Nithafri: Fountains, Church and Caves in the Surrounding Area

Visitors planning a trip to Nithafri can get to know the area through several specific points of interest: the Old Fountain, a medieval church nearby, and caves, as well as a route to the Kalikas Plateau. The fountain is a testament to the area’s history; the church combines architectural history with an elevated, green setting and expansive views. The caves are known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations and as the destination of the plateau route. Hikers should also plan for their water supply.

The Old Fountain of Níthavris

As an inscription built into it shows, the Old Fountain of Níthavris took its present form in 1920. The animal troughs and washbasins are arranged in a line and have been preserved in excellent condition. The date establishes when the fountain acquired its current form, while the linear arrangement also shows how the structure is laid out.

Panagia Asfentamiani: Church and Views

The small medieval church of Panagia Asfentamiani is about 2 km northeast of Nithafri, in an elevated, leafy location with expansive views. It stands at an altitude of about 550 m. Its architectural history and location complement one another: the church is of interest as a medieval building, while its elevated surroundings offer views of greenery and open landscapes. It was originally decorated with frescoes, traces of which were still visible until recently. These traces add another art-historical dimension to the church, alongside its medieval character.

The fountain and the church offer two different cultural points of interest: the inscription and layout characterize the fountain, while medieval architecture and traces of frescoes characterize the church.

Caves and the Kalikas Plateau

Onimarchos Cave is northeast of Nithafri, at the site of Kalikas, at an altitude of 700 m. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen inside. The terms refer to different formations: stalactites hang from the cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow upward from the floor. Both are cave formations, but their names distinguish them by the direction in which they grow. At 700 m, Onimarchos Cave is higher than the church, which stands at about 550 m.

When finding your way, pay attention to the different cave names: the Kalikas Plateau route ends at Notiki-Trypa Cave on the Kalika Plateau, while Onimarchos Cave is at the site of Kalikas. This helps distinguish the cave along the route from the nearby cave destination.

Plan Your Water Supply for the Hike

There is no water source along the Kalikas Plateau route. Hikers are asked to collect water from the spring in Nithafri village square. Plan your water before setting off and check whether the spring is available when you arrive.

The drinking-water fountain in the courtyard of Panagia Asfentamiani is also fed by a spring, but it dries up during the summer months. For the hike, the spring in the village square is recommended as a water source. Be sure to distinguish between the two when preparing: the courtyard fountain at the church is unavailable in summer, while the village-square spring is recommended for the route.

Discover more destinations: Roupes, Vederi, Adele, Drosia, Livadia Keramoti, Aggeliana, Arkadi, Armenoi.

For the broader travel guide: Rethymno.