Pitsidia – Holiday Homes in a Charming Cretan Village

In this place, Cretan traditions are still palpable. Despite the many visitors in summer, Pitsidia has preserved its traditions.
Walk through the narrow streets with open eyes! You can notice the culture in so many small things.

Elderly people chat with each other in the shade, dressed in black.
Women peel their vegetables in front of their houses sitting on the small street.
Men grow their hair long for many months after a bereavement.
Men discuss small problems and global politics in the village kafeneion.
And not to forget: the Komboloi! It looks like a rosary and is made of beads or stones. It is purely a toy for the hands and has no religious meaning. Try it yourself! You will be amazed at how difficult it is.

Since the 1970s, a surprisingly large number of German-speaking people have lived here. And also families whose children grow up bilingual.

No one comes here on vacation looking for big shopping streets. There is also no 'typical' guest.
In southern Crete, especially in Pitsidia, you will find nature lovers and enthusiasts of tradition and culture.
Families, solo travelers, groups, and couples all come together here.
Everyone who appreciates something genuine and unspoiled. A certain kind of down-to-earthness.

On the Plateia, the marketplace as the center of life.
In the heart of the village lies the marketplace, inviting you to relax and linger. Enjoy a Greek coffee or a cold drink, served at the typical wooden tables and chairs. During the day, a calm bustle prevails; in the evening, the square comes alive.
The cafés are social meeting points, ideal for regular exchanges among neighbors. Heated discussions about political developments or even just changes in tomato prices. What is important for everyone is the cozy togetherness after a long day of work.

Pitsidia preserves Cretan customs. At school, the children learn Cretan history, poems, and songs. Depending on the sports teacher, Cretan dances are practiced.
The youth see opportunities in the family business. Families are exploring new paths in the local economy centered around tourism. Their own olive groves provide households with oil and strengthen the families' sense of self-sufficiency.

The village thrives on tourism and the jobs associated with it.
This includes property managers, cleaning staff, craftsmen, and employees in taverns, supermarkets, and pharmacies.

Seminars for self-awareness, yoga, or skills development are offered in Pitsidia.

Handicrafts have a firm place in the markets and small shops.

A pharmacy reliably provides medical care on site; important for families and the elderly.

Pitsidia has a good quality of life. It offers short distances, good healthcare, a school, and local products. The proximity to fresh fruit, vegetables, and regional delicacies creates a sustainable, family-friendly infrastructure. Tourism is present in the summer.

The people have found their way with it.

There are many cafés and taverns where you can enjoy local specialties such as 'Moussaka,' 'Souvlaki,' and 'Cretan Dakos.' See where the locals go to eat. Each of the taverns has its merits. Vrachos, Bunga Bunga, Raftis. All good and recommended.
A insider tip: traditional cuisine also always allows a look into the actual kitchen! Often, the best dishes are found here!

Some of the restaurants and taverns in Pitsidia:

Bodikos

A place with typical Greek dishes.
Note: You have to go up 2 steps to get to the dining area.

Raftis Wine-Restaurant

Raftis offers local dishes. It is located in the center of Pitsidia.
The restaurant is not open continuously. During the off-season, you need to check the opening hours first.

Taverna Vrachos

A cozy place with traditional Greek cuisine. Here you can enjoy fresh fish. The staff is friendly. Fish is not quite as cheap in Crete anymore...
The taverna is on a cliff on the way from Pitsidia to Matala. A signpost indicates where you need to turn right.
It will be busy on weekends or holidays. You should make a reservation by phone in advance.
From here, you have a great view over Komos Beach and the legendary sunsets.

Mystical View

The Mystical View is located right next to the Vrachos. The locals argue about which tavern is better. They serve fresh fish and local dishes. The staff is friendly.
The tavern is on a cliff on the way from Pitsidia to Matala. A sign indicates where you need to turn right. On weekends or holidays, it will be busy. You should make a reservation by phone in advance. From here, you have a great view over Komos Beach and the legendary sunsets behind the islands of Paximadi.

Green Koukounari

Pitsidia has a vegetarian restaurant with delicious food. Sushi is also prepared here. To get to the restaurant, drive or walk from the main road at the Aretoussa guesthouse, turn left towards the village center. After about 100 meters, the restaurant is on the right.

Bunga Bunga

At Bunga Bunga you can enjoy local dishes, salads, and fish. Enjoy beautiful sunsets on the beach. It is located at the end of Komos Beach, near the steep cliffs. You reach the restaurant via a wooden walkway. It is tiered. You sit on the beach in covered niches with wooden furniture. On windy days, you might want to consider another tavern. Keep the sandy beach in mind when choosing your shoes...

Restaurant Markos

This restaurant serves meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is easily accessible. It is located in the middle of the Pitsidia marketplace. If you can’t find a free spot outside, you will have to climb some steps.

Restaurant Bougainvillea

Offers local dishes, salads, and fish. The restaurant is easily accessible. It is located right in the middle of the Pitsidia marketplace.
Please note, you need to step up one level to sit.

Pizzeria Ariadne

The restaurant is more than just a pizzeria. They serve typical Greek food like moussaka. You find the restaurant directly on the main road.
You need to climb about 10 steps to reach the restaurant.

Restaurant Babis

At Babis, they serve typical Greek food, such as homemade pastitsio. You can find the restaurant directly on the main road.
You have to climb steps to sit.
The restaurant is not open continuously. During the off-season, you need to check the opening hours first.

Elli’s Grillhouse

A small tavern with typical Greek food. You can find the restaurant directly on the main street, diagonally opposite Babis.
Accessibility note: If you cannot sit outside on the Plateia, you have to go up 2 steps.

Kantifes

This is more of a kafeneion. They serve small dishes, as the Greeks say, 'mezes'.
Accessibility note: You have to go up 1 step to sit. Location: In the center of Pitsidia, near the church.

These restaurants are great for enjoying local Cretan food!

In and around Pitsidia, you'll find small shops selling local handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Be sure to visit Cafe Oneira (meaning "Dreams")!

In the nearby town of Kouses, you'll find the herb shop Botano, which also ships its products online for after your vacation. The owner, Ioannis, is well-known in Germany thanks to his appearances on numerous TV programs.

In summer, local festivals take place in Pitsidia and the surrounding area. At music and dance festivals, you can see Cretan dances accompanied by music played on the laouto and the lyra.

On the first weekend of October, the Raki Festival is celebrated in the town square.
Raki is a spirit distilled from the pomace, the residue left over from wine pressing.
This pomace is distilled, often several times, to increase the alcohol content. The result is a spirit known in Crete as Raki.

Just a few minutes from Pitsidia is Komos Beach, a beautiful, expansive sandy beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing days by the sea. It is known for its unspoiled nature and tranquil atmosphere, as it is less crowded than other beaches in Crete.

Matala is known for its Minoan caves and hippies. The town thrives on tourism during the summer months. Outside of peak season, it's practically deserted. Besides its beach, Matala offers many small restaurants and shops. You're sure to find a souvenir for your loved ones back home.

Buses run regularly from Pitsidia. The bus stop is 200 meters from our holiday homes on the main road.

You can also walk. The trail winds for approximately 6 kilometers through the valley.

Hiking around Pitsidia offers beautiful moments. The paths are easy to walk and are also suitable for children. Olive trees accompany you.
Small archaeological excavations tell of past life on Crete.

An old olive mill shows how olives were ground in the past. The kerbstones are still arranged in a circle. In the center lay the millstones with the olives. Donkeys turned the millstones.
On the trails, you will find nature, culture, and tranquility away from the crowds. The hikes are ideal for photography and nature observation.

Enjoy the Cretan atmosphere with its gentle hills, shade, and light breezes.

In Pitsidia you'll find (almost) everything your heart desires.

• Beautiful beaches nearby.
• Short and long hiking trails with a unique character.
• Experience the local culture and get a taste of it on the Plateia.
• And the region boasts countless archaeological sites from the Minoan period.

Matala, known for its Minoan caves and hippie scene, offers interesting restaurants and shops in addition to its beach.
Buses run regularly. The bus stop is 200 meters away on the main road.

You can also walk. The trail winds for approximately 6 kilometers through the valley.

Near Pitsidia lies the Agiofarango Gorge.

You wind your way through the gorge on a rocky path. Flowering oleanders line both sides of the path, and after 15 minutes you'll find a small chapel. A few minutes later, you'll reach a secluded beach. This spot is known for its dramatic scenery and tranquility.

How do you get to the bay? Drive to Sivas. There, turn off towards the Odigitrias Monastery. Be sure to visit the monastery on your way back!

After the monastery, turn right onto a gravel road. Follow this road until you reach a barrier.

Do not park your car under the trees! The wild goats (Kri Kri) will climb onto your car to eat the leaves...

The weather in southern Crete is warm and pleasant.
Temperatures fluctuate less here than on the island's north coast. The mountains' leeward effect provides gentle variations.

Spring and autumn: Very pleasant temperatures up to around 25°C (77°F). It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and city breaks.

Winter: Mild, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F). Rain is possible, but dry periods usually predominate.

Summer: Very hot, often extremely dry. Due to its proximity to the equator, there is plenty of sunshine and long, warm evenings.

Tips: Bring sufficient sun protection, light clothing, and water; make use of shady spots. Perfect for beach holidays, hiking, and road trips along the south coast.