Between Kalavarda and Kamiros Skala, 42km away from
the center, there is a small village inhabited by just a handful of people, the
name of which comes from the word “Mandri” [Greek
for “pen, fold”], meaning a small area surrounded by a fence, especially
designed to keep animals in.
It is a colony, one might say, of the village of
Embona, as the inhabitants of Embona used to have their agricultural lands in
the region. Later, the land began to get inhabited, until a small rural
population took up residence in recent years. The fact that it is a new
settlement is also underlined by the position of the village, since when pirates
used to raid the island in the past a settlement could not possibly prosper. In
fact, this region was inhabited by residents of Crete who, for the same reason,
were forced to live uphill.
The inhabitants of Mandriko are mainly engaged in
farming, that’s why the village is said to produce 1/3 of the island’s fruit
and vegetables. Here, one can catch sight of lots of greenhouses, as well as
cultivated land. After talking with the locals, you can watch from up close or
even take part in farming chores along with them. In the center of the small
village, there is the village church dedicated to Agios Lukas [St. Luca]. If you
happen to be in the area during the afternoon hours, do not forget to admire
the truly breathtaking sunset. If you are a lover of ancient culture, you can
combine your trip in Mandriko with a visit to Ancient Kamiros.
