The Municipality of Malevizi has secured €2 million in funding from Greece’s Ministry of Rural Development and Food for a series of rural road improvement projects that will strengthen access to farms, livestock holdings, and mountain communities across the municipality.
While the investment is primarily aimed at supporting agriculture, it also comes with an added bonus: better access to some of inland Crete’s most authentic villages and landscapes, making it easier for visitors to discover places beyond the island’s busy coastline.
Three Projects, One Goal
The approved funding will support three road improvement projects:
- €1 million to improve access to agricultural land between Rodia and Marathos.
- €500,000 for rural roads in the Gazi Municipal Unit.
- €500,000 for rural road improvements serving the communities of Tylissos, Gonies, and Kerasmoutsi.
Together, these projects will improve safety, reduce travel times, and make it easier for farmers and livestock producers to reach their fields and facilities throughout the year.
Investing in the Countryside
Mayor Menelaos Bokeas welcomed the approval, describing it as recognition of the municipality’s systematic efforts to secure funding for projects that directly benefit local communities.
“The approval of all three proposals we submitted and the securing of 2 million euros in funding represent a very significant success for the Municipality of Malevizi and are a testament to the systematic work carried out by the municipal administration and our departments.”
Good News Beyond Agriculture
For visitors, improved rural roads may prove just as valuable.
As more travelers seek authentic experiences away from crowded resorts, villages such as Marathos, Tylissos, Gonies, and Kerasmoutsi are increasingly attracting hikers, food lovers, and cultural explorers looking to experience Crete’s inland traditions.
Safer, more reliable roads make these destinations easier to reach while supporting local tavernas, wineries, family-run businesses, and agritourism initiatives that depend on year-round accessibility.
It’s a reminder that investing in rural infrastructure isn’t simply about moving tractors more efficiently—it’s also about keeping mountain communities connected, preserving local economies, and encouraging visitors to venture beyond the beaches.
For Malevizi, that’s an investment likely to pay dividends for both residents and the growing number of travelers discovering another side of Crete.
