Spili is a small town situated south of Rethimnon on the route Rethymnon - Spili - Agia Galini. It is situated at al altitude of 450 meters above sea level, so it normally cools down a bit more in the evenings, which can be a blessing during the hot summer months. The name Spili comes from the Greek word for cave (spilia) and the village is set between two cliff faces at the foot of Mount Kedros. Spili is a pleasant and lively small town and a perfect place to make a stop when you are heading down south.

You can walk on the old cobbled streets and take a look in the tourist shops (from all sorts of souvenirs to products like natural herbs etcetera). At the entrance of the village a new monastery has been built, but in a tasteful way. A little bit further, more towards the center of the town, there is a large parking where you can leave your car for a while if you want to do some exploring here.

If besides monasteries and beaches you'd also like to see a pretty and cosy village than Spili (on the road from Agia Galini in the south to Rethymnon, which is 28km in distance) should be on your list. In Spili there is an abundance of water, so Spili is very green. There is a Venetian 'Kefalovrissi' fountain with 19 lion heads and 6 other fountains, that brings crystal clear, drinking water from the Psiloritis mountain. There are many shops with local products here (herbs, tea, nature products), as well as cafes and restaurants. In the streets you find many flowers and old churches. Spili has around 800 inhabitants, so it's fairly big for a Cretan village.

Regularly an excursion bus will make a stop here and the people are unloaded. For a while Spili will be a bit busier. The town lies on a major route from the north to the south of Crete, and so there are also several regular buses a day that make a stop here. The area around Spili is popular with walkers and cyclists because it is quite flat and very beautiful.

At our first visit we just had a cappuccino here but it was tip top. They had Illy coffee and the cappuccino was made with hot milk. It was strong and good and it came with cookies and a glass of cold water. The price was good as well. In the following years we have returned several times, usually only for a cappuccino, but sometimes for a snack. The chicken sandwich, cheese, tomato, bacon is a must: warm, tasty, great and very cheap. The service is very friendly (a lady) and the toilets are clean, with a soap dispenser and automatic paper roll.

Our verdict: very good, a 9 out of 10

Located in the village of Spili in Crete, Heracles Hotel offers apartments with a balcony overlooking the mountain and garden. Bars and restaurants are 50 metres away. The property offers free Wi-Fi and parking on site. Each air-conditioned room includes a TV with cable and satellite channels. The bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries. Heracles Hotel is 25 km from the town of Rethymno. Chania International Airport is 80 km away.

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Aoritis Villas are set within olive trees, vineyards and cypresses, a short distance from south Crete's coasts. An outdoor pool is featured next to the large stone terrace. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available. Each villa boasts a living room with fireplace, and monastic-style dining table. Fitted with local stone and traditional tiles, they feature handmade carpets, comfortable couches and antiques. Paintings adorn the stone walls. Guests can create their own dishes with traditional Cretan recipes, available at their disposal. Dining tables are featured in the courtyard. There is also a barbeque. The village of Spili is at a distance of 2 km and offers Cretan restaurants and taverns. The Aoritis Villas is 15 km from Rethymno and 10 km from Plakias Beach and its water sport facilities. The area is ideal for trekking and cycling at the famous Kourtaliotis ravine. Car hire or transfers to the port and airport can be arranged.

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