⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗

Georgioupoli is a popular seaside resort located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon. It is a small coastal town, situated in a lush valley full with rivers and springs. Locals, apart from tourism, deal with beekeeping and agriculture. The river Almiros crosses the town. Before the town, there is the Almiros marsh, where very important animal species are sheltered. One landmark of the village is the road and the square with the numerous eucalyptus and cypress trees. The square is full of restaurants, cafes and tourist shops. At the exit of Almyros, you will meet the picturesque harbor of the area. But the town's highlight is the picturesque chapel of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), that is built on the end of the small pier. The church from far looks like floating on the sea surface.

The area of Georgioupolis is inhabited at least since the Minoan times. A Minoan tomb has been found on the hill Kastelos. Georgioupolis is located in the site of ancient Amfimalla, which was the port city of Lappa (currently Argiroupoli). Indeed, several devotional findings have been excavated.

During the Byzantine period, Saint John Xenos founded the Monastery of Saint George in Dramia. During the Venetian Era, this fertile region was very important for the invaders, who built a fort. It was later destroyed by the Turks, who built a new one by using the materials of the old one. Unfortunately, the fort is now damaged.

During the 19th century a big part of the marshland area was dried, in order to save space for new cultivations. Many new residents were then attracted. This created a fairly large settlement, which was named Almyroupoli (i.e. Almiros town), named after the local river. However, the name changed very soon to Georgioupolis, in honor of Prince George, who gave assistance to locals for the of Crete with Greece.

Marble head of Apollo 1st cent BC - Amphimalla

Almiros Wetland at Georgioupolis

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The lake and the river Almyros in the area of Georgioupolis form one of the most important wetlands of western Crete. In the lake, we find many aquatic birds and aquatic plants like reeds, myrtles, and oleanders. The lake is natural and is watered by the water of the White Mountains. The bank has been formed in order to assist in the operation of a small 300kW hydroelectric power station.

River Perastikos

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Perastikos has a large quantity of water although it is formed very close to the shore. Along its short, 50m-long course, it forms a very important wetland that hosts several bird species. Near its source, there is a bridge connecting both sides of the beach.

Church of Saint George at Kournas

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The church of Saint George at Kournas is one of the most important surviving Byzantine Monuments of Crete. It is built in a prominent position with panoramic views of the sea and probably operated as a monastery, and there are some traces of monk cells.

Church of Agia Paraskevi at Dramia

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The chapel of Agia Paraskevi is accessed via the road leading to Episkopi, Rethymno, from Dramia village, Apokoronas. It is a very small cavernous rock built at the west bank of Mouselas river, that starts from Argiroupoli springs. It is a weird chapel, with irregular sides, with a unique shape in Crete.

Church of Saint Nicholas at Maza

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The church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) Maziotis is located in the village of Maza, province of Apokoronas. It is a small single naved arch-roofed temple dating back to the 13th century. Its interior has impressive frescoes by the famous hagiographer of western Crete, Ioannis Pagomenos, who is believed to be buried on the floor of the temple.

River Mouselas

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The river Mouselas flows through the valleys that form east of the White Mountains and flow into the western boundary of the large beach of Episkopi, in the large bay of Almyros that has the most rivers in Crete. It is the natural border of the prefectures of Chania and Rethymno.

Georgioupolis

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