<The village of Elos on the island of Crete
The village of Elos lies 24km south from Kissamos in the east of crete, and 57km from Chania. You have to turn south at Kaloudiana, 39km from Chania on the Chania - Kissamos road. On the route you will also pass the beautiful Topolia Gorge and after you have gone through the tunnel (the oldest one in Crete?) you will also see the Agia Sophia Cave on your right hand side. In the village of Elos you can find an old Turkish aqueduct, the remains of a large old mill and the Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis, which dates from the 14th century. Inside the church are well preserved frescoes of Christ and of saints.
A sign from the central square points you to the direction of the church. It is not a long walk and you will also pass the aqueduct. Next to the church are pretty fruit trees.
Elos is one of the most attractive old villages of the Kissamos prefecture, with green surroundings and natural water sources. You can make a stop here in one of the kafenions or taverns. There is also a small (and quite expensive) mini market in the village.
Elos is situated at an altitude of 557 meters above sea level. Most people drive through the village when they are on their way south to visit the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa or go to Elafonissi Beach. The area around Elos is known for its natural beauty. There are also hiking trails. You'll find the largest number of chestnut trees on the island of Crete and there are special reptiles, birds and rare birds of prey, and special plants and flowers to be seen. Most houses here are simple and the majority of the population lives from agriculture and olive growing.
Because the village of Elos is situated on the shortest driving route towards various attractions in the south of Crete it is also benefiting a bit with tourism. It is a pleasant village just to pause, to look around and get something to eat or drink while you are on your journey. A very special shop in the village is the one of Manolis, also situated on the main street. He sells both practical as art objects that he has created from olive wood The shop is quite large and there are also inexpensive objects from olive wood for sale. It's nice to step inside to view the shop. If you buy something as a gift then Manolis will wrap it up in a quirky way for you.
The Kamares Taverna is located on the main square of the village of Elos. They sell various types of breakfasts, starters, omelettes, pastas and grilled food. The cappuccino is reasonable but somewhat sweet (whipped cream instead of milk), but you'll get a glass of water with it. Friendly people. The omelette was okay. After lunch we get free apples with cinnamon and a too large bottle of raki ;).
Our verdict: certainly not bad - a 7,5 out of 10
The Kamares Tavern is also situated on the main square of the village of Elos. It is quite a large taverna. The menu includes traditional Greek dishes. The cappuccino is from Illy and is served with a glass of water.
Our verdict: a 7,5 out of 10
Featuring a private pool with sun terrace and sun loungers, Arhontika Villas is in Elos Village. It offers a fully equipped unit with a fireplace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The popular Elafonisi Beach is 10 km away. Fitted with colourful walls and tastefully decorated, this air-conditioned villa at Arhontika opens to 2 balconies. It has a seating area with flat-screen TV and an open-plan kitchen with stove and dining area. A hair dryer is included. A mini market for the general supplies as well as a restaurant and a caf� bar can be found 200 metres away. Kissamos Town is 25 km away and the scenic town of Chania is at a distance of 54 km. Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport is 80 km away.
Check availabilities and prices & book Arhontika Villas in Elos - click here.