Episkopi is a tiny town in the Rethimno prefecture and county. It is located 22.5 kilometers from Rethimno on the ancient national route of Rethimno-Hania.
The village is situated at a height of 120 meters above sea level, with views of Crete’s northern shore and the lush and rich Mousselas River valley.
It was the seat of the municipality of Lappeon until 2010, and it has been part of the Municipality of Rethymnon since January 2011.
Episkopi is the area’s administrative and economic hub, with a variety of services.
Agriculture, mostly the production of olive oil, is the principal employment of its 900 residents.
The term Episcopi refers to a bishopric, and it is adopted by several settlements in Crete that once housed the bishop’s offices.
The area’s religious history is evident to visitors now, since there are churches aplenty, some with magnificent paintings.
Episkopi is a rather old settlement, with 446 residents recorded in the records prior to 1583.
It was the site of countless fights in the past, particularly during the Turkish rule, due to its geographical placement between Apokoronas and Rethimno.
Regular bus service is available from Rethimnon to Episkopi.
By automobile, it is more easy to take the new national road to Petre Beach and then turn south – a total distance of 17 kilometers.
