Traditional Apartment over the Lion Fountains

A cozy and traditional apartment right at the center of Crete, in the main square of one of the most famous villages, Spili, standing over 30 lion fountains and surrounded by large maple trees. Starting from this oasis, you can plan your trips carelessly: 20-25 minutes drive away from the nicest and unexplored beaches of the south coastline as well as 20-30 min drive from the famous and picturesqe Rethimno city. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Crete from the inside. The house is situated at a picturesque location, surrounded by maple trees and standing tall in front of 30 lion-head fountains, at the central square of village of Spili. Spili has always served as the crossroads of the Rethimno region, situated halfway from the city of Rethimno and the Cretan South, where remnants of old ports can still be found and of course, the town of Agia Galini. The house was built around 1925 by the newly-wed Myron and Polyxeni Perakis. Unfortunately for the Perakis family, right after the birth of their first son, the Second World War broke out and shortly after the Battle of Crete, the Nazis took over the region, drove the family away and transformed the house into the main German HQ in the region. After the war time was over, the house (and the family) was luckily unharmed, and it became the central hub of the village. Up until recently (when grandma Polyxeni was still alive), one could still see the old inhabitants of the village walk in front of the house with their donkeys, pour water from the fountains into large containers to take back home and stop for small-talk with the old, gentle, knitting figure of old Polyxeni. Although it was renovated at the beginning of the 00s, signs of the house's antiquity can still be found here and there. Parts of it are built with rock, while old furniture and traditional internal layout are clearly noticeable. Guests have immediate access to the "old way of life" in the village by descending through the main staircase to the central square to quench their thirst in the fountains or simply have a glass of raki in one of the cafeterias underneath. The space is also a good starting point for trips all around Crete. In about half an hour drive, guests can visit the city of Rethimno or the southern towns of Crete and within fewer kilometers, some of the most astounding, famous and unique beaches/summer resorts of the island, such as Plakias or Preveli. Even for the most adventurous at heart, there are many options for exploring untouched places of unique beauty for swimming, trekking and camping. The apartment features two separate large rooms united with an internal wooden staircase, one small kitchen and one bathroom. Guests also have access to two external common spaces: one backyard on the top floor (with immediate access/view to the oddly-shaped hill over Spili) and the balcony in front of the main entrance, with direct view to the central square of the village, the fountains and the cafeterias underneath. Since the house features two more apartments on each side, it's very much likely that guest might interact with the Greek families inhabiting the rest of the house in one of the common spaces, especially during the summer season. During the summer season and mostly in July, the host and/or his family are generally present in a separate apartment immediately next door. Please note that the best time to meet/interact with the hosts would be weekends, as the family keeps traveling back and forth between Crete and Athens during the whole year. In any case, enough housing details and a small guide of the region can be provided beforehand. As already described, one of the main traits of the house is that it is situated in the old village square of the Spili village. This means that the area is made for pedestrians and tourists and it features medium traffic during a usual day or night hours (especially in Greek holidays). Under the apartment balcony, there are 4 cafeterias/restaurants that are almost 24/7 open, featuring both locals and tourists that might be enjoying a cup of coffee or a shot of raki. You can always blend in or just relax in the apartment, with the ambient sound of the cheerful locals and the ever-running fountain waters. Suggested spots: - Miron cafe/grill (family-owned - right underneath the apartment). - Farbrica cafe (across the paved street). - Maria-Costas taverna within a 5 minute walk from the central square. - many more places to be suggested in personalized guides provided. Alternatively, taking the road to the upper part of the village, one can also access the old, picturesque streets of Spili and the beautiful view to the hill above it and the valley in front. Even further than that, adventurous visitors may want to take the half an hour hiking trip up the hill to the small church of Agio Pneuma, to witness the breath-taking view of Spili and its surroundings. Due to the fact that the house is situated within the paved village center, where traffic is forbidden, the closest parking spot can be found in the municipal parking area, 1 or 2 minutes away from the house on foot. By walking the same distance, right in front of the village's only bank, visitors can find the local bus station to and from the Northern/Southern parts of the Rethimno region. Visitors will be provided with detailed listings and schedules of the bus itinienaries. Visitors can be given access to the WiFi network of the coffee shop directly below the apartment, upon request.