Local Activities

Tennis courts are available just across the road
Water sports are available just 300 m away on the beach.
There are a selection of tavernas, bars, supermarkets, shops and a jewellery shop within walking distance.
A Little Train service just across the road offers various inland trips as well as a lift to Platanias village (5km) for shopping.
Recalling the battle of Crete
Walk up to the German War Cemetery (10 min) and appreciate the view of the Second World War Maleme aerodrome.
Shopping in Chania (35 minutes away) or Platanias only 10 minutes away by bus.
Take the local bus just outside the Mistral and visit the fishing village of Kolimbari only 10 minutes away. Stroll on the beach, swim, sunbathe or enjoy your drink or your lunch (fresh fish available daily) in the beach tavernas .

The weekly program of entertainment for you to enjoy if you wish is as follows:

History talk: Find out more about the long fascinating history of Crete every second Wednesday evening. 5000 years of history from Minoan period to Helinistic  then Clasical times, Roman period, the Byzantine empire all the way up to modern times.
Over the centuries Crete has been invaded by everyone mainly because of its strategic position in the then known world for the control of the eastern Mediterranean and the trade between 3 continents. This obviously had a tremendous impact on the islands traditions, way of life and character of the people.
The talk lasts about 45 minutes
Walk through the Venetian old town of Chania with Vassilis (hotel manager) on Thursday. Lunch at Petridis taverna on the water front. Nikos, the owner has been a restaurateur for 65 years and refuses to change his laid back life style.
Barbeque and Greek night with Live Greek music and professional dancers every Friday evening. Get to see the traditional costumes and dances of Crete and mainland Greece. Join Vassilis, our hostess and the dancers for a night with a difference.

Cooking demonstration on Friday afternoon. Join us in the kitchen and see, smell and taste what will be served for your dinner. Learn how to make stuffed tomatoes, tzatziki and Cretan small cheese pies. Get the recipes and impress your friends at home! Take home a bottle of the family olive oil to remind you of us every time you sprinkle it on your salad.
Group photo session on Friday night. Posh frocks on with a big smile and the group photo is ready to remind us all of another excellent week.
A visit to our vegetable garden (organic in transition). See for yourself where the vegetables, eggs and chicken you enjoy come from.
Wine tasting. Wine, nibbles, chat and be merry. Sip on the best Cretan and Greek wines (payable locally).
Fishing expedition with Adonis.
Snorkelling across from the hotel (borrow our wet suits and gear).
Birdwatching . Borrow our telescope and come with us to watch some of Crete's wild birds, many of them rare in England.



Excursions in the western Crete include (payable locally):

• Scuba diving in Chania. 5 Star P.A.D.I. centre. For experienced divers or beginners.
  
• Horse riding only half an hour away from the hotel.
  
• Samaria Gorge walk : At 17 Km long the biggest gorge in Europe. A real challenge and a must (walking boots/shoes recommended)
  
• Discover beautiful Elafonissi Island. The blue lagoon of Crete.
  
• The Palace of Knossos and the lost world of the Minoans.
  
• Cycling .
  
• Milia restored village where the spirit of real Crete lives on.
  
• Falasarna and Sfinari The best beach on the island. Turquoise waters soft pink sand and Breathtaking views.
  
    Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay boat trip. Daily trip to the Pirate Island. Visit the Venetian fortress of Gramvousa and swim in the magnificent crystal waters of Balos Bay.
  
  
  
  

Cultural Events

During your stay here you could attend several local cultural events. They are the most authentic moments Crete can offer you. Not staggered for tourists these events really are a true taste of Crete not to be missed.
We will be attending some of these events and information will be provided each week.

Here are some of them:

May the 3rd: Festivity of St. Athanasios. We all go to Mouri village and celebrate it with Lakis Family.

Weekend closest to May the 21st: Commemorations of the battle of Crete 1941.

June: Cherries festivity at Karanou village.

June the 24th: Festivity of St. Ioannis Klidonas at Fres and Therisso.

July the 26th: Pilgrimage excursion from Kissamos to Balos and the island of Gramvousa.

July: Naval week at the old harbour in Chania.

1-10th of August: Agricultural August. Exhibition of agricultural products at the docklands in old harbour of Chania.

August the 6th: Metamorphosis of Jesus the saver

August the 2oth: Honey festivity at Afrata.

September: Sardine festivity at Souda and Nea Chora.

End of October: Chesnut festivity at Prasses and Elos.