Kroustas, Agios Nikolaos

Kroustas is a traditional Cretan village located about 13 kilometers south of Agios Nikolaos at an altitude of 540 meters. It is known for its distinct local culture, evident in its customs, traditions, and even the unique local dialect. The village has a strong agricultural and livestock farming character, and its cuisine offers unique local flavors. Evidence of its long history of habitation can be found scattered throughout the surrounding area, including sites like Lenika, Panagia, Lakkoi, and Fortetsa.

History

The earliest archival record of the village dates back to 1528, in a sales document by a notary from Ierapetra. In this document, one of the contracting parties is stated to reside “in the village of Kroustas.” It was first recorded in a census as “Crusta” in 1583, with a population of 362, and was then part of the province of Ierapetra. From 1671, it belonged to the province of Mirabello (recorded as “Kruste”). During the Egyptian occupation of Crete (1830-1840), Kroustas had 30 Christian families. In 1881, it was part of the Municipality of Kritsa (with 345 inhabitants), and by 1920, it was the seat of an autonomous rural municipality with 536 inhabitants.

Cultural Significance

Kroustas holds particular interest for its elements of local culture, including customs, traditions, dialect, and even certain physical characteristics of its residents. The village also hosts annual festivals like the “Almond Festival” and the “Festival of Eftazymo” (a type of traditional bread), which are directly connected to the village’s gastronomic identity.

Landmarks

The old church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John the Theologian), dating back to the 14th century, is a notable landmark in Kroustas. It’s a single-nave church with a barrel-vaulted roof and an interesting built-in templon (iconostasis).

Administrative Status

Since 1925, Kroustas has been the seat of its own community. From 1964 until his removal by the junta in 1967, the president of the community was the resistance fighter Giorgos Gerontis. Since 1997, Kroustas has been part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos.

Demographic Data

The population of Kroustas has fluctuated over the years, as shown in the table below:

Current Status

Today, Kroustas remains a vibrant village with a population of around 476 people (as of the 2011 census). It continues to attract visitors interested in experiencing traditional Cretan life, its unique local culture, and its beautiful natural surroundings.