Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni
Αρμένοι
Over 200 late Minoan rock-cut tombs in an oak grove beside the road south of Rethymno toward Spili. It is worth a half-hour stop on the way.
The Armeni cemetery lies on the north side of the village of Armeni, about 10 km south of Rethymno. It is one of the largest known late Minoan (c. 1390-1190 BCE) burial sites on Crete. More than 200 tomb chambers carved into the rock have been excavated, and their sloping dromoi descend underground. Some can be entered to see the tomb structure, and the clay coffins found here are displayed in the Rethymno Archaeological Museum. The site is hidden among oak trees and sees few visitors. A stroll along the dirt paths takes about 30-45 minutes. Entry costs about €2, and it is usually open 08:00-15:00 and closed on Tuesdays (check on site). Getting there: drive south on the road toward Spili and Plakias, where there are roadside parking spots. It can be combined with the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach.
Opening hours
About 08:00–15:00; closed Tuesdays (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Rethymno Old Town
- Neratze Mosque
- Rimondi Fountain
- Venetian Harbour & Lighthouse of Rethymno
- Fortezza of Rethymno
- Archaeological Museum of Rethymno
- Rethymno Beach
- Argyroupoli