Aspros Potamos, traditional cottage

Stone made house with sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom,veranda. It can accomodate up to 3 people. Aspros Potamos is known to be the most ancient settlement in the area of Pefki. It is located in south-east Crete, a thousand meters above sea level and the coastal village Makrys Gialos. The area is famous for its natural beauty, which comprises of numerous unspoiled beaches, traditional picturesque villages, and its four magnificent gorges. It is an ideal location, since the area combines both beaches and mountains covered by lush greenery and endogenous pine, olive and citrus trees. It is thought that early Aspros Potamos was originally much larger; however, probably the constant attacks and raids from pirates forced the inhabitants to abandon the settlement. So, they sought refuge in the higher mountain ranges, where it was more safe and isolated and they used the settlement to house their life stock during the harsh winter months or they would venture down in order to maintain their vegetable gardens. The old inhabitants of Aspros Potamos are considered to be the first settlers of the mountain area of Pefki. This comes as no surprise, since the location is spectacular with densely covered mountain sides and valleys giving an intense green foliage. The valley on the south side reaches all the way up to Analipsi and the stream Aspros Potamos, which the settlement takes its name from, runs through it. Nowadays, all the relics and the old stone and soil built houses have been renovated and fully restored. The settlement of Aspros Potamos has been characterised as traditional and its authenticity is protected by the Greek government. The architecture of the area is typical to south-east Crete. The stone built houses (10 in total) are in harmony with nature and the guest will feel as if living in the old times. The houses were built 300 years ago and they were last renovated in 2011. The decoration is simple and plain using traditional objects such as small tables, old wood, accessories for traditional bread making, old woven fabrics and pots and pans. Beds made from stone, original windows and bedrock walls, ceilings of crossed beams, use of straw and soil for insulation, all help to create their traditional style. The houses are connected by a network of traditional stone paths. Thick outer walls made of stone and rock keep the houses cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In respect for nature and the environment, Aspros Potamos uses only renewable energy sources. We have installed a solar photovoltaic system which has won the first European Award for Greece. This solar system generates its own electricity which is used to illuminate the grounds and gardens, reading lamps above beds, bathroom light, and also refrigerators in the kitchen. Also hot water for the shower is generated with this system . Candles and oil lambs provide the main lighting in the houses. There are no electrical sockets in the houses. At the reception room our guests can charge any electrical appliance. In the same room there is a library, internet and WiFi network. All free of charge. Reception is open between 09:00-14:00 and from 17:00-20:00. There is an announcement board outside the reception. If you arrive outside the reception opening hours, there will be a notice on the announcement board with your name and number of the house allocated to you. We transfer our customers from Heraklion airport to the hostel and from the hostel to the airport of Heraklion after request. If you arrive by bus and an arrangement has been made in advance, we will wait at the bus stop to transfer you to the house and take you back regardless of the opening hours of the reception desk. If you require breakfast, you should let us know one day in advance. Breakfast is served in the reception area at the time you wish, but not before 09:30 am. There is a library in the reception room where you can borrow books. There is also a computer available with 24 hour internet access and a Wifi network. Use of the internet is free of charge. Ask for beach umbrellas, beach mattresses, rackets etc. before you buy them. Maybe there is something in the guest house from previous guests. We can give you plenty of information for local restaurants, day excursions, beaches and whatever else you are interested in. We will be glad to help, just ask! If you are going to use the BBQ of the guest house, please do not forget to put out the fire completely, once you have finished. Change of bed linen and cleaning service is typically every 2 days.