A small village of Fodele is located between Heraklion (27 km West) and Rethymno (50 km to the East) in the Northern part of the island of Crete. Located near the popular tourist resort of Agia Pelagia with its famous sandy and pebble beaches. The population of the village of Fodele, only about 500 people.

A picturesque village set among orange groves and forests. Here is a mountain river Pentametric that satisfy the demand of the local population in water. According to historians, Fodele is located on the site of the ancient city of Astali port of AXOS (references are found in the Venetian sources).

One of the main attractions of the village of Fodele is the house-Museum of the famous painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco, 1541-1616), located near the center. For a long time the village was considered the birthplace of the artist, but recent research has shown that El Greco was born still in Heraklion, and lived here for some time. The Museum houses a small collection of memorabilia and reproductions of paintings (in the form of illuminated stained glass). In the village is also a bust of El Greco (1964) and a memorial plate.

Near the Museum there is a small Byzantine Church of the Annunciation of the virgin Mary (presumably, the beginning of the XIV century), built on the site of a three-aisled Basilica of the VII-XI centuries. Inside the Church there are a number of frescoes. The Church is an important architectural monument of the Byzantine period.

Another local attraction is the monastery of Saint Panteleimon, which was built in the period of Byzantine domination. During the Turkish occupation the monastery was a centre of revolutionary action. During this period the Church was heavily damaged and looted.

Next to the main square is a wonderful shady Park is a great place for walks and picnics. In the cosy taverns, which I love to visit on Sunday and residents of the capital, you can relax and enjoy the national cuisine. In local shops you can buy lovely Souvenirs.