Spili is a mountainous traditional village in the center of the prefecture of Rethymnon, just 25 km from Rethymno and is a transportation hub that connects Rethymnon with the southern side of the prefectures of Rethymno and Heraklion. In the center of the village there is a square with the Kefalovrisi, a row of 25 fountains in the shape of a lion's head. Cool, crystalclear water flows from their mouths all year round. Around the fountains there are many quaint taverns, cafes offering raki and ofti potatos and shops of folk art and local products. There are still several old manor houses and churches which are decorated with frescoes. The plane trees protect the cafes and create a pleasant atmosphere. Ideal place to relax.
Many hiking and road routes start from Spili. Just one kilometer from the village, on the main road that leads to Agia Galini, there is the small church of Agia Fotini or Fotia, where a small gorge, of only 1.5 km in length, begins that ends in Yous Kampos. What impresses there is the stone-built aqueduct with eight arches. Today only 75 meters of this structure remains. In the past, the water came from the source of the Agia Fotia and filled the vertical well of the watermill. The miller would open a stone at the bottom and the water pressure would hit the mill impeller and turn the millstone.
Also, in Spili, those who love hiking can take the E4 path to Gerakari. Going up dirt roads, through canyons and pine forests, they can reach small forgotten villages with beautiful squares and fountains, deserted churches and admire the view to Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the Preveli palmforest. However, this path is quite difficult due to the steep uphill and because it is not well marked.
Several road routes start from Spili. At a distance of 26 kilometers, there is the seaside resort of Agia Galini, which with its beautiful beaches, small harbor and amphitheater village, it attracts many tourists. From there, boats take people to Preveli, to nearby beaches and small uninhabited islands.
20 kilometers southwest of Spili is Plakias, a tourist town with restaurants, bars, hotels, organized beaches with many water sports. Damnoni, the beach of Agia Foteini and the beautiful palm forest in Preveli are also very interesting and fun to visit.
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