Pezoulia Mountain Retreat

Right in the heart of a rare pine forest, with beautiful springs, little streams and magnificent gorges you may find the serenity you are looking for and also enjoy high class accommodation and warm hospitality.

The “Pezoulia” Mountain Retreat is a complex of four independent units, built inside the Selakano settlement, close to the forest at an altitude of 930m. “Pezoulia” can become an ideal starting point for your daily excursions to the picturesque mountain area of Dikti, as well as trips to the fabulous south east beaches of Crete which are located only 15km from the settlement.

A dreamy destination in the heart of Crete, available for you all year long, ideal either for a cool summer vacation or a breathtaking winter experience.

“Pezoulia” in the Cretan dialect is the word for steps. It also refers to the way the Cretan people make mountain areas with steep slopes suitable for cultivation and house building by creating several even levels on a slope, like steps on a stairs.

Organized excursions

The cave of ‘Neraidogoula’

One of nature’s well hidden secrets – presents an inexplicable phenomenon. Sometimes in August unbelievable quantities of water flow out of the depths of the cave, flood the “Psoriaris” river and cause catastrophes. Perhaps this is why it took the name “Neraidogoula”, that means ” Fairy ‘s spring”.

The gorge of ‘Parsa’

An exciting mountain route between the settlements of Selakano and Metaxohori in a forested area full of springs and little streams.

Climb to ‘Afentis’

An all-day pilgrim hike to the church of Afentis Christos. A unique experience and a magnificent view above the clouds.

To get more information about the organised trips please mail us at info@alargo.no

Routes

Off-road trips

Selakano is an excellent starting point for off-road trips to the picturesque Dikti mountains. A trip inside the woods (with jeeps or bikes) is not something you want to miss. The area is generally accessible as it is crossed by a dense network of country roads, the majority of which is passable all through the year.

European Path E4

Each year, thousands of climbers and hikers pass through the area of Selakano, as it is a part of the E4 path’s route. The European E4 path after thousands of kilometers of paths, having passed through many European countries ends here, in the prefecture of Lasithi. It enters Lasithi from the west side of the mountains of Dikti and the Tihos settlement. After a long as well as magnificent route it reaches Selakano and continues to the villages of Prina, Meseleri, Vasiliki and Papagianades. The end of the path E4 is Kato Zakros in the municipality of Sitia.

The Sarakina canyon

Leaving Selakano on the way to the settlement of Mythi you can see the sign that points to the Sarakina canyon. Follow it and in a few minutes you will find yourself in the entrance of this magnificent canyon. Remember that there are stream waters inside the canyon all-year long, so you will need the right shoes and perhaps a towel. During the winter and in the beginning of spring the water level inside the canyon makes it impossible to cross.

Nearest beaches and summer routes

Only 15 kilometres from the settlement of Selakano you may find amazing beaches and taste delicious fish dishes in local sea-side taverns.

Myrtos

A beautiful sea-side village with marvelous beaches with crystal-clear waters that are always calm since Myrtos’ bay is protected by the strong summer winds.

Tertsa

A traditional little village with a relatively secluded beach. In the village’s only tavern you can enjoy local cuisine and a beautiful view of the south Cretan sea.

Psari Forada

Another sea-side village that combines beautiful as well as calm sea with great taverns and little coffee shops that also serve tsikoudia and starters.

Ierapetra the southernmost town of Europe, a town of 15.000 people

Beautiful, clean beaches and many restaurants with delicious traditional Cretan cuisine are the main features of this town. There is also a variety of choices for your entertainment: seaside cafes, bars and traditional “raki” bars.

Island of Chrisi

A visitor should not miss a day trip to the Island of Chrisi. Swimming in its crystal clear, green-blue waters and relaxing on its long white beaches is a unique experience. Chrisi is 40minutes from Ierapetra with regular ferry trips during the summer. For more info about Ierapetra and the sites to see visit www.ierapetra.gr

Festivals

Oreon Festival (from the 5th until the 15th of August) – Cultural Festival

Activities

Stock-raising and dairy production in Selakano

Our guests are free to watch or take part in the daily chores of local shepherds and stock-raisers, feeding and taking care of the animals, as well as milking the goats and making traditional cheese and yogurt.

Churches & Monasteries

The number of the Byzantine churches, chapels and monasteries scattered in the area is remarkable. Among them some have superb and valuable icons. However one should not miss the Monastery of Panagia Exakousti, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Crete, a true oasis of hospitality and reverence.

The “Pezoulia” traditional guest houses is a complex of four independent units, built inside the Selakano settlement, close to the forest at an altitude of 930m. Each unit can accommodate 2 to 4 persons.

“Pezoulia” can become an ideal starting point for your daily excursions to the picturesque mountain area of Dikti, as well as trips to the fabulous south beaches of Crete located only 15km from the settlement.

Under the same name, “Selakano”, the wild forested mountain area the fertile valley, as well as a small picturesque settlement. Located in the north-western territories of Ierapetra, in the south-eastern part of the Dikti massif at an altitude of 930m.

The area is truly blessed with magnificent natural beauty, with numerous springs, little streams and breathtaking gorges, a wild forest of unique environmental importance, with pine- trees, planes, oaks, cypresses, holly trees and Cretan maples. The forest is the nesting and hunting ground of many predatory birds and other small wild animals, one of Crete’s most important eco-systems, protected by the NATURA 2000 European networking programme (http://www.natura.org)

In the basin, where the settlements of Selakano and Mathokastana are located, there are many walnut and pear trees, vineyards and small vegetable gardens. Additionally the area produces some of Crete’s finest thyme honey, as well as exceptional dairy products.

The whole area is always lush green and beautiful, ideal for trips and excursions throughout the year. It is also an excellent starting point as it is as close to Dikti’s mountain top, as to the fabulous southern beaches of Ierapetra.

The people of the Selakano settlement – natives or owners of country houses in the area – are warm and friendly, relaxed and straightforward. They all meet in a small cafe – tavern owned by Styliani, enjoying her famous cooking and the shade of the vine in her yard. They are more than happy to meet with travelers, hikers and tourists and offer them at least a round of drinks or other treats. An authentic sample of Cretan hospitality and a glance in the Cretan way of life.