AGIA GALINI

The bay of Agia Galini was a suitable anchorage for ships, and used in the revolutions of 1821 and 1866 for unloading munitions . Later because it was the nearest port to the fertile and oil producing region of Ampadia and Melampes, the port was used for loading oil to ships, but the village was still uninhabited. 

The settlement of Agia Galini began in 1884. The settlement was comprised of commercial buildings, oil warehouses and some residences. Over the years the commercial traffic and export of oil increased significantly. After a few years (1890) there was a permanent settlement of about 20 people.

Agia Galini became home to the Mamalakis Brothers olive oil factory. As a direct result of their presence and commerce the workers and shipmen became the natives of the region, and the village blossomed. After the fall of the factory in the 50s, the habitants reverted to agriculture and fishing as a main occupation. By the 1960s, Agia Galini capitalizing on its port, reinvented itself as a quaint fishing village with nearly 500 residents.

In the years that followed and with the help of the Cretan philoxenia, picturesque settings, lovely beaches and affordability Southern Greece and Agia Galini began to develop a tourist trade. By the late 1970s, Agia Galini was considered one of the largest tourist destinations in south Crete.