Cottages in Western Crete, Arosmari

Four character one bedroom semi-detached cottages and two recently built larger one bedroom detached cottages, sleeping 2 – 4 guests with shared swimming pool.

Although it is the careful restoration of some houses in the village of Vamos that have brought it praise, it is the gardens of the cottages that guests often remember best.

These are the owner Nikos’ pride and joy and deservedly so. The beautiful and tranquil gardens, like the cottages, like the village and, indeed like Crete itself, resonate with the past.

For although the vine-shaded terraces, barbecue, swimming pool and old olive trees might be anticipated, there is also a small chapel. There is always somewhere here to find a peaceful spot to read, meditate or sleep the afternoon away.

Complementing this setting Nikos has converted four old properties into one bedroom cottages of great character, preserving their rural style while introducing the simple comforts of modern life. He has also recently built two larger cottages to a traditional design, using local materials, to provide more flexible accommodation for families.

The village of Vamos is conscious of the need to preserve a slice of Cretan rural life that is slipping away. Instead of letting redundant buildings crumble away and old skills pass out of the culture, they have embraced the idea of preserving both.

The coffee-shop Liakato and the taverna Sterna tou Bloumosofi are run by the Vamos Preservation Society. Here exceptionally tasty Cretan specialities, cooked in wood, are served accompanied by some of the island’s best wine, but there are other small tavernas, where an equally friendly welcome and good food await.

The bakery is generally considered the best in the region and among the shops – one, a converted village beer house, sells Cretan thyme honey, nuts, and ceramics. But this is no museum village; shepherds still herd their sheep along village lanes, russet-haired goats potter about and many local people simply go about their tasks as they always have.

Please note: Based on return flights from the UK - supplements / reductions may be applicable depending on flight & class availability at time of booking.
Vamos and the cottages lie midway between Chania and Rethymnon, so are well-placed to maximise exploration of central and western Crete. Chania airport is 1 hr drive.

All cottages have kitchenettes with 2 ring hob and fridge and all bedrooms have air-conditioning. All guests have access to the exclusive gardens, with its shared pool and honesty bar. Shared swimming pool approx. 13.5m x 5m (depth 1.1-1.8m) with children’s area. Garden. Please note that a small country lane has to be crossed to reach the pool and garden. NB Cottages 1 to 4 are unsuitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Cottages 1 and 2 (2 persons): Ground floor: open-plan living-dining room with kitchenette. Terrace. First floor: double bedroom, shower room. (Cottage 2: shower downstairs)

Cottages 3 and 4 (2 persons): Groundfloor: open-plan living-dining room with kitchenette. Cottage 3 has very steep steps (unsuitable for children or anyone with walking difficulties) which lead up to first floor landing with double bedroom which opens onto balcony, shower room. Cottage 4 has spiral staircase

Detached cottages 5 and 6 (2 – 4 persons): Ground floor: openplan living-dining room with fireplace and kitchen with full cooker and fridge. Twin beds in curtained-off section of living room. First floor: Bathroom and double bedroom with views of the White Mountains

Walking and driving times (approx): beach 10min drive, tavernas and shops – 7min walk, Chania Town – 50min, Chania airport – 1hr