Travel Guide Anogia

Perched on a mountainside at a height of 800 m, Anogia could symbolize the spirit and essence of Crete. There is an unshakeable feeling of attachment to the Cretan cultural and rebel traditions. The Greek spoken by the ancients is enriched with words and expressions from ancient Greek.As soon as you arrive in the lower part of the village, the atmosphere is set: kafeneia where men dressed in black shoes sit and a succession of stores selling articles woven by the women, ready to do anything to sell their production. Many Cretan musicians come from Anogia, so spontaneous parties and weddings are a highlight of the village's social life. Staying in Anogia for a night or a few days and letting yourself be won over by the authentic atmosphere is an experience you won't regret if you have the time. In summer, the village is a refuge from the scorching heat of the sea. Most of the shops and facilities are located in the upper part of the village, which has developed towards the plateau of Nida and Heraklion: bank (with ATM), post office and stores.Sheep is the main resource of the area (dairy products, meat and wool) and life here, in summer and winter, revolves around sheep farming. At one of the corners of the Agios-Giorgos square at the top of the village (which is also the center of daytime and nighttime activity in Anogia), a cheese factory sells very good graviera in tome and local psicoudia (raki). In this square you will also find the best galactoboureko of Greece, made from fresh goat's milk. There is an interesting museum at the bottom of the village with sculptures of figures made of raw wood and paintings in naive style.Anogia is also the starting point for excursions to Mount Psiloritis, the highest point of Crete, and to Ideon Andon, the cave where Zeus is said to have been born... So get your walking shoes!