“Aetovigla” is a group of six detached fully furnished cottages built from curved stone and wood according to traditional architecture and with respect to the environment. These cottages are situated on the side of a hill on the eastern feet of mountain Psiloritis (Idi) at a height of 800m.They are at the entrance of the gorge of Ag. Irini, 25 km west of Heraklion City and only 4km from the historic village of Krousonas.
Inside they combine the comforts of a modern home with the warm and friendly atmosphere and they are big enough for 2 or 4 people each. There is a big living room, dining room, kitchen, a bathroom and a slightly raised bedroom. All cottages have central heating, fireplace and big verandas with a magnificent view to the four points of the compass. Also, all cottages have shower, satellite television, a small kitchen with a fridge, a stove, a coffee machine and all basic utensils.
The group of cottages has a swimming pool, a small and friendly reception that also serves as a lounge café, an organic vegetable garden where guests can freely use products and of course a traditional Tavern where visitors can taste local specialties made of natural products of Crete. There is free Wi-Fi Internet connection in all the public parts of the lodging and free parking for your vehicles. Also, Aetovigla is a pet friendly accommodation.
Activities:
With “Aetovigla” as a starting point visitors can explore the broader area, enjoy the natural beauty and meet friendly people.Suggested Destinations:
• Trekking: Follow a path parallel to the gorge of Ag. Irini up to the Krousonas Plateau (1300m) Get to know the endemic plants and herbs of mountain Psiloritis (3500 different kinds), a typical day of the Cretan shepherds and the traditional way of breeding and cheese making. Don’t miss a visit to the traditional “mitata”(arched small buildings made of stone without any connecting materials) the houses of the shepherds. 4km)
• Visit to the Minoan City of Zominthos, the Observatory, the historic village Anogia (10km), the Nida Plateau and the “Ideon Andron” (the cave where Zeus was born and raised according to mythology )
• Visit to the women’s monastery of Ag. Irini (1,5km).
• Walk around the streets of the historic village of Krousonas where you can meet locals, see the workshops of traditional products and the numerous churches each one with its own unique history.
• Guided tour in the museums of Heraklion City, the Venetian Walls and the Knossos Palace.
• Get to know the traditional Cretan music and the customs of the island participating in local celebrations (weddings, baptisms) which take place in our tavern, taste the local wine, ”raki” and the world wide famous Cretan olive oil, basic ingredient of local dishes.
Instructions to get to Aetovigla:
To get to Aetovigla will drive the new national road Rethymnon - Heraklion. Coming from Rethymnon, just before entering the Heraklion there is a detour to the right area Gazi. After arriving in Gazi, there are signs that lead to the historic village Krousonas. Coming from Krousonas in the village you will find a node where it will follow the detour left to the monastery of Agia Irini. In the fourth kilometer, driving , you find Aetovigla, located 1,5 km after the monastery of Agia Irini.