Chania Voukolies

General information

A charming village located 20 kilometers southwest of Chania Town, Voukolies is built on the west bank of the Tavronitis River. This village was the center of economic activity in the area for centuries, with its Good Friday bazaar earning acclaim throughout Crete. Attested since at least the 19th century, this bazaar was once of vital importance to the social fabric of the local community, as it became a hotspot for the arrangement of marriages.

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Many scenic villages are dotted in the vicinity of Voukolies and trekking is popular in the region, as the river presents a relaxing, verdant natural environment, lined by both wild vegetation and small agricultural fields.

More about Voukolies

Slightly to the north of Voukolies, opposite the settlement of Nebros, in the midst of olive groves and orange orchards, one can come across a church dedicated to Saint Constantine. This church dates to between 1452 and 1461, with its belfry being added in 1645. Although it can be hard to find, it’s worth it for its frescos, parts of which are preserved in good condition. To get there, one must follow the riverside path northwards, past the old water mill, turning left at the second dirt road intersecting with the path.

At the other end of the village, one comes across the Tower of Voukolies. This tower was part of the fortifications built by the Ottomans to guard the village below and its Muslim inhabitants during the 1866-69 rebellion that took place in Crete and is most notable as the site of the Battle of Voukolies on February 7th, 1897. Following months of Cretan rebellious activity, Greek forces, led by Timoleon Vassos, landed on the island in an attempt to bolster the revolution and push for the annexation of Crete. As their position at Kolimbari was threatened by the Ottoman garrison housed here, they besieged it, killing 240 out of the 400 men defending the fort, which was destroyed in the process, with a smaller turret being built on the site to commemorate what was the first engagement of Greek forces on Crete.