The prefecture of Rethimno is a miniature of the whole island of Crete. Huge planes and oak trees, vast olive groves, deep gorges and rivers alternating harmoniously with the dry barren scenery of the beaches in the south, in the Libyan Sea. Towering mountains, some bare others densely wooded and fertile valleys and plains. Dozens of picturesque villages inhabited by true Cretans: proud, imperious but at the same time kind-hearted and hospitable. There is a plethora of caves, ancient monuments ruins of Roman and Venetian buildings and deserted Byzantine churches with rare frescoes. The prefecture contains many archaeological sites with Axos, ancient Eleftherna and Ideo Antro standing out. The gorges of Kourtliotiko and Kotsifou are impressive. The beaches in the Libyan Sea are splendid: Bali, Panormos, Rodakino, Plakias, Agia Galini, Agios Petros, Agios Georgios. Wonderful woven fabrics, copies of Byzantine icons or of ancient items and ceramics are some of the souvenirs you can buy. The local specialties are tantalizing: yoghurt and honey, pies made of wild greens, fish and sea urchins, octopus and cuttlefish cooked on charcoal and plenty of local wine or "raki".