Sand, Sea and
Ancient Sites
Welcome to Agia Galini
Compared to the north coast of Crete, the south of the island has never been developed as a mass tourism destination. That is why the region has kept many of its traditional charms, especially in the villages. One such village is home to Villa Ninemia: Agia Galini, nestled at the feet of the surrounding mountainscape and around a cute harbour, where fishing boats gently sway in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea.
Agia Galini is one hour and fifteen minutes away from Heraklion Airport, and just under two hours from the airport of Chania. As so often in life, the best things require some effort to reach – but we promise you, the trip down here is well worth it.
In Greek, Agia (female) and Agios (male) means Saint. So Agia Galini may refer to a relatively unknown female Saint by the name of Galini, who died as a martyr in Corinth in the 3rd century. However, as is the case with many of the surrounding villages, there are plenty of other explanations for the name, most of them referring to the Greek word Galini, meaning “serenity” or “peace”.
Archaeological finds in the area date back to Minoan times. Ancient remains of a temple to Artemis were found here and in the facades of houses at the nearby mountain village of Melambes. Over the course of its history, the coast was raided by pirates and other invaders, until, in 1884, villagers from Malambes and Saktouria established a permanent settlement at Agia Galini to use the port for trading their produce.
In the 1970s, tourists discovered the village. Agia Galini slowly developed into one of the popular tourist destinations on the South coast of the Rethymno regional unit. Apart from the legendary hospitality of its people, Agia Galini’s main attractions are the village beach, the local tavernas in the picturesque alleys of the village and along the harbour front, as well as the mesmerizing landscape of its hinterland.
Whether you come here for a relaxing seaside holiday, to explore the mountains and gorges on exciting hikes, to combine business with pleasure on a workation, or to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine on a foodie trip – Agia Galini has you covered. Many a visitor came here with the intention to just visit once, only to come back again, again, and again…
For all these adventures, you will find the perfect base in Villa Ninemia. The region is our home, and we can’t wait to welcome you here.