Mikro Metochi: Settlement, History and Views

When looking for hotels in Mikro Metochi, the character of the traditional settlement and the surrounding landscape are central considerations. Its history dates back to Crete’s Ottoman period, while its elevated location and views also shape the destination’s character. This gives you a clear starting point for your choice: would you like to focus mainly on Mikro Metochi’s historical background or its landscape?

Landscape and Character of the Settlement

Mikro Metochi is designated as a traditional settlement of high cultural value. It lies at an elevation of about 200 metres above the pine-covered Evliya Hill and offers views of the sea and the cityscape. These details combine a specific elevation with two distinct viewpoints: the sea and the built-up surroundings. The pine-covered hill is part of the landscape above the settlement.

If you compare destinations by their local character, the traditional designation and the described location are the key points to consider for Mikro Metochi. They give the place its own profile without requiring a single building or a particular activity to define your entire stay.

The Name and Historical Traces

Mikro Metochi’s history is closely connected with Crete’s Ottoman period. At that time, the area had konakia and agricultural estates belonging to Muslim officials. The name Mikro Metochi comes from the Ottoman mansion of Risvan Bey, which dominated the area. The names Risvan and Irfan Metóchi are also recorded for the place. “Irfan” means “small” in Turkish.

Nearby, the konaki of Irfan Bey stands on the road towards neighbouring Megálo Metóchi. An Orthodox church stands in its courtyard; it was formerly Catholic. This historical trace adds another aspect of the area’s architectural heritage alongside the story of the name.

Mikro Metochi is also home to the small church of Agia Marina, which stands in the middle of the road, with cars passing on either side. The church’s position in the road is a distinctive local feature. Together with the konaki and its church, it offers a picture that takes account of both individual religious buildings and how each is set within the settlement and its surroundings.

Rethymno: City History and Museums

The wider destination also includes Rethymno, with its own urban history. The Old Town is designated as a protected historical monument and a traditional settlement. Its urban layout took shape during the Venetian period and was later altered during Turkish rule. The historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza fortress. This distinction helps put Mikro Metochi’s settlement history and the development of Rethymno’s Old Town into context.

Rethymno’s museums also cover different subjects. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza’s main entrance. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. Its permanent exhibition, spread across five rooms, presents traditional crafts and folk art.

Coastline and Recurring Events

Both the sandy beach and the Venetian harbour are defining features of the Rethymno coastline. Rethymno Beach is twelve kilometres long: it begins at the historic city centre and stretches eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. These details refer to Rethymno Beach and the municipality’s coastline, not to the landscape of Mikro Metochi.

Rethymno’s annual cultural programme includes the Renaissance Festival and the Carnival. The festival takes place every summer and features music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. Volunteers organise the traditional carnival parade every year. If you are planning your trip around an event, check the dates for your preferred travel period.

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Go to the main travel overview: Rethymno.