Mikro Metochi: Hillside Setting and Ottoman History

Mikro Metochi combines a distinctive hillside setting with a history closely linked to Crete’s Ottoman period. The area offers views of the sea and the cityscape. Its designation as a traditional settlement of high cultural value underscores its historic character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, the landscape and history can be two initial criteria when choosing your destination.

A Hillside Setting with Expansive Views

Mikro Metochi lies at an altitude of about 200 metres above the pine-covered Evliya Hill. From there, views extend both towards the sea and across the cityscape. The hill and pine trees shape the landscape, while the panorama brings together two distinct perspectives. This offers a specific point of reference when choosing where to stay, if you would like to take both natural surroundings and city views into account.

Traces of the Ottoman Period

A municipal survey conducted from 2012 to 2014 classified Mikro Metochi as a traditional settlement of high cultural value. The area’s history is closely linked to Crete’s Ottoman period. At that time, the area had konakia and agricultural estates belonging to Muslim officials. The name Mikro Metochi derives from the Ottoman mansion of Risvan Bey, which dominated the area. The place is also known as Risvan or Irfan Metochi; “irfan” means “small” in Turkish.

Nearby, in the courtyard of Irfan Bey’s konaki, stands an Orthodox church that was formerly Catholic. This building brings together an earlier Catholic influence and an Orthodox one. The small church of Agia Marina stands in the middle of the road in Mikro Metochi, with cars passing it on both sides. These details give the historical context specific names and places.

Rethymno: City History and Coastline

The wider destination of Rethymno offers a distinct focus on urban and coastal history. The Old Town is designated both as a protected historic monument and as a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered under Turkish rule; the historic centre lies below the Fortezza. Rethymno Beach stretches for 12 kilometres eastwards from the historic city centre to Scaleta and has fine-grained, light brown sand.

Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno 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. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno is also housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion; its permanent exhibition presents traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms.

For your holiday apartment search, this offers a clear comparison of themes: Mikro Metochi stands for its hillside setting, views and settlement history; Rethymno for its Old Town, museums and coastline. If you are travelling with varied interests, consider which of these highlights matters more to you during your stay. This can help you choose a destination based on the discoveries you are looking for.

Discover more destinations: Triopetra, Roupes, Karoti, Petrochori, Charkia, Spili, Argiroupoli, Petres.

See the broader travel overview: Rethymno.