Our party all agreed that we were looking for a traditional Greek experience away from the regular tourist spots. The village of Orthes with 120 residents sounded like the ideal place to set up shop for our holiday and our host and house did not disappoint.
Your welcoming committee awaits atop a scrambler, Vasilis senior, Vasilis junior and the family dog Atilia. You are greeted as if you were old friends returning after awhile, warm embraces for all.
Quickly you are directed into the kitchen and asked to sit around the family table. Our hosts busy themselves, breaking bread, cutting cheese, slicing fruit and pouring drinks. All produce is locally sourced, the fruit from our hosts garden, the cheese from the village and the spirits from from the hosts good friend, shots glasses are quickly topped up and then we salute the beginning of our holiday.
This is by far the best welcoming we have ever experienced, our host's aim is to please and please they do, from fresh fruit dropped off in the morning, to taking us to a gem of a beach, to a guided tour of the village's small museum, the personal care and attention is beyond compare. Nothing is too difficult, we asked for a cot and a cot was sourced as well as toys for the kids. You get the feeling that this is a village affair with all supporting Vasilis in ensuring that their visitors have a wonderful stay.
The highlight by far was the dinner Vasilis invited us to attend at a taverna in a village nearby. Once more the hospitality was beyond compare, it was an evening one would not easily forget.
Vasilis home has 4 bedrooms (1 in the loft conversion accessed by a secured step ladder), 3 bathrooms and and has everything you need to prepare meals. The front balcony is a lovely spot for a book and a drink. Orthes is about 15 minutes drive from the coast and the ruins of Eleftherna is nearby.
If you are seeking a traditional rural Greek feel, with traditional Greek hospitality then this is the place to be, we highly recommend a visit as you will not be disappointed.