Agia Roumeli is located 60 km. south of Hania. This is a small, sunwashed resort with very few residents, built next to an exquisite beach with crystal clear waters. Its modern name comes from the chrurch of Agia Roumeli, which is built on the older, roman temple of Agia Roumilia or Roumina. At the site of the contemporary village it is believed that was the ancient city Taras, the ruinw of which have been dated to the 5th century B.C. As proven by the excavations, the city of Taras was of great economic importance for the area, cutting its own coins, and as it is proven by the temple of Tarsios Apollo or Artemis, which was located at the exit of the gorge, this was also an importan religious center during antiquity.
Today, at the site of the ancient temple, you will spot the church of Panagia (the Holy Mother), exhibiting worthwhile mosaics of the 15th century. During the summer months, lots of visitors come to Agia Roumeli, since the village is located at a distance of 1.5 km. from the exit of the Gorge of Samaria. From Agia Roumeli and at a walking distance of about an hour you will find the small byzantine church where it is said that the Apostle Paul came to teach