Prines: Old Churches and a Tree-Rich Landscape

Prines combines a tree-rich landscape with a long local church history: walnut, plane, oak and olive trees shape the surroundings, while two churches offer different historical perspectives. The village lies about ten kilometres west of Rethymno, at an elevation of approximately 200 metres.

Location and Landscape of Prines

Its location west of Rethymno and its elevation give you a clear point of reference when deciding whether to base your stay in a village or in the city. When looking for a holiday apartment or house, this is a helpful first decision: what kind of surroundings should shape your trip?

The landscape around Prines is lush and defined by a variety of tree species. Walnut, plane, oak and olive trees are part of its characteristic scenery. This particular mix makes the landscape a feature in its own right alongside the historic buildings, and helps you see the place as more than just its location.

Two Churches, Two Historical Perspectives

The old church of Agios Nikolaos dates from the 10th to 11th century. In the centre of Prines is also the two-aisled Church of Saint Anthony and the Annunciation, dating from 1800. The two buildings represent different points in time: Agios Nikolaos looks back to a much earlier era, while the central church, with its date of 1800, marks a later period in the village’s history.

If you are interested in the history of a place, these churches offer a concrete reason to see Prines not only as a starting point for other activities, but also as a destination in its own right. The combination of a church dating from the 10th to 11th century and a two-aisled building from 1800 gives the local cultural heritage a broad historical span. The village centre and the older church represent different historical points of reference, without requiring a particular sightseeing order.

Cycling and Walking Routes as Other Points of Interest

Prines is associated with cycling and walking routes to Vederoi and the gorge. If cycling or walking is to be part of your trip, these routes may be a factor when choosing where to stay. Prines brings several interests together: church history, a tree-rich landscape, and activities linked to the village and destinations such as Vederoi or the gorge.

Nikiforos Road is also a useful point of reference in the village: it has run through Prines since 2014. Together with its location west of Rethymno, this gives you a concrete picture of the village without reducing its local character to that of the larger city.

Culture in the Wider Rethymno Destination

The local history of Prines is complemented by a wider cultural offering across the Rethymno destination. Rethymno’s old town is designated as a protected historic monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was reshaped under later Turkish rule. The historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress.

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 is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion; its permanent exhibition presents traditional crafts and folk art in five rooms. Together, these cultural attractions across the wider Rethymno area range from urban history to archaeological finds and traditional crafts.

This historical perspective extends beyond the city centre: the Museum of the Archaeological Site of Eleftherna presents life in ancient Eleftherna from the late millennia of the 4th millennium BC through the Byzantine period. The Armeni necropolis is a Late Minoan cemetery where more than 220 tombs have been excavated; the family tombs and their grave goods provide insights into the art, religion and social organisation of the time. The local churches offer a specific view of Prines, while the museums and historic sites across the wider Rethymno area open up further historical perspectives.

Discover more destinations: Damnoni, Garazo, Perama, Keramota, Axos, Sises Geropotamos, Adelianos Kampos, Stavromenos.

Back to the wider travel guide: Rethymno.