Amari, the village, was founded in the 13th century during Venetian times. For many years it was the capital and administrative centre of the Region of Amari drawing many prominent and educated people to make their home in this beautiful village. Today, one can still find echoes of Amari's rich and distinguished past in the neoclassic buildings as well as the noble grace of its inhabitants. The painter Fotakis was born there and spent his summer holidays in Amari. He lived in Paris, France and people said that fashion first arrived in Amari direct from Paris and then spread to the rest of Crete! Also artists like Pantelis Prevelakis, Giorgos Heimonas, Manolis and Loula Anagnostaki and Yorgi Kalomenopoulos enjoyed their summers in Amari.

During the years of the Ottoman occupation, Amari was a Christian village with only one Muslim family. Immigration led many inhabitants to Africa, firstly to Egypt and later to South Africa, and to U.S.A. They distinguished themselves financially and were beneficial to the village, donating money for many public buildings like the school, the court, the police and the square (platia) etc.

Today however, as is the case with most inland villages, its population is constantly decreasing as younger people move to towns seeking jobs.

For information on the valley of Amari see  http://www.amari.gov.gr