Roustika is a small, picturesque, traditional village with great architecture and trances of its venetian past in central of the county of Rethimnon, approximately 21km southwest of the city. The name “Roustika” comes from the Latin word Rustikus, which means rural and simple.
In the village, there is the famous monastery dedicated to the prophet Elijah (“Profitis Ilias”), built in 1200, as well as the Church of Panagia, dedicated to the Holy Mother, which was built in 1100. There is also the Museum of Traditional Greek costumes Kate & Andreas Fragkiadaki, housed in Roustika Melathron.
Roustika is also ideal for mountain-biking and hiking through majestic gorges with beautiful picturesque natural landscape and the European track E4, that extends through Crete. Close by there are some worthwhile short road trips, (15-30 min. by car) such as visiting the ancient town of Lappa, Argiroupolis, the lake Kournas, Moundros, all of which share amazing mountainous beauty.
During the summer, many traditional festivals take place in the nearby regions, in which guests have the opportunity to experience traditional Cretan sprees with music, dance, food and drinks.
Enjoy some more photos of Roustika village:
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