Sfendili
Located in the Heraklion prefecture between the inland villages of Potamies and Avdou, Sfendili is Crete's famous "sunken village," offering a captivating and ever-changing landscape dictated by the water levels of the Aposelemis Dam reservoir.

The History & Evacuation:
The village had to be abandoned following the construction of the Aposelemis Dam, which was designed to secure freshwater supplies for Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. As the artificial lake began filling, the waters gradually submerged the traditional stone houses, church, and footpaths, forcing all remaining residents to relocate.

The Evolving Landscape:
What makes Sfendili truly unique is its dynamic nature: depending on seasonal rainfall and winter snowmelt, the village slowly disappears underwater or re-emerges from the reservoir. During drier months, rooftops, stone arches, and the local church of Agios Theodoros become walkable again, whereas after heavy rains, only the upper stone structures protrude above the lake's calm surface.

Rider’s/Explorer's Notes:
The Access: Access is easy via paved secondary roads connecting Potamies and Avdou along the edge of the reservoir basin. A brief gravel side path allows visitors to park right near the shoreline to photograph the submerged buildings or walk among the exposed ruins when water levels are low.