Country Hotel Velani***
Greece Crete Island

The country hotel Velani is located in rural area near the village Avdou, in the province of Heraklion, on the island of Crete in Greece.

Unique location

The country hotel Velani is perched high on a hillside overlooking the Langada Valley in the foothills of the Dikti Mountains. It is a secret haven hidden in a rocky wilderness of ancient stone and protected Kermes oak forest. It is these oak trees with their evergreen leaves and ‘Velani’ fruits that gave our hotel its name.

The charming family-run hotel has 12 spacious and comfortable rooms. All rooms have a breathtaking view and give you a feeling of relaxing with nature on your doorstep.

The Country Hotel has a large infinity pool as well as a separately located children’s pool. Relax on the sun deck enjoying the spectacular vista before you.

The Country Hotel, with its 4 hectare estate, also has various gardens for fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers as well as an olive grove for the production of our own olive oil.

The Velani restaurant uses its own fruit and vegetables to prepare the famous healthy Cretan diet; our kitchen utilizes our home-grown produce as well as that of the local farms and surrounding villages. Try typically Greek dishes with extra virgin olive oil, Cretan wine made from ancient grape species, meat and cheese from the free-ranging sheep and goats of our neighbours, or honey from the local beekeeper.

Activities

We organize several activities to make your holiday unforgettable. It is possible to go bird-watching with an experienced guide; we often see the majestic Griffon vultures from the hotel. Explore the area by yourself; this is the perfect place for walking and biking enthusiasts and ambling along one of the many mountain paths and tracks is the ideal way to work up an appetite for a sumptuous Velani meze lunch. Hike uphill on the E4 footpath from the hotel straight to the Lassithi plateau. Relax with a Swedish massage or an aroma therapy. For experienced paragliders there is a take-off located right behind the hotel and a landing field down in the valley, both visible from our terrace. On site we also have our own equestrian centre ‘The Odysseia Stables’ providing professional lessons, hacking, daytrips and trekking for all levels and ages. What better way to experience a country?

The hotel is open all year round so you can enjoy a touch of Cretan life whatever the season. Accommodation is available for winter occupation.

Free and fast wifi is available in the entire property.

Let us welcome you with Greek ‘filotomo’ (=hospitality). The Owners

Manolis & Sabine Fragkakis