For a genuine experience of real Crete life, look no further than this delightful organic farm in the village of Apistoli. Do your research first though - if you don’t have a car you will need to use the local bus to and from Heraklion, of which there are only 4-5 a day in September. Please note this is not a negative comment, it’s just something to be aware of in planning.
The accommodation is comfortable, extremely scenic and the breakfast baskets generously filled with local produce, much of it from Manolis’s farm.