Rustic Charm
An hour and a half from Heraklion airport brings you to the rustic elegance of Kapsaliana Village, found in the off-radar wilds of rural, inland Crete, yet with clear views of the sea.
Kapsaliana Village’s evocative history spans to the 16th century, where it began life as a small settlement under Venetian rule, built around an olive mill that supplied oil to the nearby monastery.
Good to Know
Kapsaliana is the place to immerse yourself in local traditions including wine tastings, farm-to-table Cretan cookery lessons and learning about the architectural history of the region.
COUNTRYSIDE RETREAT
Today its tasteful reinvention uses chunky Cretan architecture and stone structures to create a rural idyll full of historic charm within its cobbled pathways, terracotta rooftops and endless olive groves. At the heart of the old property sits the olive press surrounded by vast clay pots – a monument to the building’s past glory.
A peaceful and relaxing countryside retreat, Kapsaliana is made up of a selection of rooms and suites, all characterised by a pared-back aesthetic and original detailing such as stone arches, exposed stone walls and wooden ceilings, alongside modern additions such as air-con, Coco-mat mattresses, rainfall showers and Nespresso machines. Some come with private pools, sun-dappled terraces and sea views. Brushed with contemporary flair and set against an aged patina, the suites in particular are a cool respite from the heat of the day.
WHO FOR
We think this is perfect for couples – rooms are spacious and there’s a peaceful ambience that settles over Kapsaliana.
WHEN TO GO
The season in Crete runs from May to October and in our opinion, June and September are ideal months to visit, being quieter with less intense temperatures.
COMBINE WITH
We’d recommend spending a few days here then heading off to explore Crete on a city, mountain and beach itinerary, staying at Cayo Exclusive on the coast and a hidden adults-only hotel on the wilder, more remote south coast.
