Anidri Eco-cottages

An eco retreat nestling in olive groves high above Crete’s spectacular south coast, with two 3-bedroom cottages and a seminar/yoga room

From the moment you awake to the tinkling of goatbells and the buzzing of cicadas, you know it’s going to be a good day. Step barefoot onto the sunwarmed terrace: a gentle breeze, bright blue skies, endless olive trees, no traffic. Surely this is how Nature intended us to live?

Mario and Andrea, the couple who designed and built this eco-retreat on Crete’s south coast, would agree. Leaving behind German city life, they came to the laid-back resort of Paleochora some years ago, started a small café and gave tajijua lessons, all the while dreaming of a place where people from different backgrounds could unwind and exchange ideas in simple, natural surroundings. Slowly, the dream became reality. Land was bought in the fertile hills near Anidri, 5km inland, and a pair of eco-friendly three-bedroom guesthouses and a hi-tech seminar room built. Then they opened their doors to friends and guests seeking beauty and inspiration away from Crete’s resorts, but not far from some of her most pristine beaches and dramatic mountains.

Highs

• Tranquillity: barely a house in sight
• Ecology: natural materials, solar power
• Superb coastal and gorge hikes, and wonderful beaches
• The buzz of Paleochora (plus ferry) just 5km away - and a shuttle provided for those without a car
• You can book a room, a house or a seminar
• Astonishing winter rates

Lows

• Looks rather 'untraditional' from outside
• Bedlinen, though spotlessly clean, is not ironed
• Shared kitchen, unless you take a whole house
• Chipboard ceilings look cheap (but use up old wood ecologically)