Plan your trip
to Venizelos Graves

Located just 5 km east of Chania, on the scenic Akrotiri Peninsula, the graves of Eleftherios and Sofoklis Venizelos are among the most important historical landmarks in Crete. Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece’s most charismatic and influential statesmen, served seven terms as Prime Minister and played a decisive role in shaping modern Greece. The gravesite was personally chosen by Venizelos, not far from his home in Chalepa, offering breathtaking views over Chania and the Cretan Sea.

A short walk from the graves leads to the historic Venetian church of Prophet Elias and a statue of Cretan hero Spiros Kagialedakis (Kagiales). The statue commemorates a powerful moment from the Cretan Revolution of 1897, when Venizelos and fellow rebels raised the Greek flag at this very location. When foreign forces opposing Cretan autonomy bombarded the area and struck the flagpole, Kagiales famously held the fallen flag aloft with his body, becoming a living symbol of Cretan resistance and courage. The site combines national history, heroism, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Chania region.