Spili Fountain Spring, Spili, Rethymno, Crete, Greece

## Overview The Spili Fountain Spring is a beloved Venetian-era fountain located in the charming mountain village of Spili, in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, Greece. Situated at the heart of the village in a small, shaded square just off the main road, the fountain is one of Crete's most photographed landmarks — a row of stone lion heads from which fresh spring water flows continuously into a long trough below. The fountain is believed to date back to the Venetian period of Cretan history (roughly 1204–1669), when the Republic of Venice controlled the island and invested heavily in public infrastructure, including aqueducts and fountains. The lion-head motif is a hallmark of Venetian design, as the lion of Saint Mark was the symbol of the Venetian Republic. The spring water feeding the fountain originates from natural sources in the surrounding White Mountains (Lefka Ori), channeled down to the village through ancient waterways. Spili sits at an elevation of approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) above sea level, and the cool mountain spring water has historically been prized by locals and travelers alike. Visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing — Crete's mountain springs are renowned across Greece for their quality. The fountain typically features 19 lion-head spouts, each releasing a steady stream of cold, clear water, making it a welcome stop for anyone passing through the village. ## Directions 1. From the city of Rethymno on the northern coast of Crete, head south on the national road toward Agia Galini (approximately 30 km / 19 miles). 2. Follow signs for Spili — the village is located along the main road that connects the north and south coasts of the Rethymno prefecture. 3. As you enter the village of Spili, look for the central square (plateia) just off the main road on the eastern side. 4. The fountain is prominently located in this small square, shaded by large plane trees. It is difficult to miss — you will likely see other visitors stopping to fill bottles or take photos. 5. Parking is available along the main road or in small lots near the village center. **GPS Coordinates:** 35.218361, 24.534922 ## What to Expect The Spili Fountain Spring is a public drinking fountain that flows year-round. The row of ornate stone lion heads — typically 19 in total — each pours a steady arc of cold spring water into a long stone basin below. The square is shaded by mature plane trees, making it a cool and pleasant resting spot, especially during the hot Cretan summers. The fountain is easily accessible from the main road and requires no hiking. It is a popular stop for tourists driving between the north coast resorts and the beaches of the south coast. The village of Spili itself is worth exploring — it has a relaxed, authentic Cretan atmosphere with several tavernas, cafés, and small shops nearby where you can enjoy local cuisine and Cretan hospitality. Many visitors bring bottles to fill with the spring water, which has been used as a drinking water source by locals for centuries. The water is cold and has been widely reported to taste excellent. The fountain area is well-maintained and is a point of pride for the village. The setting is particularly photogenic in the morning light, when the square is quieter and the lion heads glisten with flowing water. Spili is also a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the palm beach of Preveli to the south.