Aggeliana is a lowland village at an altitude of only 90 m and at a distance of about 25 km from Rethymno. It belongs to the municipal unit of Mylopotamos in the regional unit of Rethymno. The community also includes the settlements of Chanothiana and Hani Alexandrou.
There is no exact information about when the village was built. The archaeological excavations brought to light a Late Minoan tomb with five larns and many burials.
According to N. Stavrinides, the area is mentioned in the Turkish census of 1671. Another source states that in the area there was a settlement with the Venetian name Dalambelos.
The origin of the name of the village is claimed by two versions that speak either of its first inhabitant, who was called “Angelis’, or about the fact that the village used to be a messenger station.
It is one of the most fertile villages in the region. In the past, the main occupation of the inhabitants was agriculture and specifically viticulture, with the first being in the production of raisins and excellent quality of wine and raki.
Overtime, the cultivation turned primarily to olive production, so that today extra virgin olive oil is now produced with pan-Hellenic distinctions for its quality. However, there is no lack of interest in the cultivation of horticultural crops, which are sold throughout Crete. Close to the above, the economy of the place is largely supported by tourism, which shows particular growth in the region and employs a large percentage of the inhabitants. Indicatively, one of the most beautiful and bustling beaches in the area is the
“Geropotamos” beach, which is only 5 km from our village.
We are sure that a visit to Aggeliana and a walk through the picturesque alleys with theirs special architecture, while scanning the codes you will come across and talk about the history of the village, will convince you that we live in a blessed place with hidden treasures that challenge you to discover them!!!
Sincerely
The Cultural Association of Angeliana
