Self Catering
In touch with nature
Child Friendly
This Hideaway is a good example of how to turn authentic old run-down houses into a lovely, attractive and contemporary accommodation without doing harm to the original style and natural surroundings.
In the 80’s Vangelis Mavrakis bought a couple of old houses which used to serve as a shelter for the olive farmers. Many people called him crazy: which tourist wants to stay in the interior of the island… the coast is the place to be! But Vangelis persisted and created and constructed personally his own little paradise. Located at the foothill of the beautiful Pefki Gorge and in the middle of old olive groves.
He proved his friends wrong because nowadays if you are driving along the south-east coast towards this cottages you get mixed feelings: the coastal villages certainly have a charming atmosphere, as if the Greek 70’s never went by, but you also see a lot of unfinished buildings which are spoiling the beautiful landscape. But don’t let that scare you off! Through a narrow path you wind your way, 5 minutes from the coast of Makris Gialos, and you find yourself in another world.
Another world!
The complex exists of 12 cottages and studio’s well fitted in the natural surroundings, you find a lot of old knotty olive trees which have endured the ravages of time almost growing against the walls of the cottages. It was very special to look at the ‘before and after’ renovation pictures Vangelis showed me. What a job it must have been to create this beautiful final result.
Owner Vangelis moves, while he is here and not in Heraklion, almost unnoticed over the property… I almost took him by accident as the gardener. He can tell you passionate about the area and his project.
Surrounded by old olive trees!
All the cottages and studio’s are oozing a stylish and local atmosphere and they all have something unique. One has a bigger terrace, another has see view, again another has a bigger bathroom. They are all well appointed and well convenient. I stayed in one of the biggest cottages, it has a separate bedroom, kitchen/living with extra bank-beds for the kids, spacious modern bathroom and a sheltered terrace.
The heart of the complex is filled by the beautiful big pool. Vangelis also stuck to his own ideas with this pool, while others told him that it would do harm to the surroundings, he thought is was a great asset for such an accommodation if it’s done carefully. He was right, it’s a great place to read your book and take a refreshing dip once in a while. Also a perfect place for kids to meet and play. This is a good place to stay with your sprouts, although I won’t recommend it to parents with infants and toddlers because of the stony stairs at the complex.
In the area is lots to explore, from beautiful hidden bays with crystal clear water and local tavernas to great hikes. Highlight was the Pefki Gorge walk, starting right next to the cottages. A hike of about 1,5 hour to the white village of Pefki. A perfect place to have lunch or dinner there is taverna Piperia, where you can sit under a huge peppertree, they can call you a taxi for your return to the cottages if you don’t fancy a walk back.
This Hideaway brings a lovely tranquil and authentic atmosphere to your vacation. From here you can perfectly explore the south-east and even a part of the north of Crete!
Zuidoost Kreta, Griekenland
