With a view of the imposing mountain Kedros, and plenty of spring water and greenery, the area of

Gerakari in Rethymno is an ode to the beauties of Cretan nature, The name of the place itself is related to nature as apparently it derives from “gerakarides”, i.e. falconers, the professionals who bred falcons during the Byzantine period, turning them into hunters.

A place of martyrdom, Gerakari suffered massive disasters during the German Occupation. Today it succeeds in standing out on the tourist map, while maintaining its rural character. Here we will find the famous Gerakian cherries, which become irresistible during their ripening season. The rich water potential of the place as well as its altitude (680 meters) favor a multitude of crops, from vines and olives to vegetables and fruits of all kinds. 

The Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis on “Fotis” site , dating from the 12th century, is worth a visit,  as are the centuries-old, forgotten settlements, hidden in small forests of privet and fruit trees.