Summary:
A traditional stone village house in the small, sleepy village of Mirsini, Crete, renovated in 2016 with the personal touch of the owner, a local architect. It offers fabulous views over the sea and a perfect sunset everyday next to the old pomegranate tree. The village itself is far away from the tourist crowds and retains its original character. Its inhabitants are friendly and welcoming. You can also book the adjacent Architect's house that can accomodate a further 3 people. The house is located on a village side street close to the main local road and a coffee shop so there is some noise from people and traffic. There is a wood heater for the winter. Note that there is no washing machine in the house, instead we offer clothes washing service for free.
The Space:
A village house with wooden beamed ceiling, renovated with great attention to detail. It consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 double, 1 single with en-suite bathrooms. The living room is divided in two sections, the upper part has a large sofa also serving as third bed while the cosy secluded area next to the large panoramic window is the perfect place to relax, read or watch satellite TV and Netflix. The stylish open plan kitchen is fully equipped. There is a wood heater which is very effective at heating the house during the winter months.
The outdoor area is designed around the old pomegranate tree and has a secluded shaded spot covered by a wooden pergola to escape the midday heat and is suitable for eating outside while the area around the pomegranate tree is great for sunbathing. Due to the west facing location you will enjoy great sunsets.
Α profesional disinsectization is performed each season (certificate is available in the house)
Guest Access:
During your stay you will have access to the whole house with its own private terrace! The house is easily accessible from the village main street. It is located on a side street. You will find complimentary fruits and wine on your arrival. The olive oil for your cooking is also available for free (our own olive oil). There is no laundry machine in the house but there is laundry service for free when you need it.
The Neighborhood:
Eastern Crete
Eastern Crete, (east from Aghios Nikolaos) is the most authentic and unspoilt region of Crete since it is not touristically developed. It is the region that people from large Cretan cities (Heraklion, Chania) choose for their own relaxing vacations. Eastern Crete is mostly mountainous and the driving routes are winding and scenic, offering great views over wild mountains and the sea. In fact the whole route from Aghios Nikolaos to Sitia is considered on the best scenic drives in Greece. In this region you will meet writers and music composers who find inspiration in the sea/mountain views and the authentic village people.
An introduction to Mirsini village
Mirsini is a traditional Cretan village, unspoilt by tourism. It was incorporated during the Minoan period in the territory of the major Minoan city of Mochlos. It is located on Crete's northern main route, on the road from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia, 45 km from Agios Nikolaos and 23 km from Sitia at an altitude of 330 meters overlooking the gulf of Mirabello. It is famous for its great views (the village is west facing), its tranquility, the good food, wine and raki and for its hospitable and friendly residents. The village is surrounded by olive groves, fruit plantations, steep mountains and deep ravines.
Restaurants in Mirsini
Kathodon: a beautiful and cosy terrace within walking distance from the house. It serves traditional dishes and offers spectacular sea views. Another great restaurant is located in the neighbouring village of Mouliana, just 5 minutes drive from the house (it is open all year round during lunch and dinner hours).
Shopping
There is a small shop selling basic groceries in the village. In the neighbouring village of Tourloti there is a big market shop with fruits and vegetables as well as a bakery. For large supermarkets and a large wekkly fruit/vegetable market you will need to drive to Sitia town (30 min by car). If you prefer to avoid shopping we can stock the kitchen for you with all items you may need. The nearest pharmacy is located in the neighbouring village of Tourloti (5 minutes drive).
Hiking
If you prefer running water, lush vegetation and waterfalls, the entrance of Richtis gorge is a 15 minute drive by car, close to the nearby village of Exo Mouliana. The trail winds down the ravine for 4km passing from old bridges and abondoned watermills, through thick vegetation before reaching the sea at Richtis beach.
If you choose to explore the mountains and the amazing views you can start from the nearby village of Lastros and head towards the chapel of Saint John and Kapsas peak or towards Saint Nikitas (5km round trip).
Beaches
The closest beach is in the village of Mochlos approximately 15min by car. The nearest large sandy beach is Tholos, at a distance of 20km towards Aghios Nikolaos. Sitia sandy beach is 23km drive from the house. There are various other great options available. We will provide information about the best beaches in the region.
Sitia town
It is the nearest town (at 23km from the house) with a large sandy beach, supermarkets, a weekly farmer's market and a hospital.
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Sitia's archeological museum display's exhibits dating back to the Neolithic era in 3,500 BC while the medieval fortress of Kazarma, situated at the top of Sitia is a reminder of the town's medieval past. Furthermore, the folklore museum exhibits items from the past century such as weavings, woodcuts and other everyday life items.
During the evening you can visit one of the numerous small restaurants ("Rakadika") situated along the town's fishing port, which serve delicious variety plates along with Cretan spirit "Raki". And if you are up to it you can continue your night out until the early morning hours in one of the local bars and clubs.
Getting Around:
You will need to rent a car in order to fully enjoy what the region has to offer. For travel plans:
The main access to Crete is through Heraklion (about 1.30 hours distance) with an international airport and port. There are scheduled flights throughout the year from Athens and various European airports as well as charter flights from April till October while the port offers connection to Athens and Aegean islands.
The newly constructed Sitia airport is served with scheduled flights from Athens and charter flights from Europe in the summer months. The airport also offers scheduled flights to the nearby islands of Kasos and Karpathos.
Interaction with Guests:
We will greet you and provide a tour of the house. If you have any need or require information (beaches, historical sites, restaurants, hiking routes etc) you can always contact us at any time! We can stock the fridge and storage with any groceries you require. Just provide us with a list!
