Nestled 18 km south of Heraklion town along the national road, you will find the charming village of Dafnes, a central hub in the Heraklion region of Crete Surrounded by other traditional villages such as Veneráto, Avgenikí, Kerásia, and Síva, Dafnes is proud to be a part of the Palianí Παλιανή local government, named after the nearby nunnery in Venerato
Perched along a ridge, Dafnes offers stunning views of the foothills of Mt Psiloritis and the gentle slopes of the surrounding valleys This village is a bustling agricultural center, known for its production of sultanas, grapes, wine, spirits, vegetables, and olive oil
Dafnes gets its name from the Greek word “daphni,” meaning laurel Legend has it that there was once a laurel tree growing in the village’s chapel, giving it its unique name
Located just off the national road, Dafnes provides easy access to both Heraklion and the fertile agricultural valley of Messara This village has a long history of being a key stop on the trade routes of Crete, with dafniano wine being produced here since the 13th century
Today, Dafnes is famous for its red wine, the VQPRD ‘Dafnes,’ produced by the Agricultural Cooperative of Iraklion from the liatiko variety of grapes
At the heart of the village, you will find the bustling kafenions, traditional Greek coffee shops where locals gather to socialize The central plateia, or town square, is shaded by majestic eucalyptus trees and surrounded by charming cafés and kafenia On one side of the square stands the beautiful stone church of Agia Zoni Agios Nikolaos, dating back to 1685
Dafnes Village is located in the Heraklion region, 156 km from Chania Airport with a driving time of 2 hours and 17 minutes, and 22 km from Heraklion Airport with a driving time of just 22 minutes With its rich history, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, Dafnes is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the beautiful island of Crete
