Activities
- The sheer natural beauty of the environment enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The lush gardens are rich in tropical plants, vibrant bougainvilleas, plum, lemon, and fig trees; sweet-smelling jasmine, and all surrounded by a sea of olive trees; the source of all oil used at the hotel.
- Look for the hidden throughout the gardens little seating areas, footpaths ideal for walking, and little nooks where you can enjoy the tranquillity and calmness, with just the sound of the cicadas to disturb the incredible peace and quiet.
- A short walk from Elia is also the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old and the small museum. This ancient olive tree is one of seven olive trees in the Mediterranean believed to be at least 2,000 to 3,000 years old. Although its exact age cannot be verified, the Olive Tree of Vouves might be the oldest among them, estimated at over 3,000 years old. It still produces olives, and they are highly prized. Olive trees are hardy and drought-, disease- and fire-resistant — part of the reason for their longevity and their widespread use in the region.
- The guests of Elia are advised on a series of walks which can be taken from here, some guided, which can lead to waterfalls, hilltop Byzantine churches- or simply to enjoy rural Crete at its finest.
- Hike through the Deliana gorge a hike surrounded by high cliffs and unspoiled Cretan nature. There are interesting flowers and herbs in this gorge, which is easy to walk. There is also plenty of sheep. At the bottom of the gorge on the left-hand side there is the small church of St, John the Theologian where you can have a rest in the shade of the cypress trees that surround it.
- For a trip by car I would suggest: To "Therissos" - you drive through a beautiful gorge. The village itself is historic and has some good tavernas like "Andartis". But if you have time, you can continue further to Zourva and come down to Chania again via Meskla. This is a spectacular drive (if the atmosphere is clear and not too hazy), marked on some maps as unpaved - but it is now paved. Just after Zourva there is a taverna on its own with glass windows with 360 views and good local food.
- Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of Greece’s top wineries! The Manousakis Winery has been producing its 100% organic wines under the brand name Nostos since 1997. The winery is situated just 15 minutes (driving) from the city of Chania in the village of Vatolakkos.
- Or what about a fascinating cooking workshop, a great introduction to seasonal cooking and the culture of Cretan gastronomy - cuisine? Join this experiential workshop of a 5-dish menu at Milia Traditional Village.
- Birdwatching in Crete will travel you to some of its most beautiful, isolated, and unpopulated areas, mountains, gorges, lakes particularly when you are looking for birds such as eagles, vultures, and falcons. Learn more here.
- Explore the westerly foothills of the White Mountains by car or on foot: the ancient hilltop fortress of Polyrinia and the adjacent gorge of Sirikari make an excellent day trip, as does the south coast path between Paloechora and Souyia; tougher day hikes include the world-famous Samaria gorge (open May-Oct) or the shorter Ayia Irini gorge (open all year).
- Visit Chania, the most beautiful city on the island, enjoy your drink at the old port or a meal in one of the restaurants of the old city. Walk in the narrow streets and see the different architectural styles of the buildings. Visit the naval museum that is situated at the port and walk to the lighthouse, this is the right point to admire the port and the city. Enjoy live Cretan folk music over dinner at many of the tavernas; or browse through the souvenir shops – leather goods, jewelry and more others.
- Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, if you like gorges, walk through this gorge and the experience will be unique. It is a long gorge, 16km, and you need about 6 hours to pass it, which means that it is not allowed to walk the long way if you have any health problem. If you think that 16km are too many, you can see the last part of the gorge. You have to drive to Chora Sfakion and then you take the boat to Agia Roumeli, where is the exit of the gorge, you just have to walk a few kilometers in the gorge, at least till the most narrow point "portes".
- Next to Samaria gorge, there is another gorge, shorter but very beautiful because it is very narrow in some points. This is Imbros gorge and you need just 2 hours to pass it. You can combine this walk, with swimming to Fragokastelo beach, as it is very close to the exit of the gorge.
- Falasarna, is a very long beach that is located on the west part of the island, 44km from your hotel, What makes this beach so unique, is the length, you can walk along the sandy beach for a lot of time. Or drive 2 hours southwest to Elafonisi (try and get there before the afternoon crowds and stop off at the monastery of Chrissoskalitissa on the way home.), or 1 hour west the well-known Balos Beach (the latter requires a short hike or a boat from Kastelli).
- There are more accessible beaches at Afrata, Menies (road is pretty rough then there is a track to get there), Ravdoucha, and Falasarna.
- For those who love horse riding, there is a horse riding center in Akrotiri, that organizes daily excursions in that area. You just need to make a reservation.
- More uplifting activities in Chania region.
House Rules
- Check-in: 13.00 pm
- Check out: 12.00 pm
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season.
- Climate Resilience Tax is 7.00 Euros per room per night
- Payment Policy:
Credit card details (Visa or Mastercard) are required to charge the deposit amount in order to confirm the reservation.
No additional charges will be made to the credit card unless cancellation charges have to be applied.
The Balance amount is to be paid directly to Elia at the time of stay.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted at Elia.
- Cancellation Policy for "April and October"
More than 22 days before arrival - full refund. After that time, the deposit is Not refundable AND:
Between 22 - 8 days before arrival: 30% of the balance will be charged in addition.
Less than 7 days before arrival: 50% of the balance will be charged in addition.
Not arriving at the hotel for your booking - the full balance will be charged (at the hotel's discretion).
-Departure before booked departure date: at the hotel's discretion, the full balance may be charged by the hotel.
- Cancellation Policy for "May to September"
More than 28 days before arrival - full refund. After that time, the deposit is Not refundable AND:
Between 28 - 7 days before arrival: 50% of the balance will be charged in addition.
Between 6 - 3 days before arrival: 75% of the balance will be charged in addition.
Less than 3 days before arrival or not arriving at the hotel for your booking - the full balance will be charged.
Departure before booked departure date: at the hotel's discretion, the full balance may be charged by the hotel.
MHTE: 1042K 05 OA 00142 01
How To Get There
Elia Traditional Hotel & Inn is located at Ano Vouves Village in western Crete, about 27km west of Chania and 6km inland from the north coast near Kolimbari (or Kolymvari).
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (47km) or to Heraklion (165km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
- By Sea
"The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (33km from the village). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: A traditional Cretan breakfast is served in the restaurant, as late (or early) as you'd like. For lunch, you can order some light dishes like salads, sandwiches, and typical Cretan dakos . For dinner, you can have excellent home-cooked meals, but you have to order them in the morning. If on your day of arrival you’d like to have dinner at the guesthouse, it is best to call the guesthouse a day in advance to let them know (though usually, they will make sure there's dinner for arriving guests anyway).
- Internet Access: Free WiFi just in public areas
- Swimming Pool: A good-sized swimming pool (13,5m x 6,5m - 80m2) with recliners and parasols, surrounded by olive groves and with wonderful views over to Kolimbari bay
- Spa Treatments: A big variety of Spa treatments is provided, facial and body treatments, sauna and a Turkish bath, and a range of massages
- Disabled Access: Elia Traditional Hotel offers rooms that are appropriate for disabled persons
- Pets: Not allowed
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English
- Parking: Private parking place
- Good to know :
- Eco-friendly aspects include locally sourced food and coco-fiber mattresses
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