The Village – Villa Arvi

Arvi Village - The basics

Arvi is a large seaside village located around 60km southeast of Heraklion and 35km west of Ierapetra, in a small valley formed in front of the imposing Gorge of Arvi. It is built on the location of the ancient city Arvi. In the valley of Arvi and the surrounding area, there are many greenhouses. The locals deal mainly with agriculture, because the warm climate of the region favors the production of bananas, fresh vegetables and olive oil. The small banana of Arvi has a special scent and unique flavor; in 1981 banana imports were banned in Greece and the bananas of Arvi became very famous throughout Greece.

Tourism

500 people live in Arvi and their main occupation is tourism. There are many taverns, cafeterias and rooms to let in the settlement. A small port is also in Arvi for the fishermen of the settlement. The village tourism sector has developed during the last years, mainly because is very close to truly beautiful beaches. Arvi is a very quiet place, ideal for families. West of the small harbor is the main beach of the area, with coarse sand and some pebbles in places. It is well organized with umbrellas, water sports and with many options for accommodation and food around. If you walk westwards, you will find a long pebbly beach, where you can relax and stay more secluded. It is near the main road heading to Amiras village and next to the pebble beach of Kolimbi.

History

The findings prove that the area was inhabited from the Pre-Historical era.

Byzantine graves were found in Apigania while a marble sarcophagus with an embossed procession of Dionysus was found near the coast. Dionysus is represented with the vineyard as a carriage and Vakches, Silinous, elephants, panthers and others are also on that sarcophagus. Today it is exhibited in the Fitzwilliam Museum, in Cambridge.

The Beach

The main beach is in front of the settlement, in the west of the small port of the coastal village and goes along the Arvi-Amira road. The beach is sandy and pebbly, organized and many water sports can be done there.

The beautiful sandy beach, the crystal shallow and warm blue waters, the sand dunes covered with sand lilies that blossom in August, together with the adjacent hill covered with pine and cider trees, create a unique environment.

More info

Arvi has a microclimate characterized by high sunshine and lack of strong winds due to the protection offered by Mount Dikti. In the depth of the valley we find the imposing gorge of Arvi, which is an attraction. There is a spring with plenty of water from which the whole area is irrigated with bananas. To the east of the gorge dominates the Monastery of St. Anthony, which was built last. A Roman bath and several graves were found in the area with the most important finds of two marble sarcophagi with elaborate reliefs.