Our villages

Rokka is a semi-mountainous village, with approximately 30 permanent residents, in western Crete.  In the archaeological region of Rokka (coterminous with the modern village) and the acropolis Troulli, one can still see the signs of the ancient settlement, such as the houses, the paths, the watertanks as well as the byzantine fortress that loomed on the hill.

The amphitheatre-like view of Rokka, the natural beauty of the gorge and the energy of the surrounding rocks make this archaeological area unique setting it apart from all others in Crete.

Kera is located 12 km southeast of Kissamos and has about 30 permanent residents. For many people, the etymology of the name of Kera comes from the ally city of Polyrhenia, Keraia. The village is a crossroad of history, tradition and natural wealth. The stone sculpture of Antonousa Kastanakis, the brave warrior of the 19th century, crafted by the distinguished sculptor Aspasia Papadoperakis, towers over the square of the village and testifies to its struggles.

The “Plakoura”, as the old village settlement is called, the water mill, the forest with the waterfall and the caves with the stalactites constitute a unique and beautiful scenery. Since the beginning of Giortes Rokkas, the cultural association of Kera “Antonousa”, is the most prominent supporter because of the brotherly ties between the two neighboring villages. This year, Kera turns into a big stage that that hosts artistic and educational activities dedicated to theater and the visual arts.

The archaeological site of Rokka was not utilized until 2012, when the preparations for the first year’s eventstarted taking place. This fact, along with the village redevelopment operations in 2015, motivated the residents to become more involved and the younger generation to return during summers and open their homes, giving a boost in local tourism and turning the area into a point of interest for visitors throughout the year.