Discover the Village
Kato Valsamonero is a small traditional village of 200 inhabitants who work mainly with agriculture and stockbreeding. The name of the village (Valsam-onero), according to the tradition, is due to the very good quality water of it's sources, that has pleasant and therapeutic impact (Balsam is an aromatic cretan plant with therapeutic and soothing effects). The village exists since the byzantine era. In the village there are various buildings of the byzantine and venetian era. During the turkish occupation the village was inhabited by turks while during the beginning of the 20th century it was inhabited by Cretans from Sfakia, Asi Gonia and Roumbado areas.
Around the Village
Churches and Monasteries
Inside the village there are: the 12th century Saint John Theologos church with two rare fresco layers, the Virgin Mary monastery, that it is on a renovation status by the Greek archaeology service and the Agia Paraskevi church and various other country churches.
Caves
In the rural areas there are three rather big caves, namely Vasileas cave, that is known since antiquity, the Kouroupitos cave and the Tripiti cave.
Springs
Inside the village there are two springs with fresh water (ano and kato vrisi) where in their decorated areas, the visitor can rest and relax.
Natural Environment
Kato Vaslamonero and the surrounding villages are full of various trees, such as olive trees, oak trees, locust trees, walnut trees etc. There are also various bushes, aromatic plants and wild flowers and all these create magnificent surroundings which in combination to the serenity and peace of the area comprise a perfect environment for tranquility and relaxation.
Taste local products
The visitor can be initiated to various secrets of agriculture, because most of the village inhabitants plant vegetables in their yards and he can be a part of the agricultural life. The raki dixie and production, the grape-harvest, the footing of the grapes for wine production, the chese-dairy and cheese production with the traditional cretan way, are unprecedented experiences that bring the citizen close the original traditional occupations. The visitor can also visit the cattle-breeding areas and live cattle-breeding life experience close to the cattle-breeder and his animals.
Τaste traditional cuisine
The visitor van be initiated to the secrets of the cretan cookery, to taste traditional food, taht he himself has prepared with the local housewives. Bread kneading and baking in the traditional wood oven is an unforgetable experience. Kato Vaslamonero village haw three traditional cafes where the locals gathered to drink raki, talk, entertain themselves and eat traditional dishes.
Local Social Exhibitions
Various social exhibitions are taking place during the year. Local hospitality is unique to both locals and visitors. Traditional marriages, name giving ceremonies, name days festivals, grape-harvesting, sheepshearing are amongst various exhibitions where every visitor can participate and get close to the traditional life of Cretan people.