Notes from the host
Cheese Hut
Summary:
Escape the hustle and bustle of the touristic areas and discover the true colors of the Cretan countryside. Enjoy endless walks in the 4 acre estate while picking fresh fruits right from the trees. This is a traditional cheese storage facility convereted into a cozy country house.
The Space:
Escape the hustle and bustle of the touristic areas and discover the true colors of the Cretan countryside. This is a traditional cheese storage facility built in 1917 (was used by local shepherds to store cheese) that was recently renovated and immaculately decorated, with the personal touch of the owner, into a cozy country house. The house retains its original character with a traditional stone structure and wooden beamed ceilings. The interior has full wooden flooring and features 1 bedroom with a large double bed and 1 bathroom with shower, living room with large fireplace, dining area (separated from the living room by the original stone arch), kitchen, a 200sqm courtyard and a large parking area. The dining area is adjacent to the open plan kitchen, which is fully equipped with high tech appliances. The inviting courtyard enjoys fabulous unobstructed views of the sea and the countryside. The courtyard features a build in coal barbecue and full outdoor furniture.
Guest Access:
The house lies within a private estate with olive groves, mature fruit trees (oranges, tangerines) and its own chapel, while the water supply comes from the nearby Zou spring (excellent quality spring water). Enjoy endless walks in the 4 acre estate while picking fresh fruits right from the trees.
The Neighborhood:
The property is conveniently located within a short driving distance (about 4km) from the town of Sitia (the town has numerous supermarkets, restaurants, bars and an organized beach). The nearby village of Zou (1km distance) has a small tavern with traditional food.
A few words about Sitia region
Sitia is a town situated in the far east of Crete, in the prefecture of Lasithi. It lies to the east of Aghios Nikolaos and to the northeast of Ierapetra. It lies in a region unspoiled by mass tourism. Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style. In the town but especially in the region's villages you will enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine made with quality local olive oil and other local produce. During the day you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in Sitia beach or in the numerous untouched beaches lying towards the Eastern tip of the island.
What to do in Sitia
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Sitia's archeological museum display's exhibits dating back to the Neolithic era in 3,500 BC while the medieval fortress of Kazarma, situated at the top of Sitia is a reminder of the town's medieval past. Furthermore, the folklore museum exhibits items from the past century such as weavings, woodcuts and other everyday life items.
During the evening you can visit one of the numerous small restaurants ("Rakadika") situated along the town's fishing port, which serve delicious variety plates along with Cretan spirit "Raki". And if you are up to it you can continue your night out until the early morning hours in one of the local bars and clubs.
What to do in the region
Archaeology / History / Religion
On your way to Vai and Erimoupoli you will pass from the monastery of Toplou. Here you can visit the monastery's museum with items dating back to the Ottoman empire period up to the Second World War. In Erimoupoli bay you can visit the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. Further to the south east, Zakros is one of the four major Minoan palaces unearthed in Crete. The ruins of the palace await you at the lower entrance of the Zakros gorge.
Beaches
To the east of Sitia lies Europe's only natural palm forest of Vai. In a short distance from Vai lies the bay of Erimoupoli with the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. To the south east of the region lie the long sandy beaches and warm waters of Kserokambos . There are numerous other deserted beaches we can help you discover.
Sports
For windsurfing enthusiasts the world renowned Kouremenos beach is a must visit. The club offers equipment hire and lessons. For the hardcore athletes, the Faneromeni bay offers excellent wave conditions (depending on the weather). Here you will need to bring your own kit. Mountain bikes are a fun way to explore the region's endless olive groves. Spring and autumn is the best period for this since the weather is cooler during the day.
Hiking
The areas rugged terrain offers numerous gorges that are walkable with no special equipment. First and foremost the 4km Richti gorge, near the village of Mesa Mouliana will dazzle you with the year-round waterfalls and dense vegetation all the way down to a deserted beach. The 4.5km gorge of Zakros starts at the village of Ano Zakros and meets the sea next to the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. It is one of the most impressive gorges in Crete with steep sides and dramatic rock formations. It is also known as the Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their dead in caves high up on the gorge's sides. The 3.5km Chochlakies or Karoumes gorge ends in the magnificent and isolated bay of Karoumes.
Culinary Delights
In Sitia's "Rakadika" and small taverns scattered in villages throughout the region you can try, apart from local meats, also some delicacies of the region cooked in locally produced olive oil, like "chochlious" (snails cooked either with tomato or vinegar and rosemary), "omaties" (stuffed pig intestines), "anthous" (stuffed courgettes) and other. When you visit Toplou don't forget to grab a bite in the monastery's small tavern and purchase organic products from the monastery's extensive agricultural produce (honey, olive oil etc).
Getting Around:
How to reach Sitia :
Direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion: A number of companies operate direct flights to Heraklion from various major European cities, especially from April until October.
Flights through Athens: Olympic and Aegean Airlines operate frequent daily flights between Athens and Heraklion. There is also I direct flight to Sitia airport (not on a daily basis).
Ferry boat from Piraeus port (Athens) to Heraklion or Sitia: Daily high speed ferries to Heraklion. There is also a slow ferry leaving from Piraeus directly stopping at a number of other ports before arriving in Sitia.
Car rental: All major international car rental companies operate in Heraklion airport. Car rental service also exists in Sitia but is very limited
Other Things to Note:
We can stock the fridge and storage with any groceries you require. Just provide us with a list!
Interaction with Guests:
We will greet you and provide a tour of the house. You can always ask for any enquiry during your stay.
