A mix of modern and traditional elements to create a harmonious space both relaxed and timeless that truly feels like home.
This superb historical, stone-built residence consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of which 1 en-suite, a guest WC, a kitchen, and a living room with fireplace, your cozy home away from home in southern Crete.
This is a place where you get to really feel the local pulse and calm, the style and life of the island – yet you are in a truly traditional stone-built house, lovingly restored with full respect to tradition and fully-equipped for a relaxing and most enjoyable holiday.
There is a generally calmer atmosphere about south-western Crete, coupled with the legendary Greek hospitality, that makes you feel welcome everywhere, a great experience.
Villa Tholos is surrounded by a peaceful, private, fenced garden of trees, local herbs, and flowers and there is a dining table with a marble top adjacent next to the traditional BBQ. The spacious covered outdoor dining area offers plenty of shade, and there are parasols for the sunbeds in the garden.
This Sfakian house is fully equipped for 6 guests (ideal for big families) and includes amongst other a fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, a washing machine, wireless internet, hairdryers, high-quality towels, linen, and duvets, and toilet amenities for your first night.
There is air-conditioning in every bedroom, and special attention has been given to the beds and mattresses ensuring restful sleep and relaxation. The bedrooms are bright and airy with exquisite views (one of which has direct access to the 2nd-floor terrace). From the 2nd floor hallway, there is access to the 2nd-floor terrace with sun-chairs and amazing views.
Amongst the pretty interiors, the rooms are decorated with traditional antique items, Kilim cushions, and local fabrics, all in resemblance to the original furniture of the house.
On the ground floor, the entrance door leads to the living room and kitchen with a dining area. From here, doors lead to the spacious covered terrace with an outdoor dining table, as well as the patio with an outdoor sofa and chairs. The ground floor also includes a guest WC and the staircase leading to the 2nd floor. Please note the existing interior staircase was built according to the space available. The steps are therefore higher than normal, and care should be given by guests with restricted/limited mobility as well as young children.
The second floor includes 3 bedrooms (one en-suite) and a second bathroom. Both bedrooms access a large terrace.
Both floors and most rooms have lovely sea views, views to the coast, the village, and the surrounding area.
The property is completely enclosed and private, and a gate from the road leads to the parking space next to the house.
An additional highlight of this lovely property is the on-site tiny chapel in the eastwards corner of the garden. The chapel was built as a token of the owners’ appreciation, in line with local and traditional customs.
Sfakia Village is the perfect is starting point for exploring the beautiful south coast of Crete. The area has countless opportunities for hiking and exploring the beautiful and awe-inspiring ravines and mountains. Sfakia is famous for its approximately 50 ravines, the most famous being Samaria, Imbros, and Aradena.
From Sfakia on a clear day, one can glimpse the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula, 22 nautical miles south of Crete. Gavdos with its 50 inhabitants is a small, beautiful green island with unforgettable sandy beaches and views. You can reach Gavdos by ferry or by an organized boat trip (Please note guests of Villa Tholos get special rates).
Chora Sfakion is the perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful south coast of Crete.
House history
Back in the first quarter of the 18th century, Crete was still under Turkish occupation. As a consequence, the Sfakians built their homes in the form of castle houses (Greek: castrospita), to be protected both from their enemies and harsh weather conditions, especially the summer heat.
As a consequence, the great, great grandfather of the present owner of this house, Captain Fasoulis, built a home for his family made of local stone, lime, and soil. The house has 80 cm thick walls, small openings for windows, and large arches for ceiling support. All the windows were built with iron bars and the wooden doors carried heavy bolts and locks for protection. One very low arch served as the doorway to the kitchen, the housewife’s domain, and another defined the house’s loggia (Greek: oxiostis), a Venetian feature of the building, which protected the inhabitants from strong winds and the sun.
Having a small chapel near the house was very common at the time and this house harbors one dedicated to Saint Nicholas protector of seafarers. The village of Chora Sfakion alone was said to have 101 such family-owned churches.
The house was continuously inhabited until the 1920s when the last tenant moved to the mainland. During World War II the deserted building served as a refuge to British, Australian, and New Zealander troops, fleeing the Germans after the Battle of Crete was lost. Remnants of their lodgings in the house are a British soldier’s helmet and a few dozen tin cans opened with bayonets.
In 2008 the house was restored stone by stone by its present owners, descendants of Captain Fasoulis, and has been used as their summer house. Memorabilia of the past within the house include a collection of metal parts of window and door bolts and hinges, converted oil lamps, a left-arm armchair of the landlord (Greek: capetanistiki), for easy handling of a weapon with the right hand, tombstone fragments embedded in the wall of the chapel, a perforated stone by the side of the external arch for tying a pack animal (Greek: thematare) and an indented stone at the loggia, that served as stand for the water container. (Greek: stamnostatis).
Why We Like It
- Sfakia is a lovely, authentic, historical village on the south coast of Crete and the house is located in a very quiet neighborhood.
- The owner and caretaker are very friendly and ready to help you anytime.
- Welcome basket upon arrival is a "wonderful surprise".
- This superb Sfakian House is an ideal choice for big family gatherings or larger groups looking to enjoy a memorable summer experience in a pristine and authentic environment and the best the south Chania has to offer.
Good To Know
- Please note the existing interior staircase was built according to the space available. The steps are therefore higher than normal, and care should be given by guests with restricted/limited mobility as well as young children.
- The location of the villa makes it possible to walk into the village although it is a bit of an uphill walk back.
- Although public transport is available, you highly recommend arranging some car hire so you can freely explore the many sites around and the traditional and less touristic rural villages, and easily move up and down the rather awe-inspiring coastline
The House
This Sfakian house is fully equipped for 6 guests (ideal for big families) and includes amongst other a fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, a washing machine, wireless internet, hairdryers, high-quality towels, linen, and duvets, and toilet amenities for your first night. There is air-conditioning in every bedroom, and special attention has been given to the beds and mattresses ensuring restful sleep and relaxation. The bedrooms are bright and airy with exquisite views (one of which has direct access to the 2nd-floor terrace). From the 2nd floor hallway, there is access to the 2nd-floor terrace with sun-chairs and amazing views.
Amongst the pretty interiors, the rooms are decorated with traditional antique items, Kilim cushions, and local fabrics, all in resemblance to the original furniture of the house.
On the ground floor, the entrance door leads to the living room and kitchen with a dining area. From here, doors lead to the spacious covered terrace with an outdoor dining table, as well as the patio with an outdoor sofa and chairs. The ground floor also includes a guest WC and the staircase leading to the 2nd floor. Please note the existing interior staircase was built according to the space available. The steps are therefore higher than normal, and care should be given by guests with restricted/limited mobility as well as young children.
The second floor includes 3 bedrooms (one en-suite) and a second bathroom. Both bedrooms access a large terrace.
Bedroom nr. 1 ( 2 single beds size 80X200), Bedroom nr. 2 (extra long double bed size 180x220 and en-suite bathroom with shower) & Bedroom nr. 3 (2 single beds size 80X200).
Both floors and most rooms have lovely sea views, views to the coast, the village, and the surrounding area.
The property is completely enclosed and private, and a gate from the road leads to the parking space next to the house.
An additional highlight of this lovely property is the on-site tiny chapel in the eastwards corner of the garden. The chapel was built as a token of the owners’ appreciation, in line with local and traditional customs.
Eating
Villa Tholos is a self-catering property.
Welcome basket with fruit and wine upon your arrival
Large choice of tavernas - which because Chora Sfakia is small you really "can't miss it" - along the harbor front.
Embarko cafe is on the way into Sfakia as you come down from the Imbros direction, it has a most impressive view over Sfakia (a view to stir or calm the soul), out to sea and the not-so-distant white buildings of Loutro.
There are bars/cafes opposite the Post office, but you can have a drink at any of the tavernas. Just must have fish? Ask to see what fish they have at any of the tavernas and choose your fish, that's the best bet, you can also find out the price if you wish - usually charged by weight, at the same time.
We have eaten well on the harbor front at a good price - the main difference is that good lamb or the more expensive fish make a difference to the total cost of a meal.
For a quick bite, the bakery has good Tiropita (cheese pie) and pastries.
Kids
Kids are welcome at Villa Tholos - Sfakia, Crete
House is ideal for big families.
Activities
- The village of Chora Sfakia is both quiet - busy with individual or independent tourists in the summer - in its role as home and fishing village to local people, and a port for those traveling by ferry to Agia Roumeli, Sougia, Paleochora and the unspoiled island of Gavdos
- Generally, Sfakia as a region has a very unique and dare we say a "genuine", feel to it. It offers a less "package", the more individual face of tourism. If the people of Sfakia are famed as being the toughest survivors and fierce when duty calls - they are, perhaps as a result, the friendliest amongst a group - the Cretans - who offer visitors the warmest and most genuine hospitality as a fundamental part of their nature. Truth demands strength and strength should be backed by the truth...sometimes it is.
- We offer some great boat trips starting from Sfakia Port: Boat Trip to Marmara Beach & Loutro Village, Boat Trip To Best Beaches of South Chania, Gavdos Island Boat Round Trip
- Or maybe you would like to rent a boat and be your own captain for the day and discover Crete´s most stunning coastline!
- Join our Scuba Diving Lessons and enjoy the beautiful underwater world and clear blue waters of south Crete, which beckon divers from around the world. Appropriate for beginners or qualified divers.
- Visit Frangokastelo to see the old fortress - or rather its surviving walls, a must-do trip up to Anopolis - a village high above Chora Sfakia.
- Close to the beginning of the village on the left Anopolis bakery - Giorgos Orfanoudakis for some of the best Sfakian pies and the chance to buy the delicious local sweet rusks, honey, and other baked goods. Sit outside and have a mountainscape view and an Elliniko ( Greek coffee).
- If you have time to kill you're probably best off getting out, to Sweetwater Beach an hour along the coast path west (or accessible by twice-daily boat). The beach takes its name from the small springs which bubble up beneath the pebbles to provide fresh, cool drinking water
- It is possible to visit the Cave of Daskaloyiannis, one of several large caves in the cliffs to the west of Sfakia. Always a hideout in times of trouble, this was where the rebel leader set up a mint to produce a revolutionary coinage
- A must visit Loutro. Take the ferry and go to Loutro - a place for absolute relaxation. Walk - E4 path goes through Sfakia. Loutro is the only natural harbor on the south coast of Crete. Loutro is peaceful - it is small and feels like a village even if 95% of the people here in the summer are visitors. The absence of cars and bikes makes it quiet and peaceful.
- More uplifting activities in south Chania.
House Rules
- Check-in: 14.00 pm
- Check out: 10.00 am
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy:
Credit card details (Visa or Mastercard) are required to charge the deposit amount in order to confirm the reservation.
Deposit amount will be charged 35 days before your arrival.
No additional charges will be made to the credit card unless cancellation charges have to be applied.
Balance amount is to be paid in cash or by credit card directly to Villa Tholos at the time of stay.
- Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations over 30 days before the arrival date are 100% refunded.
Cancellations less than 30 days before the arrival date are charged at one (1) day’s rate (see above).
Cancellations less than 15 days of the arrival date are charged at 50% of the total reservation cost.
If you fail to check-in, 100% of the total cost remains due.
Unfortunately there are no refunds for early departures.
MHTE: 01136873340
How To Get There
Villa Tholos is located in Sfakia Village in south Crete.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (77km) and Heraklion (146km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
The closest airport to fly in to is Chania, but Heraklion has more flights available.
- 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 Port (68km) or Heraklion port (146km). 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 partner website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: Self-catering with fully equipped kitchen. Welcome basket with fruit and wine upon your arrival.
- Internet Access: Free WiFi
- Swimming Pool: Not available
- Spa Treatments: Not available
- Disabled Access: Not suitable
- Pets: Not Allowed
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English, Norwegian
- Parking: on-site parking for 2+ cars.
- Cleaning: Cleaning of house and change of sheets and towels twice weekly
