We had a really good week at Spiti Athena!
The house itself was perfect for us. As one previous guest commented, the moment you find the giant key to open the big arched doors, you know you have found somewhere quite special. The house is lovely; exactly as pictured. It is very stylish, simple and characterful, also very well equipped and comfortable. For a village house, the pool and terrace area are very large and spacious, and feel very secluded. There are lovely lemon and orange trees and big pots of herbs and flowers. Even though it was very early in the season, it was hot enough at times to really enjoy the pool. Quite extraordinary with a back-drop of snow covered mountains!
The village is very traditional and peaceful, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. We found everything we needed in the two small shops and bakery, and it was very nice to find local products - teas, soaps, marmalades, carob syrup etc
We very much enjoyed two tavernas in the village, delicious food and lovely setting and welcoming atmosphere.
There is a map of the surrounding area in the village, showing the marked 'Chania Trails'. We managed to walk all of them, following the (mostly) clear paint marks. We did several circular walks which follow beautiful valleys and mountain paths, with wild flowers everywhere. We found good eating places on the routes; the co-operative run cafe in Douliani, serving very simple and delicious organic salads, and there are several places in Vamos. We were lucky to arrive on a Sunday afternoon; it was very festive, with live music with a very much family feeling.
There are other tavernas in the surrounding villages which we also enjoyed. Parasia outside Vamos also had live music the night we went there.
Although we hired a car, we could have enjoyed the holiday without one. For the beaches you would need a car. We never met Sabine, but she was very easy to contact and so helpful and friendly.
Altogether, it was a brilliant week and we felt so lucky to have found this magical spot. We would certainly return.