Somatás can be located using three clear reference points: the village lies at an elevation of 360 metres, 10 kilometres from Rethymno and before Armeni. A cycling route passes through the village and ends at the post-Minoan cemetery of Armeni. The history of the village and a nearby archaeological site therefore offer two distinct points of interest. When planning your trip, you can consider the village’s historical connections and the cycling route as two separate themes.

The history of Somatás

Somatás is already recorded in 16th-century censuses. During Ottoman rule, many Turkish agas lived in Somatás. These details offer two historical perspectives: on the one hand, the village appears in censuses at an early date; on the other, the reference to many Turkish agas describes a settlement context during Ottoman rule. Together, they draw attention both to the written record of the village and to its history during this period.

The cycling route and the cemetery of Armeni

At the end of the cycling route lies the extensive Late Minoan necropolis of Armeni, where more than 220 tombs have been excavated. These were family tombs containing several deceased people; their grave goods provide information about the art, religion and social organisation of the time. The necropolis was discovered by chance in 1969: students from neighbouring Somatás had found vessels on the surface that badgers had previously removed from the tombs. The story of the discovery thus also connects Somatás with the discovery of the nearby cemetery. Another cycling route passes through Gallou, where the restored Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul is located. In the surrounding area, you can therefore encounter different historical themes: the Late Minoan necropolis and a restored monastery.

Rethymno: Old Town, Museums and Events

Rethymno offers a different kind of urban focus. The Old Town is designated as a protected historic monument and traditional settlement. Its urban layout, which developed during the Venetian period, was later reshaped under Turkish rule; the historic centre lies below the Venetian Fortezza. The city’s museums also offer their own historical perspectives. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the Fortezza’s main entrance. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic to Roman periods. The Historical and Folklore Museum is housed in a 17th-century Venetian mansion and presents traditional crafts and folk art in five permanent exhibition rooms.

Events also give Rethymno its own seasonal highlights: the Renaissance Festival takes place every summer and includes music, theatre and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions. Carnival is a traditional event, and its parade is organised annually by volunteers. If these dates matter for your travel plans, it is best to check them in advance. The difference in focus is clear: Somatás is associated with village history and the cycling route to Armeni, while Rethymno is associated with the Old Town, museums and events.

Discover more destinations: Keramota, Argiroupoli, Gallos, Aggeliana, Viranepiskopi, Myxorrouma, Livadia Keramoti, Triopetra

For the overview of the wider region: Rethymno.