Our first time at Aravanes was 5 years ago. The extreme silence combined with the breathtaking view over the Amari valley and Psiloritis when sitting on the balcony in the evening made a big impression on us. So when we were in the area again we had to come back. Luckily we weren't disappointed. The next generation has taken over the place and most of the rooms have been restored. We stayed in the last room that hasn't had a make over yet. But it was our own choise and it was nice and clean. The original line of using local produce is fortunately still valid. The menu is with Greek specialities at reasonable prices. The breakfast (incl. in the price) was very good with homemade products, served on the beautiful terrasse with the best view. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. Haroula had time to joke and tell us about the menu. Maria gave us advice on what to see on our trip from Thronos to Rethymnon. We can truely recommend this place and would like to come back again - maybe a bit earlier in the season so that the swimmingpool is still open ;-).…
On our travels through Crete this hotel and little village was the highlight of our trip. Up in the hills with magnificent views. The staff and family were unbelievably friendly and helpful. Food was all fresh produce grown on premises. The meals were amazing, loved the salad dressing. This area offers beautiful walks into other small villages. The rooms have all been renovated and offer view over the valley. Beds comfortable, clean fantastic service. Everybody makes you feel at home. You need to stay at least 2 nights. All meals can be included if needed. I would certainly recommend staying at this place, hopefully I will be able to return some day. Excellent value for money.
Outstanding place with beautiful scenes and phenomenal customer service. Very nice owners providing excellent organic food. Enjoyful atmosphere for kids and adults, with plenty of activities to carry out in Aravanes.
We came here for lunch after visiting Arkadi monastery (well worth visiting, especially when the roses are in bloom). We were directed here by a lady in the car park encouraging us to drive to Aravanes taverna for lunch. This is not a place you would spot from the road through the village and you would probably not be on that road anyway. Having made the diversion we were delighted to arrive at this beautiful place with its hospitality, great food (Cretan specialities recommended) and fabulous views. I could not recommend Aravanes more strongly.
I have loved this taverna and its hospitable Papoutsakis family for 25 years now, and have seen it morph from a basic village stopover to its present state as a spick and span accommodation with hot showers, comfortable beds and most mod cons, without sacrificing its two main assets - its warm friendly atmosphere, and the quite unbeatable view over 10 miles of glorious upland villages, flowery hillsides and magnificent mountains. Maria and Eleftheria Papoutsakis have done a fantastic job enhancing what their father and mother, Lambros and Maria, started here. In my opinion the best time to visit is any old time, but best of all is in April or May when the valley is green with spring, wild flowers carpet (quite literally) the ancient knoll of Sivritos overlooking Thronos, and the mighty 8,000-ft mountain of Psiloritis, highest peak of Crete, is streaked with snow as it dominates the scene.…
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