This is a special place. It has the feel of a mountain retreat with all the comforts of a Greek country home, including a lovely, well-equipped kitchen complete with tasty dedicated drinking water. The views are breathtaking — photos can’t capture the serene yet grand land- and sea- scapes that greet you both from the beckoning balconies of the house and from the inviting paths of the graceful surrounding area. I spent two weeks here and was spellbound the entire time.
The host, Fotini, and her husband Yiorgos, are the personification of Greek hospitality. They went out of their way to make me feel at home and to make my stay enjoyable; arranging my airport transfers, providing thoughtful offerings from the property including fresh eggs from the resident chickens and the sweetest grapes and pomegranates I’ve ever tasted, as well as responding quickly to any and all queries.
Despite its remote ambience, it is less than 30 minutes by car or bus to the center of Heraklion. While a car is highly recommended, I love to walk and thoroughly enjoyed making my way by foot. There is a delightful pine forest near the house, and endless rolling hills to explore. It is about a 1.5 mile beautiful walk to the tiny center of Kato Archanes which has a great taverna, bus stop, and a couple of small food shops. It is another mile to the larger village of Archanes which has everything you might need.
It was assuredly the perfect stay, but even more, it's a place that will stay with me. I can't wait to go back.