A Fairytale Cottage in Greece

E4 European Walking Path in Crete -  the E4 track in Crete is 320 km in total, beginning at Kastelli-Kissamos in the west and ending at Kato Zakros in the east. The path takes in some of the most beautiful scenery and interesting hiking country in Crete, it is a hard path with a choice between an alpine section and coastal section and is for experienced trekkers. Take in some sections, especially on the south coast of Chania, for a unique experience. Choose your cottage close to this walking path to take treks. 

Agiofarago Gorge Short Hike to Beach - Agiofarago Beach Παραλία Αγιοφάραγγο is remote. This off-the-beaten track hike in the south of Heraklion is for those looking to get away from it all. Drive on dirt roads past remote monasteries to park at the top of the gorge. Walk 1.5 km or less than a mile to the sea and the most beautiful small cove, with the turquoise sea beckoning you. 

Eastern Crete - this less developed side of the island offers remote beaches, open spaces, olive groves, wineries, history and more. Take a cottage here to explore the slow lane. Vai Beach is circled by a palm forest. Visit Elounda, Plaka and the historic Spinalonga Island. Further west, from a restored windmill cottage, discover Sitia and the eastern beaches. 

Olive & Sea Salt Cottage - Chania - Crete - Greece

This luxury quirky beach shack sits right on the beach. A quiet cove, far far away from the madding crowd. A secret hideaway for couples in the west of Crete. Shhh.

Fairytale Cottage B&B - Perivolia - Chania - Crete - Greece

This charming, cosy B&B near Elafonisi in Chania is set for welcoming fairies and guests in comfort. Choose your room for up to 4 guests, each with private bathroom and air-conditioning. Nestled in the mountains in the small village of Perivolia, visitors will experience the natural life of Crete with authentic abundance. A good location from which to visit Elafonisi Beach. 68 km or 42 miles from Chania Airport. 

'Great room, very quiet small traditional village, exceptional hospitality and amazing welcome drink and breakfast. Booked it because I wanted to visit Elafonisi (30 min drive), but the B&B was in a small non touristic village so it was very quiet and tranquil in the evening.'

Evrithea Cottage -  Kalleryianá - Chania - Crete - A Fairytale Cottage in Greece

A very special white and stone home in western Crete, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and space for 5 guests. Enjoy the private pool, large terrace, views and full kitchen. Relax in the countryside just a few miles from the beach, with plenty of beaches to choose from. 52 km or 32 miles from Chania Airport. 

'A dream. Everything, a true heavenly dream. Everything you see in the photos is real. In a quiet and peaceful area. New modern house, with all comforts, managed by special people. The owner's parents are fantastic people, who prepared a hot dish for us upon our arrival, truly unique. Fantastic pool, Highly recommended!! Don't let her get away.'

Stolidi Mou Treehouse - Atsipopoulo - Rethymno - Crete - Greece

This romantic tree cottage accommodation is located in the rural village of Atsipopoulo near Rethymno. This 2-bedroom fairytale gem is built around a live oak tree. Gardens, terraces and balconies are all yours. A unique, restorative getaway! Who said living in a treehouse needed to be rustic? Chic modern comforts all around.

Stolidi mou means - 'my gem' and this place really is precious and glitters with ingenuity.

'The  treehouse is magical - never saw something like this before. Its like on the pictures, just awesome.  Very private, since the whole area is yours. Everything is clean and with great attention to detail. The garden is really nice - great lights and planting - The Whirlpool is great - The host is friendly and helpful - we got a food basket - Great place for marriage and engagement. Near to Rethymnon (12 min by car).'

Village Cottage - Kapsalianá - Rethymno - Crete - Greece

This village is very central in the Rethymnon region. A magical, charming beautiful place - live the authentic traditional village experience. Stylish and modern, convenient as a base for walking, birding or sightseeing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options. Views to the sea, lovely local breakfasts and warm friendly service. 78 km or 48 miles from Heraklion Airport.

"An exquisite renovation of a piece of history! Beautifully restored. Each team member were so endearing and clearly really enjoyed their job. We felt very special and looked after at all times. An extremely charming experience."

Muazzo Stone Cottage - Pigi - Rethymno - Crete - Greece

An inspiring retreat for the independently minded. Located in the historic village of Pigi, just 8 km from Rethymno town. This cottage welcomes 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and a private pool. Enjoy quality details throughout and a peaceful ambiance. 74 km or 46 miles to Heraklion Airport. 

'A beautiful Cretan stone house in an authentic village. Loving decor and very nice hosts who respond to the wishes of the guests. Pool and garden with oranges and lemon trees, an oasis. Taverns, bakery and mini market around the corner. Beach about 2km away.'

Aegean Cottage Villa - Maroulas - Rethymno - Crete - Greece

A fairytale historic stone cottage built in traditional style just outside the village of Maroulas in Rethymno, 8 km from Rethymno town and 15 km from Arkadi Monastery. Welcoming 12 guests in 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this is ideal for a family gathering with access to the beautiful Venetian Old Town of Rethymnon, beautiful beaches and close to the villages in the hinterland such as Margarites. 81 km or 50 miles to Heraklion Airport.

'Stunning villa in beautiful quiet spot with fantastic views. Beautiful villa in a quiet spot just 15 min from Rethymno Town. Views were spectacular and the home itself stunning. The village is beautiful with a few small tavernas for evening meals. Definitely hire a car to stay here.'

Kroustas Windmill - Lasithi - Crete - Greece

This milo or windmill has been beautifully restored and created into the perfect quiet retreat for two. Sitting high up in the village of Kroustas just 8 km from Agios Nikolaos and beaches, this is a romantic, tastefully designed dream escape in the Cretan mountains. 65 km or 41 miles from Heraklion Airport. 

'Superb and quiet cottage located on the heights of a typical village on a mountain side. The cottage is an old windmill and is therefore quite small but it is very sufficient for a couple. The view of the coast and the mountain from the balcony of the mill is exceptional. The cottage has everything you need. The hosts are very friendly and left us little touches (fruit basket, bottle of wine, pastries, raki). In short, everything was perfect.'

Aegean Ode Cottage - Plaka - Lasithi - Crete - Greece

Set in the hills behind Plaka in its own private garden, this beautiful villa is full of local character. Welcoming 4 guests in 2 bedrooms with 5 beds, this quiet haven offers 2 bathrooms and a full kitchen. Best to visit with a vehicle. Enjoy magnificent sea views. Dine in style on your private terrace.

'Beautiful, calm and very comfortable property with a sea view. This property is just perfect. Beautiful garden with trees and flowers, comfortable bedrooms and good bathrooms. The host is very available and accommodating. Everything is functional and of good quality. Amazing view at the sea. Very close to the beach and the village of Plaka, which is a wonderful village.'

Sitia Windmill - Lasithi - Crete - Greece

The Sitia Windmill is located close to the town of Sitia and is an authentic restored windmill, the modern touches creating a wonderful, unique atmosphere in which to enjoy your stay in eastern Crete. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and sleeps 4. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, patios and terraces, full kitchen and dining areas, as well as extensive gardens and olive groves, this is a private, relaxing homey place to stay. Just 18 km or 11 miles from Vai Beach and Palm Forest. 7 km or 4.3 miles from Sitia Airport. 

'A peaceful stay in a lovely location. It had a lovely view and was very peaceful. It was furnished beautifully and the beds were comfortable.'

Knossos Palace - Skip the Line Entry Ticket

There are a variety of guided experiences available, from a Skip The Line entry ticket with a guide for 90 minutes, to a 12 hour day tour which includes Knossos and Lasithi Plateau.

'Great experience for history lovers. The palace is bigger than what I was expecting so was pleasantly surprised. As an advice: go early to avoid crowds before 12 and bring a hat.'

Private Tasting of 6 Cretan Wines in the Village of Fres

No visit in Chania is complete without a trip to the authentic villages of Apokoronas. Fres is the perfect example of a traditional village, just 25 minutes from the center of Chania city. The wine tasting takes place in the beautiful square of Fres. As a chemist and winemaker, Andreas has the knowledge and the experience to give you the full wine history and production of the wines of Crete.

5 / 5 (21 reviews)

'It was absolutely an incredible experience. Andreas was excellent at explaining the history and the making of wine. He’s very knowledgeable about the chemistry of wine and how it can taste on the palate. The olives were our favorite snack and they are homemade! The pairing of the jam and cheese was the perfect touch of salty sweet. Every wine was incredible but our favorite wine was made in-house. I would highly recommend checking this out if you are in the area. It’s a beautiful drive and the scenery is very nice.'

Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food

Explore Chania's historic Old Town, with a local guide, on a walking tour. Learn about Chania's Venetian heritage, Renaissance era, and Ottoman influences. See the city's impressive architecture and historic landmarks as you explore. Visit shops and markets selling local produce including wine and cheese. Enjoy the flavours of Cretan cuisine as you taste some delicious street foods.

4.8 / 5 (303 reviews)

'My 10yo son and I had a great time eating various local foods, learning about the history of Chania, and meeting other travelers from all over the globe. I would highly recommend doing this early in your stay in Chania to help you get a lay of the land so you get the local opinion on things to do and see and restaurants to try. Well worth the money and time!'

Fauna

Kri Kri Goats - Capra aegagrus creticus

Cretan Martin - Martes foina bunites

Cretan Frog - Pelophylax cretensis

Birds

Bearded Vulture - Gypaetus barbatus

Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos

Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus

Flowers & Herb

Cretan Sea Lily - Pancratium maritimum

Sitia Orchid - Orchis sitiaca

Dittany of Crete - Origanum dictamnus

To arrive in Crete, fly into Chania or Heraklion airport from Athens or from many cities in Europe.

• Fly into Chania Airport CHQ in the west
• or fly into Heraklion Airport HER in the centre 

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!