KERAMI

The fairy-tale village of Kerami is located in the Tragaia basin about halfway between Halki and Filoti, with its charming narrow streets, white houses, cool courtyards, lush gardens, picturesque alleyways and a beautiful views of the lush plain of many olive trees. Kerami has experienced a revival in recent years roughly doubling the number of houses and a marked presence of young people. The heart of the village beats around the church of Agios Taxiarchis where many attractive cafes and tavernas are found.

The impressive Markopolitis tower, a traditional Venetian tower in the centre of the village, now houses a modern museum well worth visiting.

Other important sights are the Byzantine churches of Agios Ioannis (13th century) – hidden amongst the olive groves next to the main road – and the architecturally rare Agii Apostoli in the nearby hamlet of Metochi, which is now abandoned but still worth visiting to see the old houses and the remains of a tower house once said to house an old Ottoman court.

After exploring the village do take a seat at one of the traditional cafes or tavernas and delight in their fresh and flavourful local cuisine.