Rogdia (or Rodia) (Crete) continued...

What to see/do - Rogdia

The view, the old houses and Venetian villa and the small church in front of it. The cemetery is very fine and has the best of many great views.
Enjoy the tavernas in Rogdia and on the road up to it. Chat over an "Elliniko" (Greek Coffee) in the Kafeneia and again admire the sweeping panoramas.
Visit the Savvathiania Monastery (a convent), which is a further ten minutes drive (or 6 km walk for the brave) higher up the mountain and has splendid gardens, Byzantine murals in its churches and paradise-like views. A sense of calm goes without saying.
Walk (45 minutes) down the dust road to Palekastro and sip a beer or eat at one of the two tavernas at the beach and surf-edge, beneath the National Road but also sided by the old wall of a Roman Fortress.
Drive along the acceptably unsurfaced road to Achlada - in 7km you can see a village that almost makes Rogdia look modern! Many buildings and houses are empty, but the village is inhabited and two Kafeneia-tavernas sit virtually opposite each other in the central walkway, good coffee, raki and tasty mezedes ready for you! Also if you drive to the end of the upper village beneath the large church there is a Kafeneio with fine view terrace and for winter, a fireplace inside. Drive on to Fodele where there is a museum devoted to El Greco, which is arguably also the house El Greco lived in. The place has a pleasing air, a stream, tavernas (we like the one on the other side of the bridge in the centre of the village, with a large ourdoor terrace on the edge of the stream), and gift shops selling quite a selection of lace and embroidery (salesmanship is alive here!). Also if you go down to Fodele Beach, go to Plaitis - friendly, good food and reasonable prices. We have truly enjoyed the fish served here  - open year round - with the option of sitting at tables "on" the beach when things are warm! Mention seeing this at CreteTravel.com,  you will surely be offered a complimentary Raki (the local drink) after your meal, a regular gesture of hospitality in Crete.

Where to eat & drink - Rogdia

Cafe Rodea is on the road up to Rogdia - the only one on the left well before you reach the village (it's opposite a taverna and has no easily visible sign).
Up the steps to this wonderful place - we like the coffees and we love the view. Sit at the last table on the terrace, facing Heraklion, and you could imagine sailing in to the city!
To Alonaki,  also on the road up to Rogdia, on the right hand side. Eat good local food at decent prices inside or on the terrace with a superb view across Heraklion, expect to pay in the D price category,  per person for a good meal. Tel: 2810 -841 422. Next to the taverna is a small winding road which takes you back to the National road, passing the flower-filled church and study centre of Agia Fotini.
At the beginning of the village itself on the right again, is "Remvi" with a great view, a smaller place with a fireplace.Tel:2810-841 441. Price category: D
The newest eatery is Ouzerie Kegos at the far end of the village, good fresh mezedes with a drink or a cup of coffee, great views - - again! 2810-841 393. Price category:E/D.
Cafe Bar Lambrakis - we must warn you against. Severe price gouging that is almost laughable. Let the signs and international flags outside alert you (these seem to have been removed). Price category: Absurd.
 

Special Comments - Rogdia

Well, really everything about Rogdia is special. Don't forget to breath deeply - the herbs and flowers that grow everywhere make the air deliciously fragrant. Be prepared - you might be  tempted to buy land and build here! Just have a look at the view!....
 

Photo album - Rogdia

To see more of Rogdia, click here to go to its photo album.
 

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Simple map - Rogdia

We have drawn  a simple map of Rogdia, to give a better idea of where things are. See Rogdia simple map.

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