Sellía: Mountain Village Views and Byzantine Churches

A village profile updated on 8 June 2023 gives Sellía’s population as 316 and portrays it as traditional and lively. Sellía lies at an altitude of about 280 metres on the southeastern slope of 1,310-metre-high Mount Krioneritis, and stretches across a mountain saddle and the slopes of two hills. From here, views extend to Plakias Bay, Souda Bay and the island of Gavdos; Sellía also offers views of the Libyan Sea. The approximate distance to Rethymno is 35 kilometres. The altitude, hills and far-reaching views give the village a distinctive landscape, taking in both the coastal bays and the Libyan Sea.

The village’s churches and history

Sellía has 15 churches dating from the Byzantine period. These include Agios Fotis in the eastern part of the settlement. Below the village stands the chapel of Saints Fotios and Anikito: it dates from the 14th century, and some frescoes are still preserved on its north wall. The two buildings offer different points of interest: Agios Fotis is located in the eastern part of the settlement, while the chapel stands out for its age and preserved frescoes. Together, they show how Sellía’s religious history can be traced across different places and periods.

The monastery also adds to this historical picture. Its reconstruction was completed in April 2023; it subsequently housed Sellía’s local history and church museum. This timeline distinguishes the completed reconstruction from the museum’s later use of the building. Alongside the churches and chapel, the monastery’s history and its use as a museum are also part of the village’s cultural heritage.

The Kotsifou Gorge and the landscape

The Kotsifou Gorge adds to the landscape near Sellía. Its entrance is close to the village; it forms the northern approach to Sellía and stretches from Kanevos to Plakias. The gorge can also be viewed from the road. This brings two different interests together: Sellía’s architectural and local history, and the landscape along the gorge. If you plan to view it from the road, check the road conditions beforehand, as they can vary.

Village character and finding a holiday apartment

Sellía has tavernas and coffee houses. They add an everyday village dimension to its churches and hillside landscape. When looking for a holiday apartment in Sellía, it may help to decide what you would most like to focus on: would you mainly like to explore the village’s history and churches, or are you more interested in the landscape and the Kotsifou Gorge? The tavernas and coffee houses are also among the village’s distinctive features. These interests can help you choose a destination and decide what kind of stay you would like.

Discover more destinations: Argiroupoli, Drosia, Magnisia, Axos, Atsipades, Kouloukonas, Aghia Triada, Episkopi

For the main travel overview: Rethymno.