Simply Travel Summer Holiday to Crete from £249

Greece - Crete - Agia Triada

Situated in the northern part of the island, about 40 miles south east of Chania, the small village of Agia Triada, lying at the foot of Mt. Psiloritis appeals to nature lovers, amateur archaeologists - and those just looking for solitude.

This part of Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, olive groves, vineyards and ancient ruins. The several spectacular gorges throughout the area also attract walkers and climbers, and the whole area is also a good place to visit to spot birds or wildlife.

Agia Triada offers a small town feel along with the basics for a relaxing stay – the pretty village has a church containing some beautiful frescoes; and several tavernas. If you crave nightlife, the larger town of Rethymnon is a short distance away; for beach lovers the sandy beach at Adele is just two miles away.

Agia Triada also boasts several important historical sites, including the monastery at Arkadi and the ruins at Phaistos and Eleftherna. But the region’s biggest attraction is the remains of the Royal Villa Minoan palace – known by the same name, Agia Triada - which adjoins the village.

The site at Agia Triada was first settled during Neolithic times and the remains of the palace date back to around 1600 BC. The site was first excavated in 1902 and is believed to be the summer residence of the King of Phaistos, although other theories abound as to its existence.  

Many items from the site are today on display in the archaeological museum in Heraklion, but at Agia you can still explore several of the king’s rooms, the servants’ quarters and some fascinating frescoes, as well as the remains of the necropolis.

Agia Triada is not the place to go to if you are looking for a lively resort. But this delightful village offers a pleasant change from the more popular coastal resorts, as well as a chance to experience some of the island’s most spectacular scenery.