The village of Prines Crete is one of the least touched by Tourism; it retains most of its past beauty through time; located in a beautiful landscape containing an abundance of trees it is a great choice for people who wish to stay in the area of Rethymnon while keeping a safe distance from the city at the same time enjoying the perks of a traditional village. The villages roots can be traced back in History from the 10th Century, although there are suspicions that the area was inhabited in the Ancient Times, but the first historically proven settlement was that of “Klotziana”; the place was quickly abandoned however because of the Saracens, those who survived the invasion of the Saracens created two new settlements, “Kaneva” and “Alexandri”, both known for their specialty in pottery. After the liberation of Crete (made by Nikiforos Fokas on 961 AC), and because many families went under slavery, the Byzantine Empire send more population to Crete to enhance the poor demographics of the time. Prince Michael who was also one of the new settlers in the area of Rethymnon was amazed when passing through Prines region, because of the beautiful forest-like landscape and the climate. He decided to build his Palace there. The Princes’ loyal population followed him quickly as well as the local officials, who built outposts in order to control the bay of “Gerani” from pirate invasions. There was an epidemic in the settlements of “Kaneva” and “Alexandri” which killed a large part of the population; the survivors resettled in a new location named by the Venecians as Princeps, i.e. Prince in Latin, which later evolved through Time to Prines. Apart from the Venetian buildings, village visitors can also admire the Church of Agios Nikolaos, who is the patron Saint of the village, located next to the old stone school. The church was built in 10th-11th century and displays an old icon of the Saint, who performed multiple miracles during the Turkish occupation. That is why the icon became the target of the Turks, who plundered the temple and tried to destroy the image with their swords but in vain. The local tradition says that later, in the Turkish occupation one bullet, shot by a Turk soldier to the icon was, bounced back from the icon and blinded him. In the village of Prines there are also: a two-nave church of Agios Antonios; the Annunciation of the Virgin built in 1800 in the center of the village; the church of Agios Panteleimonas, with a great feast held in honor of the Saint every year; and Agia Paraskevi, a picturesque chapel. On the War Memorial of the village, 20 fighters are mentioned, who fell for their country. Since 1982 the active Cultural Association of Prines organizes major events in the village. Prines has facilities for agricultural tourism as well as villas-to-rent, taverns and one cafe-bar. The village also features a 5×5 football pitch, a safe cycling route of varying degree of difficulty over 10 km long and the hiking trails leading to the village of Vederoi and the gorge Vederon. Since 2014 the race “Nikiforeios” is conducted in honor of Nikiforos Fokas, and passes through the village of Prines. Prines village in Crete is offered for a variety of activities. There are areas suitable for safe cycling (a track with a varying degree of difficulty which is 10 km in length), as well as areas suitable for walk, such as paths leading to Vederi or the popular gorge of the region. The location of Prines is amphitheatrical, so there are many places in the village from which you can enjoy a great view. It is sure that you will never forget the lush greenery, the breathtaking view of Vederi gorge and sierra of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and of course, the vast sea view (from Rethymnon to Akrotiri). The village disposes two remarkable taverns, one café-bar and a 5×5 football court.