History of the village of Kritinia

The name of the village of Kritinia means "New Crete" (sometimes also "Small Crete") and refers to the origin of the village itself. During the Turkish rule over the Greek islands, several families fled the island of Crete and settled down here on the island of Rhodes, where they founded a new village. However, the original village was located just off the coast of the island, where now the site of Kamiros Skala is located and was then called Kastelli.

The original name Kastelli was derived from the nearby medieval castle of Kastellos (from the Latin "Castellum", translated as "castle"). Kastellos Castle (today known as Kritinia) was built here to protect the village and its surroundings from attacks by Ottoman naval fleets. The castle was built in 1472 by the Grand Master of the Johannite Order, Giorgio Orsini.

Due to the fear of pirate raids, the village eventually moved further inland, where we know it today. Moreover, after the liberation of the Dodecanese islands, the village changed its name to Kritinia. The present Kritinia is located less than 6 km from its original location (today's Kamiros Skala) and about 4.5 km from Kritinia Castle.

Mythology and the legend of King Althaemenes

The Cretan king Katreas, son of King Minos and Pasiphae, had four children (Aeropi, Klymeni, Apimosini and Althaemenes) and was prophesied to die by the hands of one of his children. His son Althaemenes learned of the prophecy and decided to leave Crete instead. He landed on the island of Rhodes and founded the new city of Kritinia. He also built the temple of Attavirios Zeus on Mount Attavyros.

When King Katreas grew old, he wished to leave his Cretan throne to his son Althaemenes and so he went to Rhodes to see him. However, as soon as he landed on the coast, some shepherds thought he was the crew of a pirate ship. Katreas tried to explain the purpose of his journey, but to no avail; he could not be heard over the barking of the dogs. Althaemenes was attracted by the noise on the shore and threw a spear at the supposed enemy, mortally wounding him. Thus the prediction was finally fulfilled. Althaemenes languished long, until he died of grief.

The current village of Kritinia

The village of Kritinia is located in the hilly terrain between Mount Attavyros and the western coast of the island. Currently, its population is about 500 people (about 450 of whom live in Kritinia itself and the rest in the locality of Kamiros Skala), most of whom are mainly engaged in agriculture and farming.

The dialect of the inhabitants, their traditional dress, music and dances reveal the Cretan origin of Kritinia. These specific features are also present in the neighbouring villages of Embonas and Mandriko, which were also linked to the indigenous Cretan community in the past. Together, these three villages also form a very agriculturally productive area of Rhodes.

Who is Kritinia suitable for?

Kritinia is a very beautiful village, but it has become a tourist attraction mainly thanks to the nearby Kritinia Castle. Many tourists see the remains of the Johannite castle and then do not visit the village itself, what is a pity. In the centre of the village, visitors can refresh themselves in several traditional cafes and taverns and the local church of Agios Ioannis, surrounded by mature cypress trees and decorated with beautiful 16th century murals, is also worth a visit.

More touristic destinations of Rhodes

Close resorts: Embonas, Kamiros Skala, Mandriko

Most favourite resorts of Rhodes: Afandou, Archangelos, Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kalithea, Kiotari, Kolymbia, Koskinou (Reni Koskinou), Lardos, Lindos, Rhodes (city)

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Rhodes.