Agia Galini is a place with deep roots in the history and mythology of Crete. Its history dates back to the time of Minoan Crete, when the area was known as Soulia. This name is directly linked to the legend of Daedalus and Icarus, one of the most fascinating myths of Greek antiquity. Daedalus, the legendary architect, was the one who built the famous Labyrinth to keep the Minotaur captive. But when King Minos decided to imprison Daedalus himself and his son, Icarus, inside the Labyrinth, the resourceful craftsman devised a daring escape plan. Hidden in the cave of Agia Galini, Daedalus made wings from wood, feathers and wax, instructing Icarus to fly carefully. But the young Icarus, full of enthusiasm, ignored his father's advice and flew too close to the sun. The heat melted the wax of his wings, and Icarus fell into the sea, meeting a tragic death. Since then, the area of the sea where he perished has been called the Icarian Sea.
The Origin of the Name "Agia Galini"
The name "Agia Galini" is wrapped in a mysterious and romantic veil of history and legends. Although the name Galini is rare in Greece, there are three main theories about its origin: • The Tradition of the Byzantine Empress Eudokia According to a popular version, the name of the area is associated with the Byzantine Empress Eudokia. During a voyage to the Holy Land, her ship encountered a severe storm. Terrified, Eudokia prayed to the Virgin Mary, promising that if she was saved, she would build a church in her honor. When the storm subsided and the sea calmed down, the empress kept her promise and founded the church of Panagia Galini, which today stands in the village cemetery. • The Monastery of the Serene Christ Another theory connects the name of the village with the Monastery of the Serene Christ, which was built during the early years of the spread of Christianity. According to tradition, the monastery was erected on the ruins of an ancient temple of the goddess Artemis, which existed in the area of ancient Soulia. • "Eternal Calm" – The Eternally Calm Port The third theory is based on the geography of Agia Galini itself. The phrase "eternal calm", which means "always calm", is believed to have been the inspiration for the name of the village, as its harbor remains calm and sheltered throughout the year, protected from the strong winds of the Cretan Sea.
A Mythical & Alluring Place
Agia Galini is a place where myth meets history and the past merges with the present. From ancient times to today, the charm of the area has never ceased to enchant travelers. With its seaside location, crystal clear waters, and rich historical heritage, it is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of the authentic grandeur of Crete. Whether you tour its historical monuments or relax in the calm atmosphere of the beach, our area, Agia Galini, will remain unforgettable.
OUR REVIEWS
Kostas and Maria
Although we have traveled a lot of such service, cleanliness and friendly environment we have not met again! The fanatic Giannis, tireless, takes care of everyone and everything! Incredible breakfast and a lot of tsikoudia! It will be our definite preference the next time we come back to Crete!
Evelyn
Das Hotel ist sehr gepflegt, super tolle Aussicht. Die Zimmer sind sehr schön, alles da was man benötigt. Super nette Eigentümer. Immer gut gelaunt. Das Hotel liegt mit Auto ca. 60 Minuten vom Flughafen Heraklion entfernt. Autovermietung und Supermarkt fast nebenan. Mit dem Auto erreicht man alle Ziele sehr gut. Die Zimmer sind sehr gut ausgestattet, geschlafen haben wir sehr gut. Klimaanlage vorhanden, Kühlschrank auch vorhanden und auf dem Flur eine kleine Miniküche. Perfekt. Sehr nette Eigentümer, da bleibt kein Wunsch offen.Der Chef des Hauses lässt auch beim "nur" Frühstück nichts aus. Es war ein tolles tägliches Frühstück. Danke Yannis.
Kostas and Maria
Although we have traveled a lot of such service, cleanliness and friendly environment we have not met again! The fanatic Giannis, tireless, takes care of everyone and everything! Incredible breakfast and a lot of tsikoudia! It will be our definite preference the next time we come back to Crete!
Evelyn
Das Hotel ist sehr gepflegt, super tolle Aussicht. Die Zimmer sind sehr schön, alles da was man benötigt. Super nette Eigentümer. Immer gut gelaunt. Das Hotel liegt mit Auto ca. 60 Minuten vom Flughafen Heraklion entfernt. Autovermietung und Supermarkt fast nebenan. Mit dem Auto erreicht man alle Ziele sehr gut. Die Zimmer sind sehr gut ausgestattet, geschlafen haben wir sehr gut. Klimaanlage vorhanden, Kühlschrank auch vorhanden und auf dem Flur eine kleine Miniküche. Perfekt. Sehr nette Eigentümer, da bleibt kein Wunsch offen.Der Chef des Hauses lässt auch beim "nur" Frühstück nichts aus. Es war ein tolles tägliches Frühstück. Danke Yannis.
Kostas and Maria
Although we have traveled a lot of such service, cleanliness and friendly environment we have not met again! The fanatic Giannis, tireless, takes care of everyone and everything! Incredible breakfast and a lot of tsikoudia! It will be our definite preference the next time we come back to Crete!
Evelyn
Das Hotel ist sehr gepflegt, super tolle Aussicht. Die Zimmer sind sehr schön, alles da was man benötigt. Super nette Eigentümer. Immer gut gelaunt. Das Hotel liegt mit Auto ca. 60 Minuten vom Flughafen Heraklion entfernt. Autovermietung und Supermarkt fast nebenan. Mit dem Auto erreicht man alle Ziele sehr gut. Die Zimmer sind sehr gut ausgestattet, geschlafen haben wir sehr gut. Klimaanlage vorhanden, Kühlschrank auch vorhanden und auf dem Flur eine kleine Miniküche. Perfekt. Sehr nette Eigentümer, da bleibt kein Wunsch offen.Der Chef des Hauses lässt auch beim "nur" Frühstück nichts aus. Es war ein tolles tägliches Frühstück. Danke Yannis.
Kostas and Maria
Although we have traveled a lot of such service, cleanliness and friendly environment we have not met again! The fanatic Giannis, tireless, takes care of everyone and everything! Incredible breakfast and a lot of tsikoudia! It will be our definite preference the next time we come back to Crete!
Evelyn
Das Hotel ist sehr gepflegt, super tolle Aussicht. Die Zimmer sind sehr schön, alles da was man benötigt. Super nette Eigentümer. Immer gut gelaunt. Das Hotel liegt mit Auto ca. 60 Minuten vom Flughafen Heraklion entfernt. Autovermietung und Supermarkt fast nebenan. Mit dem Auto erreicht man alle Ziele sehr gut. Die Zimmer sind sehr gut ausgestattet, geschlafen haben wir sehr gut. Klimaanlage vorhanden, Kühlschrank auch vorhanden und auf dem Flur eine kleine Miniküche. Perfekt. Sehr nette Eigentümer, da bleibt kein Wunsch offen.Der Chef des Hauses lässt auch beim "nur" Frühstück nichts aus. Es war ein tolles tägliches Frühstück. Danke Yannis.
Double Mountain View Breakfast Included Not Refundable
Ground Floor Superior Double Street VIew
Ground Floor Superior Double Street VIew BB NR
Superior Double Sea View
Superior Double Sea View Breakfast Included Not Refundable
Junior Suite Side Sea View
Junior Suite Side Sea View Breakfast Included Not Refundable
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Bargain place in a great location, Roba666,
Source:
Plentiful breakfast Friendly staff In between town and beach, be aware the walk is steep. Probably 10 minutes in either direction. I got free parking from them Fridge in the room Balcony with clothes line Sea view from balcony
A special cozy hotel for beautiful holidays in Crete, Daredevil
Source:
My wife and spent four nights at hotel Minos during August. The hotel was suggested us by the travel agency ... well, it was a very good suggestion. Rooms are very clean and comfortable; from the balcony we could enjoy a beautiful sight of the port and of the beach. Giannis and Marilena, the owners of the hotel are super friendly, efficient and supportive. Special thanks to Marilena for helping us to fix our car with a flat tire ! Beakfast is delicious and rich.
Perfect stay, Vlad, Switzerland
Source:
We loved this place. Amazing view , room was really spacious, beds are comfortable. The staff is very kind. The small village is cute and has nice restaurants . fully recommended.
Fabulous Small Family Run Hotel, Lesley S, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Source:
This was our second visit to Hotel Minos in Agia Galini in Crete. What a lovely welcome we received from Marilena and Janus, the hotel owners. Our room was very well equipped - spacious with 2 large beds, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and a superb shower room (with complementary toiletries). When we opened our shutters in the morning, the view of the harbour and beyond was absolutely beautiful. It was so relaxing spending the early evening sitting on the balcony watching the fishing boats coming and going.
Breakfast is an event in itself. Janus, who is also the chef, is hilariously funny and thoroughly enjoys laughing with his guests. Give as good as you get though! Breakfast is a big affair. As much as you can eat and all served to you with the exception of tea and coffee. All freshly made and served with a massive smile.
This gem of a hotel is so welcoming, a lot of their guests go back every year with some staying for 3-4 weeks! Wish it was me ....
We enjoyed it so much, we’ve already booked for 2019 and we cannot wait to go back.
Best choice in Agia Galini, Simon, Germany
Source:
Amazing view from the upper rooms, very clean and comfortable, fast WiFi, super friendly and nice owners, the best breakfast we ever had in Greece.
Pleasant stay, Pauline
Source:
Went to this hotel without reservation because the location was very good. We had a Seaview hotel room with a nice and big balcony. The staff is super friendly and we had an amazing breakfast with an omelet and fresh juice
Exceptional, Margrete, United States of America
Source:
Wonderful, welcoming owners. Fantastic, tasty breakfasts, great location with sea view, convenient parking.
Superb, Beltayne, United Kingdom
Source:
This delightful hotel, in a splendid location, has very comfortable and clean rooms with fabulous views. The staff are very welcoming . The bathrooms are well designed which is not something obvious in Crete. Parking was plentiful and easy. Highly recommended.
Wonderful stay!, Pamela, Australia
Source:
Fabulous location, super clean, fabulous breakfast and wonderful staff.
Best Hotel we found at Kreta, Marvin S
Source:
Best Hotel we found at kreta. The persons in Hotel are so kind and the view from the balcony is sooo beautiful. Also the breakfast is the best we ever had. You can also enjoy at your room with the beautiful fiew. Also everything in Agia galini is very nice. You have many restaurants you can eat and enjoy. A harbour an a nice beach. For us the best place to stay at kreta
Bargain place in a great location, Roba666,
Source:
Plentiful breakfast Friendly staff In between town and beach, be aware the walk is steep. Probably 10 minutes in either direction. I got free parking from them Fridge in the room Balcony with clothes line Sea view from balcony
A special cozy hotel for beautiful holidays in Crete, Daredevil
Source:
My wife and spent four nights at hotel Minos during August. The hotel was suggested us by the travel agency ... well, it was a very good suggestion. Rooms are very clean and comfortable; from the balcony we could enjoy a beautiful sight of the port and of the beach. Giannis and Marilena, the owners of the hotel are super friendly, efficient and supportive. Special thanks to Marilena for helping us to fix our car with a flat tire ! Beakfast is delicious and rich.
Perfect stay, Vlad, Switzerland
Source:
We loved this place. Amazing view , room was really spacious, beds are comfortable. The staff is very kind. The small village is cute and has nice restaurants . fully recommended.
Fabulous Small Family Run Hotel, Lesley S, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Source:
This was our second visit to Hotel Minos in Agia Galini in Crete. What a lovely welcome we received from Marilena and Janus, the hotel owners. Our room was very well equipped - spacious with 2 large beds, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and a superb shower room (with complementary toiletries). When we opened our shutters in the morning, the view of the harbour and beyond was absolutely beautiful. It was so relaxing spending the early evening sitting on the balcony watching the fishing boats coming and going.
Breakfast is an event in itself. Janus, who is also the chef, is hilariously funny and thoroughly enjoys laughing with his guests. Give as good as you get though! Breakfast is a big affair. As much as you can eat and all served to you with the exception of tea and coffee. All freshly made and served with a massive smile.
This gem of a hotel is so welcoming, a lot of their guests go back every year with some staying for 3-4 weeks! Wish it was me ....
We enjoyed it so much, we’ve already booked for 2019 and we cannot wait to go back.
Best choice in Agia Galini, Simon, Germany
Source:
Amazing view from the upper rooms, very clean and comfortable, fast WiFi, super friendly and nice owners, the best breakfast we ever had in Greece.
Pleasant stay, Pauline
Source:
Went to this hotel without reservation because the location was very good. We had a Seaview hotel room with a nice and big balcony. The staff is super friendly and we had an amazing breakfast with an omelet and fresh juice
Exceptional, Margrete, United States of America
Source:
Wonderful, welcoming owners. Fantastic, tasty breakfasts, great location with sea view, convenient parking.
Superb, Beltayne, United Kingdom
Source:
This delightful hotel, in a splendid location, has very comfortable and clean rooms with fabulous views. The staff are very welcoming . The bathrooms are well designed which is not something obvious in Crete. Parking was plentiful and easy. Highly recommended.
Wonderful stay!, Pamela, Australia
Source:
Fabulous location, super clean, fabulous breakfast and wonderful staff.
Best Hotel we found at Kreta, Marvin S
Source:
Best Hotel we found at kreta. The persons in Hotel are so kind and the view from the balcony is sooo beautiful. Also the breakfast is the best we ever had. You can also enjoy at your room with the beautiful fiew. Also everything in Agia galini is very nice. You have many restaurants you can eat and enjoy. A harbour an a nice beach. For us the best place to stay at kreta