Fodele village: Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Fodele is a picturesque village that is well-known for its traditional heritage and is the birthplace of the renowned artist, El Greco. The village is a hub of pottery and weaving workshops, where visitors can witness the skilled artisans at work. In addition to this, Fodele has a small beach with several taverns and a large hotel resort, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a relaxing getaway. The village is also famous for its high-quality orange production, which is a significant source of income for the locals. Visitors can indulge in the delicious oranges and even take some home as a souvenir. Fodele is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the authentic Cretan culture and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious oranges, Fodele is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a unique and authentic experience.

Things to do in Fodele

The things to do in Fodele are the village workshops and tavernas, the beach down the river valley, and two gorges and a monastery in the hills either side. Fodele sits among orange groves a few kilometres inland from the north coast, so all six below are within a short drive of the square.

1. Eat in the village. The nearest taverna, Litino’s Tavern, stands 400 m from the centre, and Take Away Coffee Giolas is 100 m away.
2. Swim at Fodele beach. The sand lies 3 km north of the village at the mouth of the Pantomantris, or Fodelianos, river, with Cape Stavros to the east and Kastellos hill to the west. The western section is kept in order with sun umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and water sports, and the remains of the old Kastelos fort sit on the hill above. The beach faces north and takes the north winds head on.
3. Walk up the Santorinios gorge. The gorge begins near the Agios Panteleimonas monastery at Fodele and carries water from Marathos and the western slopes of Platani down into the Fodelianos river. It is short, but thick vegetation and standing ponds keep it little walked, and the easiest line follows the riverbed, so bring a change of footwear. Its name comes from soil that resembles the soil of Santorini, once shipped to Crete for building work.
4. Drive up to Marathos. The village stands 7 km from Fodele at 400 m above sea level, on the Old National Road between Heraklion and Rethymno, and was first recorded in 1577. Around 400 people live there, and Art Hall Marathos and the Omonia cafe are both in the village.
5. Visit the Savvathiana monastery. The monastery lies 4.5 km from Fodele, near the village of Rogdia.
6. Hike the Spiliotissa gorge. The gorge runs west of Rogdia and starts at the old Koukos watermill on the road to Achlada. A steep descent with ropes reaches the 10 m Rechtra waterfall, the cave chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa stands further down, and the walk ends at Paliokastro beach.