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Inland

Anydri.
Azogires.

Two small villages that show a greener, quieter and more historical side of the Paleochora area.

BEST FOR Villages + local foodTIME Half / full daySTYLE Easy drive + optional walks
Why go

The coastline is only half the story.

Anydri and Azogires are close enough to combine easily, yet they feel completely different from Paleochora. Expect olive-covered slopes, small churches, village cafés and short walking options instead of beach infrastructure.

History & character

Small villages with real depth.

01

Anydri

The village is known for the nearby Byzantine church of Agios Georgios / Agios Nikolaos. Its well-preserved frescoes are associated with Ioannis Pagomenos and are dated by inscription to 1323.

02

Anydri Gorge

A short gorge descends from the village toward the Gialiskari beaches. It is a walking route rather than a cycling extension and gives a useful connection between village scenery and the coast.

03

Azogires

Azogires is associated with the Monastery of the 99 Holy Fathers, local caves, a Venetian-style stone bridge, small churches and folklore traditions. It is also used as a base for marked walking routes in the surrounding hills.

What to do

Build the day around stops, not mileage.

STOP 1

Anydri village

Visit the church area, have coffee or lunch and enjoy the views toward the Libyan Sea.

STOP 2

Azogires

Explore the monastery area, bridge and village sights, then choose a short walk if conditions suit.

FINISH

Back to the coast

Return to Paleochora or Gialiskari for a late swim rather than trying to pack another long drive into the day.

GOOD TO KNOWSome paths are hiking terrain.

The road connections are straightforward, but village walking paths and gorges should not automatically be treated as bike routes. Use the dedicated cycling route pages for bike-safe recommendations.

See cycling routes →
Local references

Sources & further information

Use these pages for additional context on the gorge, village sights and walking options around Anydri and Azogires.

NOTOS CAR RENTALS

GO FURTHER. DRIVE SOUTHWEST CRETE.

Reach remote beaches, mountain villages and more of southwest Crete on your own schedule.