The Traditional Cretan Village is Arolithos, near Heraklion, and it is owned in its entirety by the family of Georgis and Marika Saloustros and their four children, Giannis, Eleni, Michalis, and Vagelis. They carry on the passion and vision of the dreamer who loved his childhood so much that he made it his life’s mission to preserve the precious memories.
Two eminent architects, Sotiris Sotirakos and Elias Patronikolas, worked from the vision Mr. Saloustros ardently described and created a beautiful, idyllic village on land that was once a sheep pasture. The foundations for the traditional homes and various building complexes were set in 1985 and the Village itself opened in 1988. Displayed throughout are artifacts of daily life in years gone by collected by Mr. Saloustros as he went door to door gathering items, ranging from kitchen utensils to stones from former homes, which were either discarded or unwanted.
Today, The Traditional Cretan Village is a very lively place open year round. Tourists are offered courses in Greek cooking and dancing and there are workshops in kneading and baking bread, mosaics, ceramic art, and demonstrations by xobiliastres (embroiderers) engaged in the art of preparing intricately designed wedding rolls. These workshops are organized for individuals or groups for a modest fee. It is necessary to register for these workshops to ensure a place for you and/or your group.
The “Hotel” is the most unusual not only on Crete, but in Greece. It is built in the form of a village and rooms are not in one building, but in homes scattered throughout the grounds. It is not a “real” village in the sense that is has permanent residents, but rather an authentic representation of a village.
Built on a hillside, guests walk through small alleyways from home to home, just as Cretans did in years gone by. Rooms are very comfortable with en suite bathrooms, a refrigerator, television set, and an air conditioning system. Most have balconies or courtyards where guests enjoy views of the garden and surrounding, undulating hills. An open-air swimming pool is available from May until late September.
For many years the Village of Arolithos has been associated with the Term, “Traditional Cretan Weddings,” and many tourists make Arolithos a destination point specifically to see these ceremonies performed. Hundreds of couples from nearby Heraklion and other regions of Crete come here to exchange marriage vows in the church of Analipsi Kiriou, followed by a colorful reception Cretan-style. Couples have a choice of a variety of receptions planned according to their wishes.
The Traditional Cretan Village is open year-round, but if you seek exquisite peach and solitude, come in the winter when fireplaces in the rooms are blazing and the atmosphere is relaxing, pleasant, and cozy. It will be difficult to find a winter holiday on Crete more pleasant than this. The tavern, kafenion, and museum are open, along with various workshops and shops. The famous lyrist from Anogia, Nikiforas Aerakis, entertains and on many nights he is joined by several local musicians.
Family members who manage the Village today say the winter season is very special because “The smell of wood burning in the fireplaces and on grates, the aroma of roasting lamb, and the scents of nature—soil, wood, and stone—stimulate the senses.” They invite guests to come during any season and enjoy “rainy days, sunny, halcyon days, or even snowy nights—all will create a magical atmosphere that takes one back to the past.”
TELOS
Published in The National Herald June 2014