Eleni and Stavros offer something special for any traveller, they offer themselves and the opportunity to experience and understand better their culture. We only stayed in Archanes for 3 days but had a couple of enjoyable sessions with them swapping stories over a glass of wine and raki (both excellent examples of local product made by our hosts!). Eleni and Stavros are genuinely curious to know their guest's stories and have much knowledge to share about their village, surroundings and culture. Between the 2 of them, Eleni and Stavros have a level of English which made it possible to share a deeper and richer experience together. They were very generous with their time, but also respectful of our privacy and space (their house and the guest's studio is on the same block). One huge experience for Mick was when Stavros drove us to a canyon near Heraklion to talk us through the defence of Heraklion Airport at this site, during the Battle of Crete in WWII (Mick's dad fought with the Allied forces). Stavros understood the emotional impact this had for Mick and was very kind and caring.
The studio itself is value for money, it's basic but functional. Additional value for money can be found in the dogs and cats Eleni and Stavros share their home with. If you're an animal lover you'll be well rewarded. We had some walking time with Zina and Silas (pooches), in the hills surrounding their home and through the village. The walk to the main village plaza is only 10 minutes, while you get the benefit of being closer to nature by staying at the airbnb studio on the edge of the village.
We highly recommend a stay at studio 'Fourni' and would love to continue our Cretan journey with a return visit.
Efharisto poli Eleni and Stavros, and eviva!!!
Catherine and Mick