Ilys

Rethymno Province


This gallery is an explosion of colour. Brightly glazed bowls, plates, light fixtures, raki cups and other small (and not so small) keepsakes line the shelves. Watch Manolis at work at his wheel, from where he’s happy to share his local knowledge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rethymno Province attractions

1. Ancient Eleutherna

0.92 MILES

The archaeological site of Ancient Eleutherna is a Dorian-built settlement that was among the most important in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, and also…

2. Museum of Ancient Eleutherna

1.34 MILES

A must-see for anyone visiting the ruins of Eleutherna is the accompanying modern museum that contextualises the ancient city through the exhibition of…

3. Paraschakis Olive Oil Factory

3.49 MILES

If you're out this way for Melidoni Cave, tack on a visit to this nearby olive-oil factory for a lowdown on the production process. Its welcoming American…

4. Moni Arkadiou

3.75 MILES

The 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. As the site where hundreds of cornered locals massacred…

5. Melidoni Cave

3.94 MILES

About 2km outside the village of Melidoni is this stunning cathedral-like cave, an evocative underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. A place of worship…

6. Episkopi

4.64 MILES

This charming village, 9km southeast of Melidoni, served as a bishopric under Venetian rule and is a maze of lanes lined with well-preserved stone…

7. Basilica of Aghia Sophia

5.24 MILES

Coins unearthed in Panormo indicate that a village flourished here between the 1st and 9th centuries AD, but the only in situ evidence from this period…

8. Church of Agios Yiorgos

5.53 MILES

Ecclesiastic-art fans should stop in town at Panormo’s parish church, which has some stunning modern frescoes.