Discover Maroulas

Maroulas combines a distinctive village history with a clear connection to the landscape: the Prasiano Gorge runs southwest of the village. In the village itself, the Great Tower and an olive mill draw attention to different aspects of its history. When planning your trip, you can therefore weigh up whether you are particularly interested in historic village settings or in the landscape.

History and Architecture in Maroulas

Maroulas is designated as a preserved historic monument. An early record of its name dates to 1577, when Fr. Barozzi listed the village under the name Marula in the province of Rethymno. The Great Tower stands in the highest part of the village. Its rectangular ground plan describes its shape; it overlooked both the settlement and the plain to the north.

Maroulas is also home to an olive mill. Together with the tower and the village’s historic designation, it offers another concrete point of interest for exploring the area. The Prasiano Gorge provides a contrast in the landscape: it lies southwest of Maroulas. The village’s history and the nearby gorge are two distinct themes to consider when choosing your travel interests.

Rethymno: Old Town, Coast, and Museums

In the broader destination of Rethymno, the Old Town offers a distinct urban setting. It is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was altered under the later Turkish rule. The historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress.

The Venetian harbour is part of the coastline of the municipality of Rethymno. Rethymno Beach is 12 kilometres long: it begins at the historic city centre and stretches eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. These details paint a picture of the broader destination of Rethymno, where urban history and coastal scenery appeal to different interests.

The museums in Rethymno also cover different areas of interest. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. In five permanent exhibition rooms, the Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno showcases traditional crafts and folk art; it is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion.

Another archaeological highlight in the wider Rethymno area is the Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna, the first museum on Crete dedicated to an archaeological site. Its exhibitions show life in ancient Eleftherna from the final millennia of the 4th millennium BC through to the Byzantine period. Visitors interested in different eras will find a different perspective on the past here than in the city’s museums.

Summer Events and Trip Planning

The Rethymno Renaissance Festival takes place every summer. Its programme includes music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. The Rethymno Carnival is a traditional event featuring a parade organised by volunteers each year. If either event shapes your trip plans, check the latest dates in advance.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Maroulas, you can start by considering whether the village’s history and the nearby Prasiano Gorge match your travel interests. The Old Town, museums and coast are distinct attractions of the broader destination of Rethymno and can complement your wider holiday plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Choumeri, Agia Paraskevi, Prínos, Adelianos Kampos, Venio, Atsipades, Damnoni, Drosia.

Go to the broader travel guide: Rethymno.