Rodakino is a picturesque village located 45km southeast of the city of Rethymno, in the exit of the canyon Rodakino, which runs through the Kryoneritis mountain. The village is divided into two settlements, Ano and Kato Rodakino, which overlook the deep blue South Cretan Sea. According to legend, the village’s name is derived from the Greek word for peach, which was supposedly the name of a peach tree that once grew in the area.
Several tranquil and stunning beaches can be found at the exit of the dried river, 2km south of the village. The most popular of these beaches is Korakas, a long beach with fine grayish pebbles, clear waters, and organized with umbrellas, taverns, and some rooms to rent. To the east of the beach, there is a cluster of cavernous rocks that locals say used to look like a crow’s beak.
In Ano Rodakino, visitors can find the old churches of the Assumption, Transfiguration, and Saint Panteleimon, while Kato Rodakino has the churches of St. George, Prophet Elijah, and St. Anthony. Furthermore, the peak of Kryoneritis Mount hosts the Church of the Holy Spirit, which holds a festival every year. Korakas has a significant place in history as it was used by the Greek cruisers during the Cretan Revolution of 1866, and by the legendary steamship “Arcadi” to transport munitions. It was also the site where the first flag of the Revolution on 24.05.1821 was hoisted.
