This place is phenomenal. I booked this place on the strength of its reviews and as we drove in our hire car deep into rural Crete in the middle of the night my travel buddies grew more skeptical. Manolis met us and dropped us to his adorable cottage where we promptly passed out. We woke to the sound of crickets and freshly baked bread waiting on the doorstep of our cobbled street sheltered by vines heavy with grapes. It only got better from there as (unbeknownst to our hosts) local villagers deposited or delivered more treats to us- milk so fresh it was warm, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes and just-laid eggs. This was to become a daily delight. The village itself is sleepy and charming, and I enjoyed many cuddles with cats and puppies. Manolis was away with his son, but his gorgeous wife Nopi took us four travelers and another who was staying at their farm to a neighboring village on our final night for a night of music she expected to be exceptional. She was right, and we were lucky enough to see a famous Cretan lute player having an all night jam in a traditional village whose name I never caught. An incredible experience we never would have known of if not for our exceptional hosts. Thank you so much Nopi and Manolis!!
I know its tempting especially on a short holiday to stick to Heraklion or Chania, but I implore you to visit this charming spot for a break from the tourist lane and a taste of genuine village life in Crete :)