Pera Chorio - Joy: Artist's stone house with countryside views

Summary:
An immaculately renovated stone cottage consisting of 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, living room, courtyard, patio, accomodating up to 4 guests. The property is in a secluded location overlooking Agios Georgios village. The property's location allows for easy access to the pristine northeast and southeast coasts. A perfect base for discerning guests who seek tranquil vacations in the beautiful Cretan countryside. Features: WIFI, cable TV, washing machine. There are ceiling fans for cooling which are adequate for the location since nights are relatively cool even during the summer. Part of the Pera Chorio traditional cottages. The adjacent Dion and Dafni can be booked separately.

The Space:
An ancestral home is a reminiscent of our past and an inspiration for the future. It therefore deserves our outmost care. This is the philosophy behind Pera Chorio, a group of renovated traditional cottages.

Every corner of the property has been painstakingly renovated with love and great attention to detail, while maintaining the archetypal characteristics of the Cretan rural house.

It is fully furnished and consists of a reception room with fireplace, a kitchen/dining room (with dishwasher), 2 bedrooms with double beds, fitted wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms. There is a TV, WIFI and a washing machine.

The elegant, secluded courtyard retains the old wooden beams which in combination with the tiled floor and carefully chosen furnishings create a cozy atmosphere.

Guest Access:
You will have private access to the whole house and the terrace. You will also enjoy some fine olive oil from our olive grove. There is a baby cot and baby chair available on request.

The Neighborhood:
The house is situated 14 kilometers from the town of Sitia and the local airport and 14 kilometers from the sea. Various magnificent beaches are situated 20-40 minutes drive.

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, the retains a certain charm and laid-back style. In the towns 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 pristine beaches lying towards the Eastern tip of the island.

What to do in the region

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.

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. Kapsa Monastery hangs from the cliffs at the exit of Perivolakia gorge.

Beaches

To the east of 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 Diaskari, Ammoudi and Xerokambos . There are numerous other untouched 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. The rugged Perivolakia gorge is an ideal day hike with a swimming oppotrunity at the end of the route.

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 oiletc).

For wine enthusiasts there are 2 wineries that offer tours.

Getting Around:
Direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion or Sitia: A number of companies operate direct flights to Heraklion or Sitia from various major European cities, especially from April until October.

Flights through Athens: Aegean Airlines operate frequent daily flights between Athens and Heraklion. There is also a 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.

Interaction with Guests:
You will receive an information pack prior to your arrival with instructions to find the property and suggestions to help you make the most of your holiday in the region. A local contact will provide the keys and arrange for the cleaning service and linen. We will remain available throughout your stay for help and advice.