Amari’s natural beauty enchants visitors year-round, with historic villages, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, and captivating monuments awaiting exploration. And the welcoming locals are always eager to guide you through their home’s hidden gems. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. Potamon Dam

North of the village of Voleones and near the Patsos Gorge, Potamon Dam is a must for nature lovers. The serene landscape around the reservoir offers an ideal setting for walks and birdwatching.

2. Platania Gorge

On the western slopes of Mount Psiloritis, Platania Gorge awaits with mythical intrigue. Discover the Cave of Pan and the tales that swirl around it—a mystical touch to an already stunning hike.

3. Patsos Gorge

Located in the northwest of Amari, this gorge features the charming chapel of Agios Antonios, tucked into the rock. Patsos is ideal for a leisurely walk through lush scenery, all the while steeped in a sense of timeless spirituality.

4. Early Christian Basilica of Vizari

Near the village of Vizari lies the Early Christian Basilica, at the edge of an archaeological site filled with remains from the Roman period. It’s a serene spot to reflect on centuries of history.

5. Yous Kambos Plateau

Northwest of Mount Kentros, at 750 meters altitude, Yous Kambos Plateau stretches out in stunning beauty. Easily accessible from the villages of Gerakari, Patsos, and Spili, it is a beloved spring destination when the plateau blooms with wildflowers.

6. Church of Panagia Throniotissa

This 14th-century church in the village of Thronos features remarkable frescoes and mosaics. Its unique decor, blending Gothic and Byzantine elements, provides a true testament to Amari’s artistic heritage.

7. Church of Panagia in Meronas

At the heart of Meronas village stands the Church of Panagia. Inside, discover the icon of Panagia Odigitria, dating back to the mid-14th century—a true masterpiece of Cretan iconography.

8. Monastery of Asomaton

Set in the fertile Amari Valley, this monastery is an oasis of Cretan monastic history. Its vestments, relics, icons, and manuscripts are preserved at the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion, allowing visitors to glimpse its rich past.

9. Archaeological Site of Monastiraki

Just outside Monastiraki Amari, at the location of "Kokkinos Charakas," lies this significant Minoan palace complex from the Protopalatial period (2000–1700 BCE). Believed to have strong ties to Phaistos, the site’s ancient ruins whisper stories of Crete’s Minoan grandeur.

10. Archaeological Site of Apodoulou

On a hillside northwest of the village, this site features the remains of a Minoan settlement from the Protopalatial period (19th–16th century BCE). Its artifacts hint at a thriving civilization that once flourished in Amari.

Each of these places captures a piece of Amari’s spirit—a mosaic of history, nature, and culture that waits to be discovered.

Photo: Discoveramari