General Info
In Gavalohori in the Apokoronas area of Hania, a traditional village awarded "protected status" because of its local architecture, four very old stone-built houses, lovingly restored with full respect to tradition and fully equipped, welcome those who seek a unique vacation in a traditional environment close to the every day life of the village.
Three adjoining houses each one separate and on different levels with different interior layouts and decoration, separate courtyards and entrances.
Description
Three adjoining houses each one separate and on different levels with different interior layouts and decoration, separate courtyards and entrances.
a perfect example of traditional architecture of the houses of the area of Apokoronas (the so-called "kamarospito" i.e. house with arches). Stone and cypress logs/wood are the construction materials used for centuries.
One can still see elements dating back to the 16th century (the carved stone doorway inside the house). Two old stone arches span the length of the sitting and dining rooms showing visible signs of centuries of use.
The house has been awarded a prize by the Ministry of Culture for its restoration.
A few meters from the village square, the entrance leads us into an enclosed courtyard, typical of the area, paved with flagstones and shaded by a plane tree. In the corners old earthenware pots (pithoi), once destined to store wine and oil, are now being used as decorative artifacts.
From the courtyard we enter the kitchen, once the stable of the house, fully equipped with a stove, small oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster and all the necessary kitchenware and cutlery.
From the kitchen we go down a few steps into the dining-room (kamarospito) and from there, through the 16th century carved stone doorway, into the sitting room with its fire-place, two sofa-beds (sleeping galleries above either side of the arch accessed by wooden stairs) and a couch/bed. There is also a bathroom en suite with bath and washing machine.
The sitting room also has a T.V., a telephone and a portable radio/cassette/CD player.
From the dining room there is a wooden staircase leading to the Master bedroom (the "ondas") with a double bed and ceiling fan overhead. There is also a WC/shower en suite.
The bedroom is air-conditioned
From the bedroom there is direct access to a terrace overlooking the courtyard, also shaded by the plane tree and also to a large terrace with views to the village and the White Mountains and a shady pergola.
Location
Gavalohori is a traditional village awarded protected status. It nestles in a valley amongst hills covered with cypress, carob, and olive trees in the Apokoronas region about 25kms south east of Hania.
Its history, and its name, go back to the 11 th -12 th centuries (1080 to 1181 A.D.), when the Byzantine general Philippos Gavalas was ordered by the Emperor of Byzantium to settle there.
The evidence of its history is still visible in its many old houses, some of which have being lovingly and tastefully restored by their owners.
Gavalohori is now a magnet for Greek and foreign visitors, interested in a really relaxing vacation away from the noise of overcrowded resorts, in an environment of natural beauty and close to the everyday life of a village.
In the Folk Museum of the village, a perfect example of the local traditional architecture, many traditional household artifacts, silk, pottery, guns, coins, hand carved items from old churches, icons and numerous other objects are displayed together with the renowned special lace (kopaneli), a rare lace similar to that which can be found in the city of Bruges in Belgium and in Venice.
The Venetian wells with their stone vault like covers which once supplied the village with water, now only supply the sheep and goats of the few remaining shepherds of the area.
Tavernas, coffee shops, a bakery, and mini-market are there to serve the visitors.
Gavalohori is perfectly situated for exploring any part of Crete : Knossos , Sfakia, Frangokastello, Loutro, Faestos, Askyfou, the Samaria Gorge, Omalos, Lissos, Falassarna, Elaphonissi, Elyros, Preveli and many more. The "night life" of Hania and Rethymnon are also within easy reach.
About 3 kms from Gavalohori is the small village of Almyrida with its clear blue waters, and sandy beach (every year Almyrida is awarded the "Blue Flag" by E.U. proof of the cleanliness of its waters and the quality of services in the area). Here one can find tavernas serving superb dishes - ideal for those who want to try the renowned, unrivalled and scientifically recommended “Cretan Diet".
Simply, the ideal place for a vacation.