One village, one world! One could possibly write a whole book about Mylopotamos. It was established during the Venetian period and was the third housing pool of the island, next to Paleohora of Agios Dimitrios and the new Capital of the island to the South. The center of the village was today’s Kato Hora ,which is preserved exactly as it was. At the entrance of Kato Hora the Lion of St. Marcus, symbol of the Most Serene Democracy of Venice, domineers majestically. In this village, the square forms the meeting point from which all routes begin. On the square, with its gigantic sycamore trees and traditional coffee house, the church of Agios Sostis reigns. Down below are the natural springs which supply the watering places where housewives used to wash their clothes. The area is constructed around a small lake, which is home to many ducks.
A stroll through the village’s alleys will lead you to Fonissa, a hidden gorge with the well-known waterfall of the same name. If you continue further you will come across the water mills and other waterfalls. There are a total of 23 water mills along the gorge which leads to Kalami, a rough but delightful beach which is optimal for a night stay.
Kato Hora, the well-known Venetian settlement of the island mentioned above, is located at the western end of the village. it is built on the cliff edge and it is full of Byzantine churches. The architecture of the buildings here is amazing. Mylopotamos has been declared as a traditional settlement in its entity. For this reason, you will notice that all modern houses and buildings are constructed today with respect to tradition, and the village is becoming more beautiful every year. From here, the route to Agia Sofia cave begins, a spectacular sight at the craggy Western coasts of the island that will fascinate you. The view from here is amazing and reminds of Santorini’s caldera. From the same road one can reach the picturesque beach of Limnionas, a small sheltered bay which functions as a small leeward harbor for small boats.
In the village of legends and traditions, locals will educate you on local stories…
It is worth it to devote a full day to this magical place, to eat at the village’s restaurants, to drink plenty tsipoura and not to miss, by any means, the sunset at “Kato Hora”. Also ask for directions to the small monastery of Panayia Orfani and the Byzantine church of Agios Petros in the settlement of Arei.
