My personal highlight: Relax and disconnect from the rest of the world at Koutsounari Traditional Cottages!
I would have never found Koutsounari Traditional Cottages – named a 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award winner – without my friend and Crete travel expert Phil Butler. This secret spot is located in the small seaside village Koutsounari – 6 km east of Ierapetra and 43 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. These two spots should absolutely be on your Crete Travel list by the way! Both of them lead you to stunning old towns, quaint ports, and a collection of awe-inspiring beaches! More on that in another Lovefoodish blog section!
Accommodation
The love for detail put in every single room makes you feel at home right away at Koutsounari Traditional Cottages. Each residence features a living room with a decorative fireplace/hearth, bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, and private veranda. The cottages are all constructed with natural materials respecting the local architecture. Find comfortable-sized standard cottages starting from 34 m2 with a Sea or Garden view to the Village Superior Cottage Annex with 50-60 m² – Sea or Garden view.
Take a glass of Crete Rosé wine, relax on the terrace and enjoy muted colours and gentle light from the setting sun in the Libyan sea
Enjoy a morning swim at the Pool at the Nakou Village! It’s about 5 min.
The history of Koutsounari Traditional Cottages
Ioanna Madala, Manager at Koutsounari Traditional Cottages, shares a beautiful history behind the construction of the cottages. She reveals, that the cottages were also built due to the big efforts of the legendary hospitality figure called Eleni Nakou. This woman was a pioneer in the early 1960s becoming famous for her Elounda Beach Hotel to keep the local architecture alive. Imagine she projected these cottages to be reconstructed from the old abandoned buildings. It’s a model development several others have tried to emulate since! Ioanna and her family run the cottages with continuous and consistent efforts to keep Crete Tourism always a step ahead. Are you into more information about Sustainable Tourism on the Cretan Way? Read this interview with Ioanna conducted by Phil Butler!
My stay at Koutsounari Traditional Cottages felt safe and always in compliance with all health safety protocols. Thank you, Ioanna for letting me explore this beautiful oasis of peace and for all the lovely conversations we had.
Book your stay here!
