Magoulás Among Mountain Slopes and History

Magoulás lies amphitheatrically on mountain slopes, reaching an altitude of up to 900 metres. Its setting gives the village a distinctly mountainous character and makes its topography a central part of its identity. If you want to get to know not only individual sights but also the shape of a place, this elevation offers a tangible starting point.

Hillside Setting and Landscape Connections

A country road runs through Magoulás towards the Kloros valley. This makes it possible to situate the village both by its position on the mountain slopes and by its direction towards the valley. These two landscape connections can help you decide whether a mountain village suits your travel plans.

Springs and Traces of the Past

Minoan tombs have been found on the outskirts of the village. This archaeological connection adds a trace of the Minoan past to the picture of the village. The springs also offer a reason to explore different aspects of the place. Vrysopoula, a spring in Magoulás, can be reached on foot or by car. Megali Vrysi was built in 1879 and is considered a monument of folk architecture. At Vrysopoula, you can choose between walking and driving; Megali Vrysi offers a tangible connection to the history of building and folk architecture. These interests therefore sit alongside one another: access to one spring and the historical context of the other.

Churches Above the Village

Agios Antonios and Agia Marina are located above Magoulás in the mountainous area of Kloro and form part of the local walking routes. If you also take an interest in churches and their history on your outings, here you can combine walking routes with specific buildings. Agia Marina was built in 1998 and has two naves; the other nave is dedicated to Agios Antonios. Its feast day is 17 July. The year it was built, its architecture and its dedication each give the church its own historical and architectural significance.

An Interpretation of the Place Name

The name Magoulás is also connected with the village’s location, according to local tradition. The story goes that it sounds as if the place lies on the “cheek” (magoulo) of the mountain. This figurative interpretation links the name to the hillside setting without presenting the tradition as a confirmed etymology. It offers another way to consider the landscape and local history together.

Magoulás as a Base for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose where to stay based on the themes that interest you most: the elevation, the local walking routes and their churches, or the springs and their history. This can help you decide whether Magoulás, with its mountainous character and the cultural connections described here, is right for your stay. You can then choose specific accommodation according to your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Xerokampos, Palekastro, Ierapetra, Pilalimata, Gra Lygia, Aghia Pelagia, Makris Gialos, Roussa Ekklisia.

Go to the main travel overview: Lasithi.