Amari Valley

Amari valley is formed between the ranges Kedros and Psiloritis , with altitude fluctuating from 400 to 500m and is 25km long. It is the natural passage from the north prefecture of Rethymno to the south and Messara Plain .

For its strategic location, it was the theater of several historical events, especially during the Ottoman rule. The valley is adorned with picturesque villages, with the largest being Fourfouras .

Amari is one of the areas of Crete with the most rainfalls; indeed its name is taken after amara that it an ancient greek word for a water channel. Platys River starts from Amari and exits in Agia Galini , while there is one of the largest dams in Crete, the dam of Potami .

Byzantine churches , Minoan settlements and wild mountains are dispersed throughout the entire county. The gorge of Patsos with the cave of Saint Anthony , the ancient town of Sivrytos , the monastery of Asomati , the Minoan settlements in Monastiraki and Apodoulou are the most famous sights of Amari.