The Traditional Olive House is a great place to stay. It provides all the necessary for an independent holiday, away from the crowds, but near enough should you want it. The house is located outside the town, in a quiet location (even with a road running past) with a great view of the sea ahead, beyond the olive trees, typical greenhouses and sheep. The nearest beach is a few minutes walk away and is virtually empty all the time, tourists staying mainly on the town's beaches around the hotels. Go a little further by foot or by car for equally tranquil beaches. The house is an ideal base to venture out from and discover this wild, largely un-developed, side of Crete. Whilst visiting the lovely places of interest and beaches recommended by our fabulous host, Roula, the drives can take some time getting to there, but are through amazing landscapes, breathtaking views and some rather hairy mountainous roads. The destinations are always worth it for the quite, unspoilt Crete that we we were looking for.
Roula was the perfect host, attentive, informative and helpful, as well as friendly and approachable. The house was very clean and was cleaned, including bed linen and towels being changed, twice in our 12 day stay. Anything we needed, be that information or other, was dealt with quickly and efficiently. The family living upstairs were discreet and quite. Some evenings we made dinner with the more than adequately equipped kitchen and ate outside on the plant covered patio, other times we ate out in one of the many restaurants to chose from. We found in general, the food was better quality and cheaper outside Makrigialos and there was always plenty of it.
We had a fabulous stay at Roula 's, and being such good value, have plans to return.