Eleonas
Zaros, Crete
An agrotourism settlement in the mountains of southern Crete, with 20 rustic cottages, a tranquil pool and a great taverna
Eleonas, meaning 'olive grove' in Greek, is a collection of
pastel-painted cottages, sprinkled amongst a wonderful fruit and
olive estate in southern Crete. Set in a stunning location, against
a backdrop of dramatic rocky peaks at the foot of Crete’s
highest mountain, Psiloritis, it's close to the sleepy village of
Zaros but still feels wonderfully remote.
The 20 stone cottages centre on a lovely pool and taverna
serving authentic Cretan home cooking. Popular with local Greeks,
Eleonas is also a working farm. They grow their own fruit and
vegetables, produce olive oil, and keep goats and chickens. Guests
are welcome to help feed the animals, and can also take cooking
lessons or learn how to milk the goats and make cheese. It’s
a great choice for those searching to escape commercial tourist
resorts and urban chaos, and a fantastic set-up for families, who
are as warmly welcomed as everyone else.
The peaceful mountain location will appeal to hikers and bikers,
and nearby, there’s an emerald-green lake with an informal
taverna (run by the same family) and the Gorge of St Nicholas,
which shelters several medieval monasteries. One of our favourite
finds in Crete.
Reviewed by Jane Foster
Last updated 19 March 2012
Highs
- Within walking distance of a lovely lake and a dramatic gorge for picturesque hikes
- Ideal for families: cots, and sofabeds in the cottages; a kids' pool; a safe environment for older kids to run free; farm animals to feed, horse riding and bikes
- The cottages - though they look a bit boxy from outside - are cool and cosy inside, with local furniture, private terraces and open fires in winter
- A good base for visiting the archaeological sites of Phaestos and Gortys, and the unspoilt beaches of Crete’s glorious south coast
- Exceptionally good value for money
Lows
- Not a lot going on in Zaros, so Eleonas could feel rather isolated and sleepy (a high for some)
- Unless you want to go into Zaros, you'll eat all meals at the 2 tavernas (they are very good but could get repetitive)
- You really need a car to explore the surrounding area, unless you’re a mountain bike fanatic
- The nearest beach is a 30-minute drive away
- There's a 4-night minimum stay
