Spili, Crete is a village that has been on our bucket list for quite some time and during our Sept 2025 trip to Crete we were able to check that item off! Although Spili Village is more than just a bucket item, it is one of the many charming villages of Crete and is definitely worth visiting. As a matter of fact, this village was even better than I had hoped and I see us returning here sometime in the future.
Location
Spili Village is located in the Rethymno area of Crete, and is 27 km (33 miles) just south of Rethymno.
Description
The minute we arrived at Spili Village , we knew we were in for something special. Positioned comfortably at the foot of Mount Voriza, Spili Village is indeed charming. Featuring the famous lion heads fountains running with clear mountain water; unique shops featuring local crafts; tavernas serving local Cretan food; traditional buildings along the narrow cobblestone walkways, and brick paved streets; all shaded by old Plane trees which gives this village an authentic, land also lively vibe. I also found it to be a very friendly and generous village with storekeepers, waiters and others, all greeting me with friendly smiles.
Shopping
Once parked, I excitedly headed for the main street of town, ready to explore, shop, and also eat! Spili has several unique shops and we enjoyed many of them. I found a perfect swim cover up and we also found some lovely soaps, lotions and of course honey. In addition, I found a couple of cute throw rugs I just couldn’t live without. Everyone was so very friendly. As a matter of fact, we even were given some delicious fresh grapes from one of the storekeeper’s garden !She had asked where we were headed next and gave us a bag of grapes to snack on our way there! Not only were they delicious, but the grapes were the perfect snack and we enjoyed them over the next couple of days! She gave us a lot! We just love the people of Crete!
We also stopped at Hydria Pottery where we found a bowl I fell in love with. As a matter of fact, it is now setting on my kitchen counter. Its’ lovely blues remind me of Greece and the beautiful blue of the sea. The potter here was very nice and also a plethora of local information. We especially appreciated a tip about a little known beach. He told us about a sand dune beach which was on our way and as it sounded like so much fun we sought it out after we left Spili.
Lion Fountain
Spili is well known in Crete for its Lion head fountain. This iconic fountain has 25 lion heads in a row with fresh mountain water continuously flowing from their mouths, it is also known as Kefalovrissi. The water is nice and cold, and also drinkable. We saw people draining from the fountain as well as filling their water bottles from the fountains here! This fountain, which dates back to Venetian times, is really a unique fountain to visit. True to its Venetian heritage, the lions of the fountain represent St. Mark, a common Venetian symbol. The fountain is surrounded by tavernas and also large mature trees, making it a perfect a gathering spot for people who just want to enjoy the ambiance, chill out and relax.
Lunch
It was getting close to mid afternoon and not surprisingly, we were famished. With so many choices of tavernas, it was hard to decide but we chose to eat right next to the fountain at Mylos Cafe. In fact, we had been eyeing the gyros there and had built up an appetite for them. No surprise, we found out they were just as delicious as they looked. I must say we agree that they were the best gyros of our trip! All in all, I’d return to Spili just to dine on these again! In addition, we enjoyed a couple of fredos, which were icy cold and perfectly refreshing for such a hot day.
Conclusion
Spili Village in Crete is as charming as I have heard it is. The atmosphere is fun, vibrant and also welcoming. For this reason, I would highly recommend a stop here! We will definitely try to return here at some point, not just for the gyros, but the entire village!
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In addition to this post, you can also check out my other posts from our 2025 trip to Greece, our other Crete adventures, and also previous years Itineraries by following these links!
Frangokastello Crete-Sept 2025
Aptera Archaeological Site, Sept 2025
Chyrsoskalitissa Monastery, Crete-Sept 2025
Falasarna Archaeological Site in Crete-Sept 2025
Beaches on Milos Island -Sept 2025
The Villages of Milos, Greece -Sept 2025
Sulfur Mines at Milos Island – Sept 2025
Kleftiko Boat Tour on Milos Island – Sept 2025
Discover the Quiet Beauty of Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Livadaki Beach at Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Agios Nikolaos Beach at Folegandros Sept 2025
Delos Island; A comprehensive Self Guided Tour September 2025
Mykonos One Day Itinerary Sept 2025
Great Places to Eat in Plaka, Athens and Nearby. Updated Sept 2025
Self Guided Tour to Acropolis Sept 2025
Tower of the Wind, Athens Sept 2025
The Roman Forum in Athens, Sept 2025
National Archaeology Museum Athens, Sept 2025
Crete Past Adventures
2023 Crete
Sunken City of Olous-September 2023
Elounda Peninsula Hotel-Revised 2023
Hike to Agiofarago Beach-Sept 2023
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019
Greece Itineraries
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos,Santorini. Oct 2018
10 Days in Greece Athens ,Crete, Santorini Sept 2019
14 Days in Greece Crete, Naxos, Santorini, Athens Sept 2021
2 Weeks in Greece, Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini Sept 2022
10 Day Peloponnese Itinerary August/September 2024
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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This looks like a delightful spot Lori. I would be tempted by the gyros too. Have a good weekend. Allan
The gyros were top notch!!! Have a good weekend!
I am glad you had such a lovely time there. It makes such a difference when people are friendly and welcoming.
It certainly does!