Gerani is a small traditional village located about 10 kilometres west of Rethymnon, Crete. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and interesting historical sites.

Places of interest and activities you can enjoy when going on a villa holiday to Gerani:

Traditional Village Charm: Gerani is a small, traditional Cretan village. It offers an authentic glimpse into local life, with a slower pace and a friendly atmosphere. You’ll find a few local tavernas and perhaps a mini-market or kafenion.
Rural Setting: The village is surrounded by olive groves and typical Cretan countryside, making it pleasant for gentle strolls or bike rides.

Nearby Places of Interest & Activities (Within 20-30 minutes’ drive):

Rethymno Town (Approx. 10-15 minutes’ drive east): A must-visit city that offers a blend of Venetian and Ottoman history.

Venetian Harbour & Old Town: Explore the charming narrow streets, historic buildings, quaint shops, and bustling waterfront.

Fortezza Castle: A massive 16th-century Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the town and sea.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno: Showcases artifacts from the region’s rich history.

Rimondi Fountain & Venetian Loggia: Notable architectural landmarks.

Rethymno Beach: A long sandy city beach with extensive amenities.

Armeni Village & Minoan Cemetery (Approx. 20-25 minutes drive southeast):

Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni: An extensive archaeological site with numerous rock-cut chamber tombs from the Late Minoan era (1600-1150 BC). A fascinating historical site to explore.

Traditional Village Charm: Experience authentic Cretan village life, complete with traditional tavernas and an olive press museum.

Arkadi Monastery (Approx. 30-35 minutes drive southeast):

A highly significant historical and symbolic monastery renowned for its pivotal role in the Cretan struggle for independence. Its beautiful Venetian Baroque church is a highlight.

Margarites Village (Approx. 25-30 minutes drive southeast):

Known as the pottery village, Margarites is famous for its traditional pottery workshops. You can watch potters at work, buy unique souvenirs, and explore the charming village.

Argyroupoli Springs & Ancient Lappa (Approx. 25-30 minutes drive southwest):

Argyroupoli Springs: A picturesque area with natural springs, lush vegetation, and tavernas built around small waterfalls. A refreshing escape from the heat.

Ancient Lappa: Ruins of a Roman city with ancient tombs and a Roman necropolis.

Mili Gorge (Approx. 20-25 minutes drive southeast of Rethymno):

A popular lush, leafy gorge walk featuring abandoned watermills and old villages. Offers a refreshing nature experience and a glimpse into past rural life.

Lake Kournas (Approx. 30-35 minutes drive west):

Crete’s only natural freshwater lake. Activities include pedal boating, swimming, and relaxing at lakeside tavernas.

Restaurants which are worth a visit:

Gerani (near Rethymno) offers a more relaxed dining scene, often centered around traditional tavernas that cater to both locals and visitors. While it’s quieter than Rethymno town, you can find excellent authentic Cretan food. Within a 20-minute drive, you’ll also have access to the broader dining options of Rethymno.

Here are some of the best restaurants in and around Gerani, Crete (within approx. 20 minutes’ drive), with their specialties:

In Gerani Village Itself:

Small Paradise – Greek Grill House:

Specialties: As a grill house, their focus is on delicious traditional Greek grilled dishes. Expect well-prepared gyros (pork or chicken), souvlaki, lamb chops, and various grilled meats (like pork or chicken fillets). They also serve classic Greek stews like stifado (beef stew with onions) and baked meatballs. They emphasise pure, local ingredients.

Note: This is a good choice for a casual, hearty meal focusing on grilled options.

Staras Comfort Food (Also known as Staras 1869):

Specialties: This restaurant boasts a long history, serving traditional Cretan cuisine since 1869, often with a “comfort food” approach. They offer a range of appetising meat dishes, often prepared with traditional recipes. Look for authentic Cretan specialties, often made with local ingredients. They also cater to gluten-free and vegan options. They often have an open kitchen.

Note: This is one of the more prominent dining establishments directly in Gerani, offering a reliable traditional experience.

In Nearby Areas (Within 10-20 minutes’ drive):

Restaurants within Resorts along Gerani Beach: Many of the hotels and resorts along the long Gerani beach (e.g., those associated with Myrion Beach Resort, Caldera Beach, etc.) will have their own restaurants.

Specialties: These often offer a mix of international buffet options and some traditional Greek/Cretan dishes. While they might not be independent “destination” restaurants, they provide convenient and often high-quality dining options directly on or near the beach. Look for fresh salads, grilled items, and standard Greek fare.

Platanias (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive east): This is a livelier resort town just west of Rethymno, offering more variety.

Agioklima – Old Village:

Specialties: Located in Ano Platanias (Upper Platanias), this traditional family restaurant is known for its authentic traditional Cretan cuisine. Expect classic homemade dishes, often passed down through generations.

Nissos Restaurant:

Specialties: A unique taverna-bar on the beach in Platanias. They offer a blend of traditional Cretan flavours and international dishes, with a focus on fresh fish and meat. Good for appetizers and salads.

Sohoro – Under The Palms – Beach Bar:

Specialties: Located right on the beach, it’s an all-day spot offering a menu with Cretan-Mediterranean flavours using fresh ingredients. Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and sunset cocktails.

Rethymno Old Town (Approx. 10-15 minutes drive east): For a wider and more refined dining experience, Rethymno’s Old Town is the place to go.

Avli:

Specialties: A highly acclaimed fine-dining restaurant set in a beautiful Venetian mansion. Offers creative modern Greek cuisine with a focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients. Signature dishes include refined lamb preparations and fresh seafood.

Prima Plora:

Specialties: Located by the sea just outside the old town, known for its inspired fish and seafood dishes using local, organic ingredients. Offers a top-tier dining experience with stunning views.

Raki BaRaki:

Specialties: For a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. Known for authentic Cretan mezedes (small plates), perfect for sharing. Try their selection of traditional dishes like mussels, sausages, Cretan kalitsounia pastries, snails, or rabbit stew.

Veneto Wine Restaurant:

Specialties: Located in a 16th-century Venetian mansion. Certified as “Cretan Cuisine,” it offers high-quality Cretan and Mediterranean dishes with a focus on local ingredients and an excellent wine list.

To Pigadi Restaurant:

Specialties: In the picturesque alleys of Rethymno’s Old Town, serving mouthwatering Cretan specialties since 2003 in a charming, large courtyard setting.

Details correct as at 15/03/2025. These restaurants are neither endorsed nor recommended by Villa Select

The best beaches to visit in and around Gerani:

Gerani Beach (In Gerani):

Type: A long (2.5 km) sandy beach with clear water. It offers both organised sections and quieter, more natural stretches.

Amenities: Organised sections have sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and beach bars/tavernas.

Facilities: Swimming, sunbathing, water sports (sea kayaks, jet skis available at some points), and Loggerhead sea turtle nesting (observe marked areas).

2. Platanias Beach (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive east):

Type: A lively and well-organised sandy beach.

Amenities: Numerous beach bars, restaurants, tavernas, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and toilets. Lifeguards are present in summer.

Facilities: Swimming, sunbathing, and a wide array of water sports.

3. Rethymno Beach (Approx. 10-15 minutes drive east):

Type: A long sandy city beach.

Amenities: Well-equipped with amenities, including umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, changing rooms, showers, and numerous beach bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Facilities: Swimming, sunbathing, and various beach and water activities.

4. Kalyves Beach (Approx. 25-30 minutes drive east):

Type: A long, well-organised sandy beach with clear, shallow waters.

Amenities: Sun loungers, parasols, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards in summer, beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants.

Facilities: Swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

5. Georgioupolis Beach (Approx. 20-25 minutes drive west):

Type: A very long sandy beach.

Amenities: Well-organised with amenities and various water sports.

Facilities: Swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water activities.

6. Lake Kournas Beach (Approx. 30-35 minutes drive west):

Type: A freshwater lake beach

Amenities Tavernas and umbrellas

Facilities: Swimming, pedal boats.