Skepasti beach
The beach of Skepasti is located about 27km east of Rethymnon and 2km east of the homonym village Skepasti, in the province of Milopotamos. The beach is accessed through a passable dirt road that begins from the village.
Skepasti beach is formed in the hug of a small bay, open to the north winds, with pebbles and deep waters. It is totally unorganized and too far from the nearest hotels and restaurants. If you ever come here, you should have all essentials with you. The surrounding area is characterized by rough Cretan landscapes and high rocky mountains.
A good idea is to combine swimming in the beach, with a visit to the small traditional village of Skepasti. The village takes its name from the Byzantine church of Panagia Skepasti. There is legend about the Church worth mentioning.
The myth of Skepasti Church
Once, pirates landed in the area and captured many girls, which were later sold as slaves to a Turk from Izmir. Among them was the wife of the priest of Skepasti. The priest traveled to Izmir to find his wife, but could not find her and started begging for his living. One day, the poor beggar accidentally knocked the door of the Turk. Then, his wife recognized him but didn’t speak to him. Instead, she took a bread and filled it with gold coins and a note saying “Go back to Skepasti and build a church on my behalf”.
Indeed the poor priest took the bread, and later realized that his wife was living there. He tried to see her again, but with no success. Thus, he decided to return to his home place, where he built the church. There is still an inscription on one wall, that tells this story (in Greek)
Continuing our story, one day the wife was sighing and the Turk asked her what was wrong. She replied “today is the fest of Holy Cross and tomorrow is the fest of St Nikitas. Our village used to celebrate that”. The Turk responded “if the Holy Cross and St Nikitas are miraculous, then you will find yourself at home with whatever you hold”. The wife, who held a golden basin and was preparing to wash him, suddenly disappeared and returned to the village. It is believed that the story is partially true, but the Turkish just released her.
Photos
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