The village of Pefkos is located on the southern foothills of Mount Psari Madara, part of the Dikti mountain range, at an altitude of 2,141 meters, about 10 km east of Ano Viannos. This traditional settlement offers breathtaking scenery and an opportunity for visitors to experience rural Cretan life, with its stunning natural beauty and historical significance.

Pefkos is part of the municipality of Viannos, and its municipal district includes the settlements of Agios Dimitrios, Ano Kornia, Kokkalaras, and Latomia. The total population of the municipal district is approximately 340 people, with Pefkos itself home to about 317 residents. The local population is mainly engaged in olive cultivation, vegetable farming, livestock breeding, and beekeeping, playing a significant role in the area's agricultural economy and tradition.

The village's history is notable, as it was first mentioned by the Venetian records of Kastrofylakas in 1583 under the name "Pefko". During World War II, in September 1943, 13 men from Pefkos were executed by Nazi forces, a tragic event that remains a crucial part of the village's collective memory.

Pefkos is also home to several significant religious monuments, including the churches of Saint George, Saint Dimitrios, and Saint Anna. The village also features charming chapels such as those of Saint Nicholas and Saint Theodore, adding a spiritual and cultural richness to the area.

The village’s name is a phytonym, derived from a large pine tree ("pefko" in Greek) that once stood in the upper settlement of the village, giving it its name.