For those of you, who don’t want to read a lot and get to the point quite early, here first our short summit, then more detailed information below:

Actually this was our first time booking a holiday via Air BnB and fortunately we just hit the jackpot. If you’re active, want to get in touch with local people and traditions, love to stay in a gorgeous apartment with a big kitchen and a wooden oven outside!!!:-), then this is the place you’re looking for. Our host Michali is living the hospitality, which Greek people are famous for. He helped us with any question, showed us the great little places, where the locals stay for dinner, took us for an exklusive tour around one of the biggest olive oil factories on Crete and let us taste his own wine. But best of all, we had the chance to celebrate a traditional Greek dinner with Michali, his friends and lots of Greek delicacies, including an oven roasted lamb, which was the best we’ve ever had .

So much for a short summit, now some more detailled information regarding the place. Manolioupoulo is a tiny little village located about 20 minutes from the big city of Chania. In any case we suggest a rental car. The car offers are quite cheap and some even pick you up straight at the airport. From the airport of Chania to Michali’s house you need about 45 min (it depends on the traffic). Maniolioupoulo is a great place to start excursions around the west side of Crete. Within 10 minutes you are on the new national or old national road, from where you have a good connection to many villages/cities. For example: To Elafounisi 1-2 h including a coffee break. To Paleochora 1 hour. If you are a beach fan, you can reach many of them, just following the old national road. The closest beach is about 10 minutes away. If you don’t feel like cooking you can also take an evening stroll in Agia Marina or Platanias. Kolimbari is also a nice place to stay where they serve good food.

We stayed for two weeks at Casa di Santolo and even in that short period of time we felt like at home in Michali’s place. In the morning you just go in the garden and pick lemons or oranges. There’s a washing maschine and a place outside to dry the clothes. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for a proper meal incl. an oven, regriferator etc. The bathroom has a WC and a shower. Upstaris is a double bed with a huge wardrobe, chairs and a working desk if you need one. The house is perfect for a couple or a family with 1 or 2 children.

Michali, thank you so much for a great time! It felt like visiting an old friend and that’s exactly what you have become for us. We invite everybody to enjoy a different side of Crete!