The Cretan Village That Made It To The World’s Top 55

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has included this magnificent village among the World’s Top 55 Villages for 2024.

If there’s a mountain that enchants me in Greece, it’s Mount Psiloritis, which, beyond its power and sacredness, is also the soul of Crete. This mountain, with its grandeur and wildness, pervades the region and its people, embedding in their daily lives a profound connection to nature and tradition. The spirit of Psiloritis is not limited to its imposing presence but permeates human existence, giving the people of Anogeia a unique sense of timelessness and continuity.

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This blending of matter and spirit highlights the revealing myth of the Anogeian, a person sculpted by the hardness and beauty of the mountain, with a temperament combining purity, hospitality, and a deep faith in the traditions of their land. In Anogeia, the visitor does not merely observe but experiences a distinct world of mountainous Crete, where history, music, and nature coexist with a sense of sanctity and strength.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) included this magnificent village among the World’s Top 55 Villages for 2024, awarding them for their outstanding contribution to Rural Tourism.

This recognition acknowledges the efforts of the local community and the Municipal Authority to promote innovation and sustainability, with respect to social, economic, and environmental aspects. The efforts of Anogeia are highlighted as a good practice example that combines tourism with the protection and enhancement of local culture and natural heritage.

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The village of Anogeia is now part of the global community of 254 villages included in the “Best Tourism Villages” initiative by the UN World Tourism Organization.

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In the village’s alleys, the sounds of the lyre and lute echo through the streets, while traditional looms, though scarce today, continue to produce the famous Cretan textiles. The image of the Anogeians, with traditional headscarves and boots, accompanying their conversations with mantinades, creates an authentic cultural identity that fascinates and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Every summer, Anogeia becomes a gathering point for hundreds of travelers visiting the birthplace of the “Archangel of Crete,” Nikos Xylouris. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in the Yakintheia, cultural events organized with the artistic curation of Louvóikos of Anogeia.

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This recognition underscores the importance of small local communities and their value in promoting economic development, preserving local traditions, and improving the quality of life for residents.

This initiative highlights the utilization of rural destinations, supporting the integration of tourism as a development tool, empowering local communities and strengthening their connections with the broader economic and cultural environment.

More than 260 applications from over 60 UN member states were scrutinized by experts, whose assessment highlighted Anogeia, Crete among the 55 Villages as a tourism destination that meets the conditions for the future of tourism in small communities.

Villages were evaluated across nine key areas: “Cultural and natural resources / promotion and preservation of cultural resources / economic sustainability / social sustainability / environmental sustainability / tourism development and value chain integration / governance and prioritization of tourism / infrastructure and connectivity / health and safety.”

Anogeia: A Mountainous Settlement Full of Lyre and Mantinades

Anogeia is globally known for its vibrant music tradition, which is a significant part of the village’s cultural heritage. Two of the greatest representatives of Cretan music, Nikos Xylouris and his brother Psarantonis, were born here and made history with their talent, contributing to the spread of Cretan musical tradition.

The music tradition is so alive that almost every family in the village has at least one lyre player, while mantinades, those popular, spontaneous Cretan poetic forms, are a daily part of the residents’ life.

The landscape of Anogeia is equally impressive, as the village is situated at an altitude of 830 meters, built on a ridge beneath the imposing Psiloritis Mountain. The natural beauty of the place is enhanced by the bare masses of the mountain, creating a lunar sensation and offering breathtaking views of the area, making Anogeia a destination of unique natural and cultural value.

Traditional cafes in the village are meeting points for locals and visitors, who enjoy raki and local delicacies, immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the place. Especially in the summer months, the central square of Saint George buzzes with life, with crowds gathering there, and musical and theatrical performances are often hosted, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the village.

The village features small hotels and rental rooms, while the taverns offer delicious traditional Cretan cuisine, making Anogeia an excellent destination for those wishing to experience the authentic Cretan experience.

Its name derives from its location since “Άνω” means high or mountainous land. The township is also known by the names Axianogeia or Megala Anogeia. Anogeia is structured into various districts, such as Armi, Mesochori (or Mesochoria), Perachori, Metochi, and Settlement, as well as neighborhoods and squares, which enhance the traditional character and social cohesion of the area.

UN Tourism’s Top 55 Tourist Villages for 2024 List