Pitsidia – Holiday Homes in a Charming Cretan Village

Where is Pitsidia?

Pitsidia is a nice village located 60 kilometers south of Heraklion, by the Lybyan Sea. An archaeological protection zone separates the village from the coast. This area has been important since Minoan times.

How big is Pitsidia?

The charming village has about 600 residents. Families often live close together, and you’ll still see older locals dressed in black sitting outside their homes. Living proof of Crete’s strong traditions.

Who lives here?

Since the 1970s, many German-speaking families have made Pitsidia their home. Children often grow up bilingual. Visitors include families, couples, groups and solo travelers - looking for peace and real culture.

The Plateia (village square) is the heart of Pitsidia. Here you can enjoy Greek coffee or a cool drink at wooden tables under the trees. During the day it’s peaceful – in the evening, it comes alive.
The Kafenions are lively meeting places where neighbors discuss politics, crops, or the price of tomatoes – or simply enjoy the company.

Pitsidia combines tradition and modern life. Young people work in tourism and keep family businesses alive. Many families have their own olive groves, which provide freh olive oil and a sense of independence.

Most locals work in tourism, as housekeepers, craftsmen, or in taverns and small shops.

There’s also a pharmacy, ensuring healthcare for residents and visitors alike.

The quality of life is high: short distances, local schools, good medical care, and plenty of regional products like fresh fruit, vegetables, and olive oil.

Pitsidia has many nice taverns and cafés. They serve local dishes like Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Cretan Dakos.

1. Bodikos
   A place with typical Greek dishes.
   Tip:
   You have to climb 2 steps.
2. Raftis Wine-Restaurant
   Offers local dishes.
   Directions:
   In the center of Pitsidia.
   Open seasonally.
3. Taverna Vrachos
   A cozy spot with traditional Greek food. They have fresh fish. The staff is friendly.
   Directions:
   On the way from Pitsidia to Matala, on the right side.
4. Mystical View
   Serves fresh fish and local dishes. The staff is friendly.
   Directions:
   On the way from Pitsidia to Matala, next to Vrachos.
5. Green Koukounari
   A vegetarian restaurant with tasty food, including sushi.
   Directions:
   From the main road, pass Pension Aretoussa on your left for about 100 meters, then turn right.
6. Bunga Bunga
   Offers local dishes, salads, and fish. Enjoy beautiful sunsets on the beach.
   Directions:
   At the end of Komos Beach, near the cliffs.
   Tip:
   Sandy path, and you have to climb small stairs.
7. Restaurant Markos
   Serves meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
   Directions:
   On the Plateia.
   Tip:
   If you can’t sit outside, you need to climb stairs.
8. Restaurant Bougainvillea
   Offers local dishes, salads, and fish.
   Directions:
   At the Plateia.
   Tip:
   You have to climb 1 step to sit.
9. Pizzeria Ariadne
   Serves typical Greek dishes, like homemade Moussaka.
   Directions:
   On the main road.
   Tip:
   You have to climb stairs to sit.
10. Restaurant Babis
    Serves typical Greek dishes, like homemade Pastitio.
    Directions:
    On the main road.
    Tip:
    You have to climb stairs to sit.
    Open seasonally.
11. Elli’s Grillhouse
    Serves typical Greek dishes.
    Directions:
    On the main road.
    Tip for handicapped people:
    If you can’t sit outside on the Plateia, you need to climb 2 steps.
12. Kantifes
    Serves small dishes.
    Tip for handicapped people:
    You need to climb 1 step to sit.
    Directions:
    In the center of Pitsidia, near the church.

These restaurants are great for enjoying local Cretan food!

Small local shops sell handmade pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

In nearby Kouses, visit the famous Botano Herb Shop, where you can also order online after your trip.

During summer, Pitsidia and nearby villages host music and dance festivals.

You can experience traditional Cretan dances and hear live music played on the lyra. It's the Crete’s traditional instrument.

Komos Beach – Just minutes from Pitsidia, this long sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It’s quiet and natural, ideal for those seeking peace.

Matala Beach – Famous for its Minoan caves and hippie history, Matala offers shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s lively in summer but calm in winter.
Buses run regularly from Pitsidia; the bus stop is only 200 meters from our holiday homes.

The valley around Pitsidia offers beautiful hiking trails with views of the sea and mountains.

Agiofarango Gorge is a highlight - a rocky pth through flowering oleander leads to a quiet beach. You can reach ist by car via Sivas and Odigitrias Monastery.
⚠️ Don't park under trees! The wild Kri Kri goats might climb on your car for leaves.

• Matala: 6 km walk or short bus ride – great for shopping and beach days.
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: 60 km north – visit the Palace of Knossos and explore Crete’s Minoan history.

Pitsidia is the perfect place for those who want both relaxation and adventure.
Enjoy beaches, hiking, ancient history, and real Cretan hospitality.
A stay here offers everything – peace, culture, nature, and a touch of timeless Greek charm.