The best cycling routes around Potamoi Lake

The Vier Zeugen Church, better known as the Vier Märtyrer Church (Greek "Tesseris Martyres"), is one of the beautiful sights of the historic city of Rethymno. The name "Vier Märtyrer" commemorates four brave Cretan men who refused to convert to Islam when Crete came under Turkish rule and sacrificed their lives for their faith. Their names were Aggelis, Emmanouil, Georgios and Nikolaos. The church is located near the Guora Gate, one of the main entrances to the old town of Rethymno, where the Vier Märtyrer were executed in 1824. The current appearance of the church is from 1975, and it has not only a very nice exterior, but also a very fine interior with murals and exceptional furniture, including nice chandeliers. Regular services are held in the church.

The old town of Rethymno is partly Venetian, partly Ottoman, but always unmistakably Cretan. A walk through the original settlement of the city, halfway between Chania and Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, brings the past to life through striking buildings, street markets, atmospheric alleys and historical monuments. You will recognize how the old town became Crete's third-largest settlement, spreading from the port around 1300, but you will also appreciate how intimate and colorful the old town appears with small bars, cafes and concept stores that have opened in renovated buildings. Of course, there are still taverns where you can enjoy traditional Cretan food and Cretan music. Decorated doors adorned with Venetian coats of arms, Ottoman mosques with minarets and wooden facades of mansions attract attention - before you land on the shore of the famous harbor.

Beautiful old town near the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Megali Panagia) in Rethymnon.

The Porta Guora (also called Porta Gazi or Porta Grande) 🏰🚪 is the most magnificent and striking gate of the Fortezza of Rethymno and a symbol of Venetian power and architecture in Crete. Built in the 16th century as the main access to the fortress, it impresses to this day with its monumental design, reliefs, and historical significance.

The old town of Rethymno (Παλιά Πόλη) 🏛️🌿 is one of the best-preserved historical centers in Crete and a must for any visitor to the island. Here, Venetian palaces, Ottoman mosques, Cretan stone houses, and modern boutiques merge into a unique architectural and cultural ensemble. The alleys smell of fresh bread, olive oil, and herbs, while the laughter of locals and tourists enlivens the atmosphere.

The lake has an area of 16 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 54 meters. Its storage capacity is 22.5 million cubic meters. The reservoir has a shoreline of twelve kilometers. The Patsos Gorge stream and the Stavromana stream, which originates near Agia Fotini, flow into the lake.

Lake Potamon (Greek: Λίμνη Ποταμών, Limni Potamon) is a reservoir near the Greek city of Rethymno on Crete. It provides water for the city of Rethymno and its surrounding area. Lake Potamon is the largest freshwater lake in Crete.

The Potamon Reservoir Dam, also known as the Amari Dam (Greek: Φράγμα του Αμαρίου), consists of an earth embankment. Its height from base to crest is 55 meters. At its base, the dam is 310 meters wide, and at its crest, 10 meters wide.