Agia Galini situated 54 km east of Rethimno,is built on cliffs with a long beach .It can be easily reached by bus from Iraklio or Rethimno .It is near the famous Matala and the archaeological site of Festos .Visitors can also visit Paximadia islands sailing on local boats .
The village is built on the west side of a small fertile valley of Amarianos River or Plati, which discharges itself into the east side. During the ancient years, on the site of the village, there was a coastal settlement called Soulia or Soulina, seaport of ancient Sivritos.
Godess Artemis (Diana) was worshipped here and there was also a temple dedicated to her. The cave of Daedalus, which according to mythology had his workshop, is located here.

Accommodation Agia  Galini






The city was destroyed by the Saracens in 640 AD. When the old religion gave way to Christianism, on the ruins of the temple of Artemis the monastery of Galinios (tranquil) Christ was built. In the cemetery of the settlement, the old church of the Assumption of the Virgin is preserved. Therefore, according to a version, the village was named after this monastery; however, the correct name should have been Agios Galinis (male) since there is not any Agia Galini (female). Nevertheless, the name may originate from the words "aa? aae?ic" that means "an always calm harbor". Researches brought to light a wreck of a Roman ship of the 3rd century AD, in which many statuettes, oil lamps, busts, objects made of copper were found, and all these are now exposed in the Museum of Rethymnon.
From Agia Galini, there are often sea excursions; east, to Matala and west to Preveli, Plakias, Fragokatelo and Hora Sfakion.