Fodele VillageFodele is a charming village 30 km west of
Iraklion
on the island of Crete in Greece. It is set back a little inland from the coast. In fact, it is on the river in a lush green valley, and known for its shade and greenery. Fódele Beach, 4 km from Fódele, is a small beach resort.
The village is set in a valley full of groves of oranges, lemons and mandarins. Everything grows here, but most of all the oranges, their scent and bright colours bursting all over the valley. The river Pandomandri flows throughout the year. El Greco, Domenikos Theotokopoulos was born in Fódele in 1541. A renaissance painter who came to fame in Spain, he studied in Greece and Italy before establishing his reputation in Toledo and staying there until his death in 1614. A plaque from the University of Valladolid honouring Theotokopulos is prominent in the main street of Fódele. There is also the Museum of El Greco in the house said to be his birthplace. El Greco is honoured on our pages about notorious Cretans. Many locals come to eat at tavernas by the running waters of the river, under the shade-giving platanos trees.
The Byzantine church of Agia Panagia (above) from 11th Century and the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon are also interesting highlights of visiting this pretty village, where much of the history of Kríti is encapsulated. There are plenty of accommodation options in the village and at the beach, with resorts, domatia and apartments. Byron Ayanoglu, an international chef, tells of his experiences whilst living in this village in his book The Taste of Honey, about his return to Crete from Canada. Don’t miss the walkway by the river, enjoy the shady cool drossia and relax by the soothing waters. From Fodele it is a short drive to
Agia Pelagia
and other beaches, and the ruins of a Venetian fort at Paleokastro.
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