Activities
- Agia Galini before the advent of tourism was a port of the ancient settlement of Sybritos. Now it is a convenient base to visit Phaestos, Agia Triada, and Gortys around 25 km away. Then you could follow an impressive mountain route, which starts from Apessokari and gives you a taste of the Asterousia wilderness and the sandy beaches behind the mountains.
- Another obvious thing to do in Agia Galini relaxes and enjoys swimming especially at this quiet beautiful corner where Romantika Apartments located.
- During summer there are daily boats from the harbor to the beaches of Agios Georgios, Ayios Pavlos, Agiofaraggo, and Preveli (Palm Beach) as well as the Paximadia Islands 12km offshore, which have wonderful fine sand beaches but little shade, making a sun umbrella a must.
- Don't miss the dolphin-watching excursions which are organized in the area, as dolphins are plentiful here. Ask for details at one of the tourist agencies or the harbor. The days and times change depending on the season.
- For the most romantic ones go down to the jetty to see the sunset and the cave of Agia Galini, just outside the harbor. You can visit the cave with its wild doves by a small boat from the harbour.
- According to mythology, the rock that was used by Icarus and Daedalus to escape from King Minos and fly to freedom is located in the port of Agia Galini. At this point, there is a monument with their statues and the view is excellent.
- History - Agia Galini: The current village of Agia Galini is built on the ancient Minoan city Sulia which was one of the hundred cities of Crete described by Homer. There was a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and it was a place of worship. The history of Soulia continued until the 7th century when it was destroyed by pirates. Remnants of this city and temple have been found, such as buildings, tombs, marbles, and two granite columns that adorn today the village's church. The bay of Agia Galini was a suitable anchorage for ships and used in the revolutions of 1821 and 1866 for unloading munitions. Later because it was the nearest port to the fertile and oil-producing region of Ampadia and Melampes, the port was used for loading oil to ships, but the village was still uninhabited. The settlement was founded in 1884, commercial buildings, oil warehouses, and some residences were built. Over the years the commercial traffic and export of oil increased significantly and therefore Customs was founded. After a few years ( 1890 ) there was a permanent settlement of about 20 people. The name of Agia Galini, according to tradition, is due to the Empress Eudocia of Byzantium (or Athinais daughter Athenian philosopher Leontius ), on the journey of exile to Africa the ship faced a big storm not far from the ancient city of Soulia. Asking for the help of Mary, the Empress Eudocia suggested the crew approach the shore and made a vow that she would build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if they could find shelter. Indeed the ship moored safely to the naturally sheltered beach of the village, and the Empress began to build the temple. The temple was named "Holy Virgin of serenity" (γαλήνη means serenity) and after years became Agia Galini(Saint Serenity). This Byzantine church of Panagia(Holy Virgin) -which is of rare architecture- is still used as the cemetery's church.
- In Agia Galini is located the cave that Daedalus used to hide (according to the known myth), Daedalus was persecuted by King Minos, so he hid with his son Icarus until he concocted wings by attaching feathers on their arms with wax, and they used these wings to fly to freedom. The rock they used as the base for their flight, is on the right side of the harbor, gazing at the sea as if it still salutes them to their fatal journey. At this location there are currently two statues of Daedalus and Icarus, as they prepare for their flight, an amphitheater has been built and is dedicated to this legend, the site is easily accessible to the visitor.
- Visit Zaros Village a particularly attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Crete.
- Discover another side of Crete, visit Kapetaniana Village, and enjoy Cretan delicacies at the tavern of Thalori Traditional Village.
- Find more uplifting activities in the Rethimno area!
House Rules
- Check-in: 14.00 pm
- Check out: 12.00 pm
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy:
Credit card details(Visa or Mastercard) are required to charge the deposit amount to confirm the reservation.
Deposit amount will be charged two weeks before your arrival.
No additional charges will be made to the credit card unless cancellation charges have to be applied.
The Balance amount is to be paid directly to Romantika Apartments at the time of stay.
Credit cards are not accepted by Romantika, you will need to pay the Balance in Cash.
- Cancellation Policy:
Up to 3 weeks before arrival - full refund.
After that period, the deposit is not refundable and 30 of the total amount will be charged if you cancel.
Not arriving at the hotel for your booking: the full balance will be charged (at the hotel's discretion).
Departure before booked departure date: at the hotel's discretion, the full balance may be charged by the hotel.
MHTE: -
How To Get There
Romantika Apartments is set at the east quiet side of Agia Galini's fish village in southern of Heraklion prefecture of Crete.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (75km from the village) and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion (89km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
- By Sea
A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. The new Athens airport makes this a slightly slower process because it is further from the port, but it's worth the extra time for a still-romantic way to travel. And then take the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (80km from the village)or Heraklion Port (85km). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Bus or Car
Buses to Agia Galini terminate at the bus station by the church, in the village proper.
We recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. In addition, if you want to explore the region while you're here, you need to hire a car. We recommend our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices. There's a car park at Romantika Apartments
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our partner website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: American Breakfast is available on request (extra) and is served at the cafe/tavern. Here you could have lunch and dinner (Cretan, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine) enjoying stunning sea views.
- Internet Access: Free WiFi throughout
- Swimming pool: There is not a swimming pool ...but believe us you don't need one.
- Outdoors: Romantika is nestled in lovely gardens with open sea views. You could play either chess on the giant outdoor chessboard or mini-golf at one of the best in Crete
- Bank: There is no bank but there is an ATM at the village
- Disabled Access: Not suitable. The staircases can be steep for some people (see photos) - please discuss with us if this is a consideration
- Pets: Not allowed but maybe welcome by prior arrangement
- Parking: Just outside your apartment or room
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English, German, French
- Good to Know: Karolos Mini Golf with some other special games as well as darts, table tennis and more open from 11 am until 11 pm. has been added to Romantika's facilities.