Our stay with Manolis and his family was by far the best Airbnb experience I've had as a guest!
Upon arrival I felt slightly annoyed with my partners choice of accommodation inland. I thought the beach would be ideal in my pregnant state. I could not have been more wrong! Every part of our experience was rich with relaxation and nourishment! And we were able to make daily trips to a wonderful beach on the south side of the island. On our journeys to the beach we discovered villages that felt like they had stopped in time; multi-generation family houses upon olive farms and wine orchards. Stunning mountains with peaks into the sun washed skies. The beach we chose to visit, upon Manolis's recommendation, was free of mass-tourism. We often had Long beaches with piercing blue water all to ourselves. And not far from our favorite beach we discovered what became our favorite restaurant, Jimmy's. We ate fantastic fish and Greek delights such as homemade stuffed grape leaves, locally harvested salads and crisp Cretan white wines.
At home we were endlessly spoiled my Manolis and his gorgeous and gracious wife. Each morning we were delivered a new organic delight; fresh baked breads, local honey, cheese and homemade Sheeps milk yogurt. An assortment of melons and heavenly figs, pears, oranges the list is endless. We were warmly invited to meet on the terrace for shared dinners, which was often abundant with local dishes prepared by Manolis wife. And of course a local wine and lots of story telling.
They invited as a there guests to a neighbors wedding. 500 guests! We were once again spoiled with there wariness and open hearted nature. We spent a lovely evening talking to a backdrop of traditional Greek music more incredible food and conversation.
Our last night ended with a meal under the stars. Manolis brought out his telescope and gave us a tour of the moon. And we ate snails collected by their two sons and carefully and lovingly prepared.
The family is full of warmth and generosity. I felt welcome on the farm but I also felt we had a lot of privacy in our flat.
This is an authentic experience with genuinely warm and interesting people. If you want the best of Crete, stay a fews day on the farm with Manolis and his family. You will go home feeling like you had a real life experience, and not something packaged and sold out of a catalogue.
Thank you to the entire family for hosting us. We made some lasting memories.