Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary
Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary
5
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
About
As a Greek Registered non for profit charity Sanctuary we rescue old, unwanted and abandoned donkeys from Crete and other Greek Islands. On average we have 30 donkeys... Visitors are welcome to come and visit, you may mingle with the donkeys, groom, stroke, cuddle and get the know these beautiful affectionate and intelligent animals. Children may enter under supervision of an adult. We do not have an entry charge but have a small shop selling interesting donkey items which you are welcome to buy and/or leave a donation to help us feed and care for these beautiful creatures. We do not allow smoking at the sanctuary in case of fire risk and do not have toilet facilities due to water shortages.
We are closed over the winter until Tuesday April 5th 2022.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
152 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Pingo1992
Bialystok, Poland21 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We highly recommend visiting this place, even if it is quite far from where you are based. People who run this shelter have great hearts and really care about their animals. Donkeys are lovely, we were respectful for their moods, cause they have different personalities just like people (some of them are totally cuddlers, some of them less). There are also a few other animals there, dogs are big cuddlers. It is worth to bring some apples or carrots, owners will distribute them during feed time. Entrance is free, so I think it is nice to consider a donation.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
smkatariina
Espoo, Finland20 contributions
Jul 2022
This was one of the highlights of our vacation. All the donkeys are friendly and even the children are able to groom them with brushes which are available for the visitors. The owners took their time to tell about the donkeys and their stories. We will remember this place with warmth.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephanie Cvdv
3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I absolutely loved everything. The people were so kind, they told us about the donkeys and were open to all questions. For example we asked if they themselfs (re)named the donkeys, and the answer is yes. His mom names every one of them. They were very personal and took the time to answer our questions.
100/100 would recommend
100/100 would recommend
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deutschexpat13
Pulheim, Germany139 contributions
Oct 2020
If you are visiting Phaistos, then make the effort to head minutes off the beaten path to the Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary. Maybe 25 years ago, there was over half a million donkeys on the island of Crete. Now there is estimated to be roughly 15 thousand. They have been replaced by technology. As more farmers adopt new technology or retire or die off, their donkeys are more than just a machine that needs to be cared for. The Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary was formed to care for those donkeys who could no longer be cared for by their proprietors. These social beings are friendly and walk right up to you. Be sure to pick up a brush and brush down their fur. Reserve an hour to brush the 27 or so donkeys as well as numerous other rescues at the Sanctuary! And make a donation as you leave!!
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We thank you with much love for your very kind and affectionate response....
thank you from the donkeys and their carers for your visit and we hope you will come again soon..
we wish you a healthy and happy winter,
with warmest wishes
Barbara, Fanis & Michalis
Written October 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bev C
Wakefield, UK74 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We visited the donkey sanctuary on a very hot day on a little moped from Hersonissos. We had such a friendly welcome from the couple who run the sanctuary and were given a personal guided tour of the 31 beautiful donkeys living there. I was even able to groom them. The dedication and love for these gentle animals was clearly evident. I would recommend if you're visiting Crete to try to call at the sanctuary and spend time in the peaceful area around it. A wonderful experience and a treasured memory.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JasminKl
Erlangen, Germany5 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Lovely family taking care of rescued donkeys and a few other animals. They will also give you a lot of interesting information about the donkeys. You are allowed to cuddle and stroke the donkeys and to fall in love with them 😍 make sure to support them with a little donation 🙂
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dotty69
Doncaster, UK1 contribution
May 2013 • Couples
Had the wonderful pleasure of visiting AMR in May this year such a warm welcome from the Doulyeraki Family greeted us. Such a loving sanctuary for the donkeys to live out there elder years many of the donkeys before they came to AMR have lived an awful life of abuse neglect a hard work .It is a delight to see the donkeys wander up to the gate to say Hello each one with a different personality greeting us and then for us stroke and feed them . Loved the little Donke E Shop what better to take a gift home as a reminder of such a happy time at the Sanctuary .
See you all in Oct 2013 again .
See you all in Oct 2013 again .
Written August 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott S
Ashingdon10 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
What can you say. Great people doing a great thing, purely for the love of it. Go and see the animals, chip in, do your bit and help Barbara and her family keep up the great work. There's a lot to moan about in the modern world and, in the scheme of things, this is a small thing, but by god it takes a lot of effort, love and kindness, a small thing maybe but a very, very good thing. So glad we had the chance to visit.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judy680201
Saxmundham, UK3 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
These dear old working Donkeys who have been overworked and abused must think they have died and gone to heaven. The owners have not only made available their land, planted shade trees, and supplied all donkey requirements, they also tirelessly have to raise money to provide for the donkeys. They have also taken in stray dogs and cats that have been brought to them or reported to o them and bring them back to tip top condition and find homes for them. I cannot express what a fantastic family they are and the selfless time they spend caring for the poor neglected animals. My friend and I feel so strongly, after visiting the Santuary, that we will market the plight of the Crete donkeys to everyone we are associated with to get onboard and adopt a donkey or make a donation. Definitely visit if you find yourself in Crete on holiday and buy something from the array of donkey souvenirs and see first hand for yourselves.
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lexie1975
Buggenhout, Belgium6 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
We fell in love with this wonderful place 3 weeks ago and visited several times during our 3 week stay in Matala. The animals are very lucky to have such lovely caring people looking after them and giving them a loving home they deserve after a very cruel past. It was heartbreaking to hear some of the donkeys or other animals stories. As animal lovers we were glad to helped out and we surely will visit again in the near future.
Written August 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
brigittev56
Fuerth, Germany2 contributions
wo bitte befindet sich Ihr Eselrefugium? Wir werden ab 25,August für 2 Wochen in Aghios Nikolaos sein- von dort gut erreichbar?
Freundliche Grüße Brigitte Vonau
Barbara D
Heraklion, Greece8 contributions
Dear Brigitte,
we are situated in South Coast Iraklion, you go to Iraklion and head South to Moires, from Moires town you will see signs, or head for Matala.
We are next to the off road from Petrokefali to Matala,
many greetings,
Barbara
TravelngGirl
New Jersey20 contributions
My husband and I plan to visit the sanctuary in October. Is it necessary or helpful to let the owners know we are coming and when? We're really looking forward to visiting and supporting their work.
foginthevalley
Eindhoven, The Netherlands63 contributions
They should be there during the normal visiting hours. But if you want to make sure just contact them.
msemilyhughes
Heraklion Prefecture, Greece4 contributions
Is this attraction open year round?
Ariana750
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Open all year round..April - November 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00. Sundays closed.
November to April please tel. first +30 6949168763
Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary (Mires) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary
- Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 1:45 PM
- Hotels near Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary:
- (0.66 mi) Sigelakis Studios
- (0.73 mi) Agapi Holiday House, Sivas, South Crete, GREECE
- (2.12 mi) Niriida Guest House
- (0.60 mi) Barbara II
- (9.38 mi) Eleonas
- Restaurants near Agia Marina Donkey Rescue Sanctuary:
- (0.75 mi) Vafis Tavern
- (1.56 mi) Lamb House
- (2.93 mi) Alekos Taverna
- (4.44 mi) Bistronomy Matala
- (1.79 mi) Loggia