More about us - Our suggestions

Out of the wine-dark sea
there lies a land called Crete.
A rich and lovely sea-girt land,
densely peopled,with ninty cities...
                                       
                                           Homer, Odesssey

You now find yourselves in a land of rare beauty and rich tradition; of long history and a unique civilisation.
Thousands of people have passed through here before. Some as travellers others as conquerors.
To all of them, Crete gave part of its soul and, in return, took part of their hearts. In this land the light, the climate, nature and history have all come together in the island’s distinct character.
In this land tradition is still vibrant.
In this land hospitality is still sacred.
In this land the sea is still pure.

Crete still stands pristine, despite the changes brought on by mass tourism (a modern form of conquest). Rodialos is an attempt to concentrate all of Crete’s qualities into a uniquely alternative holiday.
Our priority is the environment and its protection. When you arrive at the house don't look for umbrellas and deck-chairs – these are unnecessary accessories. Instead look for a cool, natural shade made of stone to gaze at the Cretan sea. Do not look for flowers. Not that we do not love them, but we also love the natural flora of the landscape and all the creatures that nestle there, so we have not replaced these natives with others. Discover aromatic plants, herbs and wild greenery. Eat a juicy tomato or a melon; fresh vegetables and fruits straight from the field. And, as we have already said, we recycle and wish you to do the same.

Finally, forget the artifice of a pool! Remember that you chose a rocky shore, so walk down the rocks and plunge into the deep, clear, turquoise waters of our sea.
And, if you enjoy fishing, the sea and our garden will provide an excellent free lunch!
Last but not least: wake early to see the sun rising from the sea and later watch it sink back in. That’s when the house is at its best, when the colours of the day fuse together with the pomegranate tree, the sea and the light.
Then everything smells of Crete.
 
Have a beautiful stay.
Mary Frangaki


P.S.  If you don't like to change habits, if you prefer a sandy beach and a good meal out, there are many of both in the area around the house.
The village of Panormon, with the character of an old little town, lies 1 km east of the villa. A pleasant stroll will bring you to good tavernas with delicious local specialities and all kinds of shops, open till late at night. The traditional village of Margarites, famous for its pottery art since the Minoan times, lies 12 km to the south. Anogia lies 30 km to the south on top of Mount Idi, Crete’s highest mountain, full of legends and tales of times long passed. The unique local character of the area, the rich history and the musical tradition of Anogia, will be unforgettable.
Rethymnon, a picturesque town 18 km to the west, is a good choice for day and night entertainment. Its carnival in spring, the renaissance festival and the wine fiesta in the summer are all great sources of entertainment. A frequent bus runs between Panormon and Rethymnon till late at night.

To visit the Cretan capital Heraklion, head 60m km to the east, where Knossos Palace and the famous antiquity museum are located. For Chania, Crete’s most beautiful city, full of antiquities, continue past Rethymnon for another 56 km.
Heraklion and Chania both have international airports with numerous daily flights, as well as ferries to Piraeus and the Aegean islands. During the summer, the large towns have daily ferries to Piraeus and other islands.
More excursions? Many! The verdant country in the west, the east with its unique light, the Libean Sea in the south and the mountains in the interior are all within reach. Crete is a diverse island, full of sights and interests – don't forget to ask us for information; we have proposals for any mood. And don’t worry, wherever you go, you'll be back by dusk. Crete is an island, long and thin, and Rodialos stands at the half way point, equidistant from each end.