or families with children. Its surroundings are good for bird watching, and a swim is a refreshing option on a hot day. Lake Kournas also makes a calm alternative when strong north-coast winds leave the sea beaches too wavy, and you can plan a visit through the page for Lake Kournas.The closest sandy stretch is Episkopi beach, 7.3 km away, a 3.5 km beach set 45 km east of Chania and 14 km west of Rethymno. Episkopi is sandy, shallow, and typically wavy, with hotels, taverns, water sports, and lifeguard service along its western section, and quieter spots toward the eastern end. For a fuller description, see the guide to Episkopi beach.At the eastern edge of that same shoreline sits Petres beach, 7.8 km from the village and named after the Petres Gorge that ends there. Petres has accommodations, eateries, and a diving school, and its rocky underwater landscape makes it popular for fishing and snorkelling. Northern winds can make the sea wavy here too, so calm-water days are worth choosing, and more detail is on the page for Petres beach.

Getting there and getting around

Argyroupolis lies inland in the Rethymno region, about 22 km from the national road, with Chania International Airport (CHQ) as the nearest airport at roughly 61 to 67 km by road. Reaching the village is easiest by car, since it sits off the coastal route and above the valley. For orientation, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is about 23 km away and the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna about 47 km.A car gives the most freedom here, because the springs, the gorges, Lake Kournas, and the beaches are spread across the valley and coast. Some local villas can arrange car hire directly, and independent options for the wider region are on the car rental page.

Tips for visiting Argyroupolis

1. Come for lunch at the springs on a hot day, when the shade and running water are most welcome and the mill tavernas are open.
2. Wear proper shoes for the ruins and gorges, since the lanes, the necropolis paths, and the Kollita Gorges are uneven and rocky.
3. Pair the village with Lake Kournas or a nearby beach, which turns a short stop into a full day across water and history.
4. Allow about four hours if you plan to hike the Kollita Gorges, and start early to finish in daylight.
5. Bring water and a swimsuit, because both the lake and the beaches invite a swim once the sightseeing is done.

Where to stay in and around Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis offers a range of places to stay, from traditional stone houses in the village to modern villas with pools on its edges. Many are set among gardens with mountain and sea views, and some can arrange car hire for guests. You can compare current options and availability across the area on the stays page.

Beaches in and around Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis has no beach of its own, so the beaches around it are coastal ones reached by car, and 5 of them lie within 11 km of the village. The Mouselas river valley that the village overlooks reaches the sea at Episkopi, which is the closest sand. Four of the five sit on the coast between Rethymno and Chania, and the fifth lies over the mountains on the far side of the island.

• Episkopi beach lies 7.3 km away and runs 3.5 km long, set in the fertile valley between the Mouselas river and the river that runs out of the Petres gorge. The water is shallow and usually a little wavy. The western section is organized, with a lifeguard, umbrellas and sunbeds, showers, snack bars and water sports, while the eastern end near the Petres bridge stays quiet.
• Kavros beach sits 8.2 km away, 4 km east of Georgioupoli and less commercialized than its neighbour. The sand carries clear, shallow water, and the open aspect means wave activity is common. Restaurants, cafes and bars line the developed part, and other parts are left unorganized.
• Kamari beach is 10.6 km away, near Gerani village at the entrance of the Vederi gorge, 7 km west of Rethymno. It is a compact beach with pebbles and rock in places, which is why snorkellers favour it. A few umbrellas, taverns and rooms serve it, and a small harbour and the church of Panagia Kamariani stand nearby.
• Georgioupolis beaches begin 10.7 km away, at the western edge of a 10 km run of shore. The town’s own stretch covers 2 km eastwards, from the Almiros river to Kavros. The sand is dotted with dunes, the water is shallow, lifeguards are on duty, and umbrellas, showers and food and drink stalls are in place. Sea currents call for care on windy days.
• Souda beach is 10.8 km away across the mountains, 3 km east of the resort of Plakias, and it is not the same place as Souda Bay, the natural harbour of Chania. The sandy beach lies at the mouth of a green valley crossed by the Finikas river, which flows all year and supports Cretan palm trees of Theophrastus.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Argyroupolis located?

Argyroupolis is a small town in the Rethymno region of Crete, Greece. It sits inland from the north coast, above the Mouselas river valley.

How high above sea level is Argyroupolis?

Argyroupolis sits at about 260 metres above sea level. The village is built on the slope above the Mouselas river valley.

How far is Argyroupolis from the national road?

Argyroupolis is about 22 km from the national road. That inland position keeps it cooler and greener than the coast, while still leaving several beaches within a short drive.

What is the average temperature in Argyroupolis?

The average temperature in Argyroupolis ranges from about 15°C to 30°C depending on the season. Summer is the hottest stretch, which is when the shaded, spring-fed village centre is most comfortable.

Which is the nearest airport to Argyroupolis?

The nearest airport is Chania International Airport (CHQ). Property listings in the village put it at roughly 61 to 67 km away by road.

Are there beaches near Argyroupolis?

Yes, several beaches sit within a short drive of Argyroupolis, including Episkopi at 7.3 km and Petres at 7.8 km. The beaches of Georgioupolis and Rethymno are also within easy reach for a day by the sea.

Does Argyroupolis have its own beach?

No, Argyroupolis has no beach of its own, because the village stands about 260 metres up and roughly 22 km inland from the north coast. The nearest sand is Episkopi beach, 7.3 km away, and 5 beaches in all lie within 11 km.

Which beach near Argyroupolis is good for snorkelling?

Kamari beach, 10.6 km from Argyroupolis, is the one snorkellers favour. Pebbles and rock cover parts of it, and it sits near Gerani village at the entrance of the Vederi gorge. Northerly winds reach it often, so a calm day is worth picking.