Beautifully restored hotel, both in town centre & on the beach, splendid local period architecture, sea views...Palazzo Apartments

Palazzo Apartments offers the rare town centre and beach location that will please both of you, all of you - "they" shop while you sunbathe and swim! Burnished wood, yacht-like fittings and chessboard mosaic tiles are restored to pristine condition, full kitchens and a hint of grande epoque style - yet a most economical place to stay. Good restaurant and cafe next door.

Palazzo Apartments Hotel - full details

AGIOS NIKOLAOS: The marina (the only international-standard marina in Crete) and the port, the "lake", all hang from or sit beneath the hills that form the town that once was called Lato Kamara, Voulismeni and at another time Mandraki. Like many in Crete, it had its periods of Venetian and Turkish dominion. The church of Agios Nikolaos has given the multi-faceted town its current name. The famously deep "lake" is a natural congregating point for waterfront cafes and eating places. Shops cover a range of styles, interesting items can be found on sale in the town centre. Cafes cater for tastes from regular nightlife to a literary bent. Nearby attractions include Spinalonga, Kritsa village and Katharos plateau - and the wonderfully scenic "corniche" coastal route to Sitia. Good beaches within the town and on the east coast. A new stretch of road means this is just one hour from Heraklion airport.
Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Apartment/villas with pool, on the beach, bay with magnificent sea views...Mare Nostrum Villas

Four two-storey houses, can function as 4 villas (with private pool) or 2 villas and 4 apartments. Modern, panoramic sea views, every bedroom with own bathroom, fully equipped. Neighbouring glass fronted restaurant and cafe - self contained delight. Near Chania and within 15  minutes of the airport. Small protected bay with good sandy beach. A magical enclave.

Mare Nostrum Villas - full details

LOUTRAKI/MARATHI (near Chania): Minutes by car from Chania town and Chania airport, Loutraki is a sparkling small bay with delightful sandy beach and tranquil sea. Neighbouring Marathi has 2 more fine sandy beaches, an archaeological mini-site and three tavernas, one of which is notably good - at sea's edge. For sand and sea and vistas, comfort and privacy but within a short drive of the Venetian harbour, many small villages, this is a perfect local enclave. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Quality traditional restored stone houses, in romantic off-the-beaten-track village, fine views, pool...Samonas Inn

Samonas Inn: a group of craftsmen finished and appealingly designed maisonette-style houses with one bedroom, a living room with fully equipped kitchen and dining area. These stone buildings - old hewn stone with flower-decorated pathways in between, suggest a village in their own right. Each one provides spacious and stylish comfort, ideal for two people.

Samonas Inn - full details

SAMONAS [CHANIA]: A tiny village, a hamlet, with but a handful of houses. The village reveals the historic heart of Crete, it has the atmosphere of a "village in the hills" - a place to experience the scents, sounds and warmth of Crete. History, hospitality, mountain views, cool evenings, the gentle sounds of local life. One genuine local taverna. Beaches not far away and Chania is accessible via a choice of two scenic drives. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Comfortable apartments in stone houses, with pool, small village setting...Natalia's Houses

Charming period apartments in a group of stone houses, in the small village of Douliana near Vamos and Chania. Self catering or eat at the small hotel-style taverna and cafe. A mini-market at your door makes things easy and many nearby, restaurants, beaches, scenic villages to enjoy.

Natalia's Houses - full details

DOULIANA [CHANIA]: One of the pleasant small villages, with many charming restored houses, on the Apokoronas peninsula between Chania and Georgioupoli. Near Vamos. The village has a kafeneio (small local cafe) and a taverna. Rolling hill views, sandy beaches, tavernas and cafes nearby. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Small apartment hotel, with pool, by Sitia beach...Sitia Bay Hotel

Opened in 2005. A good, modern, bright, quality small hotel that Sitia much needed. Advantageously located both near the town centre and few steps from the sandy beach. All 19 rooms well finished, with direct sea views and kitchens. Swimming pool, lots of flowers, parking spaces for guests.

Sitia Bay Hotel - full details

SITIA: A very pleasurable small town in the east of Crete: nice waterfront and harbour, quaint streets and a fortress, many good tavernas, cafes, tasteful bars, shops and a sandy beach a few metres from the main seafront square. Active year round but not "touristy". Uncrowded. An excellent base to explore east and south-east Crete from. Visit from Sitia: Toplou Monastery, Faneromeni Monastery, beautiful sandy beaches further east (Vai, Itanos, Kouremenos), Palace of Zakros, Kato Zakros, Xerokambos beach in the south, Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra towns and interesting villages like Mochlos and Etia. Read our >>Sitia feature<<

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Good quality studios, above Falasarna beach, with wonderful sea views...Roubini Hotel

Ten spacious modern studios with kitchenette, wonderful views, balconies. Open view cafe and hotel lounge areas. Perched above the sweep of beach and endless sea on the way down to Falasarna beach. Magnificent sunset views.

Roubini Hotel - full details

FALASARNA (FALASSARNA): Falasarna's west coast of Crete location, offering a quiet, un-crowded area to enjoy with its endless, wild sandy beaches facing an endless sea. You can choose a patch of beach to suit, sandy, sand and craggy rock, cafe by the beach, private or with sun umbrellas and beach chairs if you prefer. Several tavernas feed you amply right by the beach. Dramatic scenery on hikes, winding roads through unspoiled west coast villages, passing both pebble and sandy beaches if you take the scenic and adventurous route to Elafonisi's quasi-tropical beach and islet. Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Collection of traditional and modern villas and houses in the areas around Matala and Sivas on Crete's south coast ...South Coast Crete Villas & Houses

A few moments inland in the area of Matala on the south coast of Crete. A selection of traditional or modern villas and houses in or close to the villages of Kamilari, Siva, Listaros and Pitsidia - all are near Matala. From cozy & romantic to large enough for multi-generation family vacations and reunions.

South Coast Villas and Houses - full details

MATALA: Wonderful, wide sandy beach, famous caves carved into the rocks. Good swimming - many waterside cafes, gift-shops & tavernas. Calm in spring and fall, busy & bustling in summer. It's close to the archaeological sites at Kommos, Gortys and Phaestos; also it's a short drive to Agia Gallini for a change of setting. Wonderful sunsets! Absence of large hotels, relaxed & very casual.  

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Bungalow apartments a few steps from long, quiet beach...Olga Beach

Olga Beach's very acceptable 6 bungalow apartments on the quiet eastern coast of Crete (east of Sitia), allow you to be at one with the sea for days on end. Great swimming and lazing, windsurfing facilities, perhaps a stroll inland for a different view, or stroll to the simple Kouremenos harbour to inspect the morning's catch. A lot of beach, a calm sea, a few tavernas - a quiet area. Close: Archaeology, Vai beach & Kato Zakros.

Olga Beach Apartments - full details

KOUREMENOS BEACH [SITIA]: One of the areas of Crete with very little development - so this is a fairly local place. Nearby archaeological sites and an easy get-there-early-hop to Vai beach to enjoy it before the hoards arrive. The village of Palekastro is the simple, local and traditional seat of the area. Kouremenos is a calm bay with clear swim-able water and a simple harbour. Good chance to amble around small villages and see the Toplou Monastery. Read our >>Sitia feature<<

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Apartments and studios...Akrotiri Apartments

Overlooking the Makrigialos bay, Akrotiri Apartments has superb location and views. Comfortable apartments and studios, gardens, two beaches to enjoy nearby.

Akrotiri Apartments - full details

MAKRIGIALOS: Some way from any major or developed tourist towns, it lies east of Ierapetra, along a coastline with secluded bays and beaches. Easy access to and from Sitia. The harbour area has character. "Local" and not excessively tourist-trodden atmosphere. Read our >>Makrigialos feature<<

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Village houses, with warm charm, in the centre of the renowned beauty,  Archanes Village...Kalimera Archanes

These three houses form a walled garden in the village, tucked in the middle of other old village houses, they have been recreated to provide all the comfort and facilities that make a simple village house bring a smile to those who dwell within. Two storey maisonette-style, with one or 3 bedrooms, living room with fireplace and well equipped kitchens.
Archanes is the best kept and one of the most attractive villages in Crete. Walk up the narrow donkey-width street that leads away from the houses and a few steps more to the small Arhanes archaeological museum. An area of Archaeology, history and wine.

Kalimera Archanes - full details

ARCHANES: Historic and best-preserved and restored village. Small and specially well presented local museum, excellent lamb served at local tavernas, pleasing town square, cafes and views to the Yuchta mountain which frames and borders one of the Arhanes horizons. Several notable local restaurants, wines to taste.
In 10 minutes you are at Knossos and another 10 minutes in the heart of Heraklion. You can continue on to the south coast and visit Keratokambos. Read our >>Archanes feature<<

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On the beach, just outside Chania, small  hotel...Ammos Hotel

This charming small hotel with flair, sits on a picturesque beach 10 minutes from Chania's Venetian harbour. Studio-rooms are pleasant and each have their own balcony, most of them with direct sea view. A pool by the sea, a cafe and restaurant - with some truly tasty food - complete the picture perfect holiday setting. Stay....venture into Venetian history...stay and swim, relax or tour the area.

Ammos Hotel - full details

CHANIA: Host to the beautiful Venetian harbour with its waterfront tavernas, numerous good restaurants, unique accommodation in restored and modern buildings, intriguing narrow shopping streets. Nearby beach, resort and water park areas heading west. The Lefka Ori mountains are easily explored from here, along with many intriguing villages. Good shopping opportunities for handicrafts, clothes and more. Small - more easily digested museums! Read our >>Chania feature<<

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Boutique, stylish hotel of 8 suites, by the sea...Hotel Civitas

A renovated historic building becomes a small boutique-style, quality, intimate hotel in the centre of things - equidistant to Rethymno's long sandy beach and the Venetian harbour - both are a 5 minute stroll along the seafront. Comfortable, lush suites, with luxurious fabrics and convenient kitchenettes.

Hotel Civitas Rethymnae - full details NEW Addition

RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike) and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery, trips to Chania & south coast. Read our >>Rethymno feature<<

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Extravagantly lavish suites, with open countryside views, in local village near Heraklion...Vergis Epavlis

One of these four suites, plush with grand design themes and furnishings, can be the "emperor's base" for your stay in this part of Crete - or perhaps when you need easy access to Heraklion and its airport for a few days, yet want to continue breathing in the relaxing air and soothing your work-tired eyes with nourishing green countryside and your palate with delicious local food.

Vergis Epavlis - full details

AGIOS MYRONAS [HERAKLION]: A friendly local village near Heraklion. Sweeping views and rolling hills, local churches, historic villages nearby. Easy to get to from Heraklion airport - yet ages away in feel - you relax and feel energized, calmed and reconditioned the moment you arrive. Two tavernas and a Kafeneio with a great view from its outdoor seating area. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Well finished compact studios on a quiet, long sandy beach...Akti Rooms

One of the few places in Crete with such a unique position, right on the beach. Look out from the balcony - it's an uninterrupted view of the sea, you will rarely see anyone else. Modern, compact studio rooms, finished to a high standard. With basic cooking facilities for the times a walk or short drive to one of the tavernas is too much of a change of mood.Isolated and quiet. 

Akti Rooms - full details

XEROKAMBOS: Quiet, uncrowded, holiday on the beach. Swim and sunbathe. Hike, cave, walk. Relax. Good food. Space. Long sandy beaches, great swimming, peace and quiet at moderate prices. Entertainment is something you make for yourself. Explore by car. Read our >>Xerokambos feature<<

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On the beach, charming apartments...Romantika Apartments

Just wonderful - if you had stumbled across this garden-setting, on-the-sandy-beach group of six apartments you would know you are a lucky traveler. Neat, modern and tidy with only-sea views. A few steps and you are sitting sipping a drink or eating at the family run beach cafe/taverna. Here you have a peaceful haven and a short stretch away, the beach town of Agia Galini itself.

Romantika Apartments - full details 

AGIA GALINI: Has a feeling of being very separate from the surrounding area, with a well-used harbour. From the harbourside restaurants and cafes, this small town climbs with some shops and small hotels, steeply uphill. A closely-built place, with two beaches stretching to the east of the town. You can travel in about an hour to Rethymno on the north coast, sample its old Venetian and Turkish history, visiting the beautiful Spili and Amari villages on the way. Matala with its sandy beach and nearby Kommos with its extensive and quiet beach with an archaeological site, are just over half an hour away.

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Fantastic sea views and comfort..."Thalassa House" Apartments

Three apartments in the perfect location at one end of Plakias, with uninterrupted sea views. Modern, efficient and pleasing apartments for 2 to 4 people. Thalassa House is a separate "wing" of one of Plakias' small hotels. Balconies are of good size, tasteful and peaceful.

Thalassa House - full details 

PLAKIAS: On the south coast - directly south of Rethymno. The approach and coastline are quite mountainous and dramatic. Small hotels and many beachfront restaurants & cafes. The large crescent bay of sandy beach and the harbour provide a varied and yet not too busy destination. Frangokastello and Sfakia is a pleasant twisting and scenic short drive. Above Plakias, Myrthios, affords gorgeous views of the bay, coastline and sea. The gorges of Prevelli (and the monastery), Kourtaliotis and Kotsifos are easily visited.

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Traditional house in a an old village...Agioklima Traditional House

Restored traditional stone houses converted into one and two-level units with character. Impressive views over rolling hills clad with grapevines and olive trees. Short trip to beaches and Heraklion.

Agioklima traditional house - full details

PETROKEFALO: Built on a hilltop, the village commands magnificent views to surrounding mountains, olive trees and vineyards. It is only 16 km from Heraklion and less from Amoudara beach. Sit at the two kafeneia or explore other villages from here, like Agios Mironas, Asites and Kroussonas. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Ten exclusive boutique suites...Elounda Gulf Luxury Suites

Created by the same professionals who have made Elounda Gulf Villas so popular, these ten luxury suites have luxurious marble bathrooms, gorgeous furniture, balconies or terraces. You enjoy the use of an outdoor jacuzzi, workout room, swimming pool, fine restaurant - all with stunning views and service above the norm. The individuality of suites with the nature of a small luxury hotel. Amongst the best.

Elounda Gulf Suites - full details

ELOUNDA: Home of the most select luxurious resorts in Crete. The village itself has some attractive restaurants and cafes and a pleasant seafront square. Nearby attractions include Spinalonga island, water sports, boat trips, the town of Agios Nikolaos and the quiet east coast region of Sitia. Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Traditional house has history, magic views & gardens...Kastellos Village

Restored house dating from 1910. Near Lake Kournas, coast & beaches. Chania and Rethymno within easy reach. Provides two units, exposed wood, stone and delightful terraces. Surrounded by fruit trees and gardens. Views across trees and old village to the sea. Atmosphere and comfort.

Kastellos Village - full details  

KASTELLOS: An old village in the Cretan tradition, has a cafe,  the nearest taverna  is five minutes away at Lake Kournas. Quiet and calm, makes a convenient base that's cheery and local-friendly. Visit the lake, Georgioupoli, beaches, Chania & Rethymno - or gaze, write, relax. Read our >>Rethymno feature<<

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Unique mountain retreat (with horseback riding facility)...Lefkoritis Resort

Unique in Crete, mountain resort/hideaway. Attractive stone-built suites of one or two bedrooms with mountain views. Marble bathrooms, elegant furnishings, some fireplaces. Horseback riding, skeet shooting and range of sports activities provided on request. The warm south coast is a short mountain drive, the E4 path and Imbros gorge minutes away. 

Lefkoritis Resort - full details  

ASKIFOU: In the heart of the Lefka Ori (white mountains), before you reach Imbros from where many choose to walk the Imbros Gorge, is another village where the Sfakian pies are good, local fresh foods can be had and the welcome is warm and inviting. Lefkoritis is above and on the edge of the village and has an excellent view to the Askifou plateau and mountain peaks. Read our >>Sfakia feature<<

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Beautiful gardens and views, near the sea...Mochlos Mare Apartments

Gardens so stocked with flowers that you have to look out to sea from your balcony to relax your eyes! These apartments in a little hotel-like group, the hospitality of the owners and their edge of village position, are neat and pleasing - winter or summer.

Mochlos Mare Apartments - full details

Nice studio rooms with view, near the sea...Meltemi     

Views to sea, minutes to the village and waterside tavernas. Simple and pleasant studios with balconies or terrace - most rewarding to enjoy the un-touristy Mochlos on this interesting part of the north-east coast. 

Meltemi - full details

MOCHLOS: A fishing village by any other name. Separated from nearby places by a steep road, winding gently down from the National highway, there are tavernas in a perfect waterfront setting, serving great food, a small friendly village, small sandy beach and rock swimming platforms - a larger beach in from of Aldiana Hotel is an additional choice. The view of the tiny islet opposite with it's archaeological remains, which many swim to, adds to the quiet appeal. An away-from-it-all find that is known for its mild winter temperatures. Winter-friendly! Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Traditional pensione-style inn with pool..."Villa Kynthia" Hotel

Villa Kynthia is lovingly converted from an old house into this "style of Florence inn". Centre of the village with just five different rooms or suites, decorated with antiques, rugs and murals. A pool and quiet courtyard with a delightful, coach-house style breakfast room off it. There is also a cafe-bar with spacious indoor seating or an outdoor terrace. An Italian influence is felt in the early-century marble bathrooms and the quality but homely "pensione" style.

"Villa Kynthia" Hotel - full details

PANORMOS: A very central location on the north coast - this is one of the smaller charming villages which has for the most part, tourism on a smaller scale than many. Quieter but alive and with a super location. It has two beaches, both sandy, and many restaurants and a variety of village seaside shops. Only a twenty minute drive from Rethymno and an hour from Heraklion, even the slightly longer stretch to Chania is just 90 minutes away.

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Venetian character, in the hills, close to sea & Rethymno...Monastiriako Suites

Built from and with some of the walls of a monastery, inland from Rethymno on the edge of a small attractive village, real traditional rooms and suites. Small and personal in scale, near the beaches and town of Rethymno. Atmospheric, full of character. Good views.

Monastiriako Suites - full details

Hotel in historic Venetian building...Veneto Hotel

When a Venetian merchant invites you to stay in his home - this could be it. Traditional suites of character in a faithfully restored building. Studios and suites have basic cooking facilities, the hotel has a fine restaurant. 

Veneto Hotel - full details  

RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike) and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery, trips to Chania & south coast. Read our >>Rethymno feature<<

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Two of the finest independent gorgeous stone-built houses with Libyan sea views...Dorovinis Country Houses

A large three-bedroom house (Pasiphae) and a one-bedroom 'honeymooners nest' (Kallirhoe), 100 m from each other, in the old Anatoli village. Expertly restored, finest quality, furnished in good taste. Antiques, warmth, comfortable, quiet, cozy and romantic. Several inspiring terraces with countryside and sea views, all set in a lovely village.

Dorovinis Country Houses - full details 

ANATOLI: Near the south coast, 16 km from Ierapetra town and beach. Anatoli village dates from Venetian times, with many Byzantine monuments in the area. Most of the houses in the village are old or restored, it is a protected settlement (no eye-sores other than the unavoidable power cables!). Walking the paths amongst the houses and observing some of the old relics (like the fountain outside Kallirhoe) takes you back in time. An excellent taverna, perched in a green, elevated area above Anatoli. Read our >>Agios Nikolaos feature<<

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Two adjoining traditional houses in beautiful location...Abelos Villa

Country location, 2 traditional wonderfully restored village houses dating from 1810, with wood beams, fireplaces, terraces & courtyards, garden, open views and a large swimming pool. Tranquility & comfort. At edge of the historic Roustika village.

Abelos Villa - full details 

ROUSTIKA: 18 km from Rethymno town, at an open, elevated location also just 25-30 minutes from the south coast. Features narrow cobblestone streets, arches, old houses and a traditional cafe by the square. See: the church of Panagia (Holy Mary) dating 1100; the museum of traditional costumes from all over Greece; the Monastery of Profitis Elias built in 1200. The E4 walking path passes just outside Roustika. Wonderful countryside. Read our >>Rethymno feature<<

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Quality in the south, sea views...On The Rocks Hotel

Paleochora has been waiting for a decent small hotel. Welcome to the new On The Rocks. Standard rooms all have direct sea view balconies. For a little more space, suites do the trick, and for a more luxurious treat one of the two penthouse suites offer character, views, fully equipped kitchens and delightful decor (they really are penthouse/loft-style). Breakfast or drinks on the front terrace cafe - a joy!

On The Rocks Hotel - full details

PALEOCHORA: A finger of land juts into the Libyan sea, sporting a pebble and rock beach to the east and extensive sandy beach on its west side. Wonderful cafes - including newly opened Water's Edge and the kafeneio where they heat Greek coffee in the traditional hot sand system. A proximity to some pleasant mountain villages and relative closeness for a trip to Elafonisos. A friendly place to be. Also a point to set sail to the southernmost island of Gavdos from, go whale or dolphin watching.

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Traditional hospitality, great views, the mountains...Yakinthos Hotel     

The village of Axos feels eons away from the coastal resorts and has all the treats to offer as a result. Yakinthos is special, as are the views from it, the produce provided for your breakfast, the many historical,  archaeological or cultural interests (your hosts will tell you where) nearby. 

Yakinthos Hotel - full details

AXOS: A steeped-in-history village in the mountains. There are wondrous views of surrounding mountains and from higher viewpoints views of the north coast and sea beyond. Axos boasts numerous historic churches, important archaeological sites and caves in the immediate area. For local and inland exploration, summer and winter, this is a real change for the traditional with a local character and "atmosphere". 

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Zaros mountainside bungalow apartments with spacious gardens, pool & restaurant, horse riding...Eleonas Inn

Zaros is just 20 minutes from the south coast, has a well-walked gorge, lake, trout farms & the old village. Start of the scenic Amari route. Eleonas offers rural simplicity just outside the village, horse riding at the Inn and a restaurant and pool. Romance & family holidays both fit in here. In the midst of the nature and beauty of rugged hillsides.

Eleonas Inn - full details

In the heart of Zaros mountain village...Keramos Hotel    

Very friendly family owned and run, with neat rooms, some balconies and the treat of home baked and family-produced breakfast pastries! Middle of the village, but they'll show you the gorge and lake and you can explore old villages or be at the sea in 45 minutes.

Keramos Hotel - full details

ZAROS: Up in the mountains, with a lake, a small body of water set in interesting surroundings in a picturesque area. From the lake starts the path to the Rouvas forest - a walk worth taking. Many lovely villages around, like Gergeri and Kamares (with a cave), provide extra sightseeing. Fresh trout is available in most tavernas in Zaros!

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