The setting is extremely peaceful yet several of Crete's best beaches are within 20 minutes drive or less, as are the resorts of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Sissi and Milatos. Houmeriakos saw both the Venetian and the Turkish occupations and the main activity is now olive growing and processing - the oil is delicious. Many of the older inhabitants have stayed, while there are some younger families and a few incomers, but there is very little sign of the tourist industry. Our immediate neighbours are three generations of the same family. The village has a friendly taverna with shop, and an old-style kafeneion. Mobile shops selling fruit and vegetables, fish, bread and confectionery stop for a few minutes in the mornings a few metres away. The attractive small town of Neapoli 5 mins away has all necessities including supermarkets, fuel and cash points and is the gateway to the spectacular Lassithi Plateau with its mountain scenery.
The busy and touristy resorts of Malia and Stalis are not far.
This beautifully located house at the top of the old village of Houmeriakos was converted in 2007 to feature double and single bedrooms and an open-plan ground floor with living room, newly equipped kitchen, dining area and sofa bed. Each floor has its own bathroom with shower, washbasin and wc. Two outdoor areas, including roof terrace with pergola, have far-reaching views across olive groves to the hills behind Elounda: take your pick for outdoor suppers after warm days. There is space for parking just down the hill, and while the road continues for the remaining few metres it is steep and bends sharply and we advise taking it on foot or bike. The neighbours are friendly and helpful, and language differences are no obstacle. Arrival during the day is recommended, and it is not suitable for those with extreme walking difficulties. Pushchairs are however fine and can easily be pushed up and down the hill.
Our house is 20 mins to Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos and this bit of Eastern Crete has the best beaches and is not as touristy as West Crete. It is a 45 mins drive to Knossos and to the Palace of Malia and other historical sites. It is a 20 mins drive into the Lassithi mountains and the Lassithi plateau which are both spectacular places. Many archeaological sites, local museums and local craft shops are dotted around the various small villages. The volcanic island of Santorini is a 2-hour ferry ride away, and everywhere on Crete is possible to drive to - the South coast is only about 2 hours away from us.
Due to the warm climate the house can be used all year round, and even the cretan winters are quite mild compared to north Europe. This is a great place for walkers and cyclists as the mountains are easily accessible. The main motorway runs along at the bottom of the valley and either a moped or a car will take you to the nearest beaches.