At the Heart of the Bee
Tzoumerka: The paths of tradition meet “At the Heart of the Bee.”
The cooperative team KoinSEP “At the Heart of the Bee” consists of six completely different people who live and work at the foot of the Tzoumerka Mountains, creating the conditions for a spiritual and high-quality life. They dedicate themselves to the land with a focus on sustainability, emphasizing organic blueberry cultivation and beekeeping. They connect and apply older traditional arts and techniques, revitalizing tradition through musical events organized at the group’s music tavern.
Location
Tzoumerka is a vast massif, part of the great Pindos mountain range. As you approach the area, you are immediately captivated by the imposing mountain views, with countless waterfalls and many streams, often originating from beautiful springs carved with care centuries ago, still quenching the thirst of passersby. In the endless, pristine forests, whose enormous biodiversity makes them unique, wild species such as bears, wolves, deer, and eagles find refuge, as well as a wide range of endemic and migratory birds. Beautiful, picturesque villages where continental stone art predominates, with squares and alleys that transport you back in time. With bridges, monuments, and architectural achievements of the era, still standing tall and functional. The wider area offers activities such as rafting, canyoning, climbing, and cycling, among many others, providing a true experience of contact with nature, due to its unchanged character.
Details
Our region is developing dynamically through a variety of activities that combine respect for nature with tradition and innovation. The crops, along with beekeeping, produce high-quality products that form the foundation for the final offerings. At the same time, crafts such as stone and metal art, carpentry, and instrument making preserve traditions and strengthen the local economy. The ongoing effort to enhance the area is closely linked to the development of cultural and musical events. Meanwhile, the already successful tavern and grocery store are integrated as core activities, offering an authentic culinary experience and local products to visitors. The long-term goal is to create a welcoming destination that fosters sustainable development and cultural exchange.
ΚοινΣεπ: “Στην καρδιά της Μέλισσας”
Address:
47045, Kalloni Central Tzoumerka, Epirus
Town/village:
Kalloni
Region:
Central Tzoumerka, Prefecture of Arta, Region of Epirus
roula09@hotmail.com
Guesthouses Vasilikata
Area
Vasilikata guesthouses are located in the beautiful Lassithi plateau in Crete, at an altitude of 850 m. This place has a rich cultural heritage and history. Italian cartographer named Francesco Vasilikata was the first to map the area.
Activities
Caves
The caves of the Lasithi plateau are one of the most important poles of attraction of the Lassithi plateau. Their reputation is due both to their incredible natural beauty and to their archaeological significance.
Mountain climbing
The mountain belt of the Lassithi Plateau, through which the European path E4 passes, consists of a series of more than 20 alps, the height of which starts at 1163 m. Alp Louloudaki has a height of 2148 meters! Among these alps, there are small fertile valleys and smaller plateaus such as Limnakaros, Katharo, and Nisimos.
Observation of birds and wildlife
The visitor can enjoy a gentle hiking in the area and be impressed by the 14 species of wild orchid, aromatic and medicinal herbs, such as diktamo, but also many other rare plants and trees, such as the vineyard. There are many national trails, such as the Minoan trail.
Monasteries and chapels
The Vizian Monastery and the Kroustalenia Monastery exhibit unparalleled natural wealth and incredible historical data.
Cycling
On a plateau with 25.000 square meters of flat land, there is no better destination for a bicycle ride in nature.
Local cuisine
The locals have always had a slight independence from the grocery. The local cuisine is based on family production as well as on the gathering of wild herbs. The visitor can initiate in this philosophy and participate in the process of collecting, preparing and cooking the food. He can also see the whole process of the brewed bread, starting from the field with the sprats, from the carving and the polishing, from the milling and of course the kneading and baking in an authentic wood oven.
Cooking Classes
Take your basket and your appetite and come with us to our organic farm. Together we will gather all we need for our Cretan cooking experience. Our family will make you feel as you are invited for a Sunday meal with friends.
Yoga
Soap seminar
Demonstration of soap-making
Address:
Agios Konstantinos, Oropedio Lasithiou
Town/village:
Agios Konstantinos
Region:
Crete
+30 6977248456
+30 28440 31147
info@vasilikata.gr
Educational farm Dounias
family-owned agricultural farm and tavern
The idea of gastronomical center of Cretan diet, Ntounias, was born when Stelios Trilirakis decided to create his own place, a place that he could resurrect the scents and the tastes that was introduced to as a child in their own village. A kitchen lab with “parasies” (traditional pots) and wood oven always accordingly with the highest standards of hygiene and food security. A small family business was assembled along with a small farm with organic products, wine oil and honey that are used exclusively in the restaurant.
“TO KERAMIANO”
Keramiano honey is a family business that has a legacy of over 50 years. Since Manolis Nikiforakis started to produce honey in the 60s a lot have changed. Except the supreme quality of the Cretan thyme honey. After that his son, Yannis and nowadays his grandson Manolis evolved to adjust in the modern production ways offering high quality organic honey.
MAVRES WINERY
Mavredakis family coming from the village Katochori cultivates grapes on the foothills of White Mountains and makes wine according to the family and the local tradition. Locally grown and international varietes of grapes in over 200 acres of the family vineyard, a unique and well known one about the productive capability in the climate of Keramia Village. Here you can find the famous variety of red grapes in Chania, called Romeiko.
Ntounias Educational Farm
Address:
Keramion, Nerokouros, Chania 731 00
Town/village:
Keramion
Region:
Crete
+30 28210 65083
+30 6974 989 248
steliostrilyrakis@gmail.com
Earino Accommodations
Earino apartments and maisonettes are traditionally decorated with dark-wood furnishings. Each has a living area with fireplace and opens out to a balcony overlooking the mountainous Cretan landscape. Facilities include a TV, CD player and air conditioning.
A variety of local specialities made with fresh organic products is served at Earino tavern. At the coffee house of the complex, guests can enjoy light snacks and homemade ‘raki’, a traditional Cretan drink.
The city of Heraklion is 24 km away from Earino. Guests can also visit the nearby Asites village featuring stone-built houses and picturesque alleys. Free parking is available on site.
Earino Accommodations
Address:
Kato Asites 700 13, Greece
Town/village:
Kato Asites
Region:
Crete
+30 2810.861528
+30 6946.689652
info@earino.gr
Guesthouse Rokka
accomodation
The guesthouse exterior is representative of the distinctive grey stone-built architecture of the region, which dates all the way back to the 19th century. Inside, we have 5 bedrooms, which have been fully renovated to offer a simple yet homely, cosy and tranquil space to relax. Rokka is not about luxury, it’s all about the warmth of the home and the people. All of the rooms have toilet and washing facilities and two of them have their own fireplace.
wool & weaving
On the first floor of the guesthouse, two rooms have been dedicated to the art of weaving and the world of wool. Lena has been immersed in this world for over a decade and if you like, she can show you how to weave and create your own piece of fabric.
In the workshop you can witness all of the stages of wool processing: carding, spinning using a distaff and spinning wheel, and finally you can dye the wool different colours with natural plant dyes that have been collected from the surrounding nature.
When you are ready you can make your very own creations!
activities
The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for a vast range of activities in nature. Georgia can help you plan short or long-distance treks, depending on what you would like to see and do.
You can go horse-riding and explore the valleys and paths of the picturesque villages of Mikro Papigo and Megalo Papigo, two villages which have been amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes that look up towards the imposing Astraka peak of Mount Tymphe.
Vasilis can take you water rafting in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Voidomatis river.
The spring and autumn seasons offer the opportunity to grab your baskets and go mushroom foraging in the valleys with Katerina so you can collect your own wild mushrooms, black and white truffles.
As far as rainy days are concerned, these aren’t a problem as we turn them into hours of creative fun in Lena’s Saita workshop which is located on the first floor of the guesthouse.
Guesthouse Rokka
Address:
Elafotopos (Tservari),Central Zagori, Ioannina
Town/village:
Elafotopos
Region:
Ioannina
+30 26530 71580
+30 6942 485213
rokkazagori@gmail.com
Patriko Traditional Residence
The village of Vafes has been listed as a preserved historical monument & traditional settlement by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, due to its long history.
We guarantee an exciting dive in the heart of such a traditional Cretan village, in stone houses with character, which is ideally located for visiting the wonderful region of Lefka Ori. The houses of Patriko Traditional Stone Residence are comfortable, tastefully decorated and furnished in traditional Cretan style. The presence of stone and wood gives them a beautiful, rustic atmosphere, which is completed by the presence of a fireplace.
Patriko includes 5 houses that can accommodate 2 to 8 people (3 houses suitable for 2 to 3 people, 2 houses for 4 to 7 people). All houses are on two levels, except for one for 2/3 persons, and with the terraces on the first floor, you have a beautiful village or mountain view.
Each comes with a well-equipped kitchenette and a seating area with satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas and Free parking is available on site and at a nearby location.
The host can assist you with anything you may need, e.g. information, renting of cars/bikes/bicycles and a shuttle service to the airport and port is also provided at extra charge, upon request.
A traditional Cretan breakfast is served at an extra charge at a nearby local cafeteria.
The scenic town of Chania is 37 km away and the port of Souda can be reached in 29 km. Georgioupolis town and beach is 11 km away.
Do not forget to visit the Kryonerida cave and gorge, 300m far from the heart of the village. The scenic route is absolutely beautiful
Patriko Residence
Address:
Vryses, Sfakia, Crete
Town/village:
Vryses
Region:
Crete
emvalsamakis@gmail.com
Natalia’s Houses
AGRO-TOURISM
Our complex of four Traditional Stone built cottages, is surounded by olive groves, carob trees and fields full of herbs and wild flowers. By the cottages you will find our small vegetable garden with tomatoes and peppers and a few fruit trees, such as lemons and pomegranates, for our guests to harvest themselves and enjoy any time.
Also our small farm is only a short walk away. There you can help feeding the animals in the morning , collect fresh eggs and in the evening enjoy home cooked meals with localy sourced products.
The olive groves the family owns for generations, are located only a few kilometers away. Our guests can participate in the anual harvest early in November. To follow and witness the process of olive oil , from field to bottle and make their own olive oil soap.
Our village
A unique peaceful village, viewing the White Mountains. With small narrow streets and most of the buildings dated back to the 1885. A place where you can still witness, the true rural way of Cretan life and be part of it. Douliana is well hidden from mainstream tourism, away from busy main roads. Ideal for families, hikers and nature lovers with many countryside footpaths to explore. With a mixture of easy walks and challenging hikes, something to suit all tastes. Douliana has been awarded with protected Village status due to its historic stone buildings and church, and awarded the title of the national conservation area of beauty “NATURA”.
Seasonal Activities
During winter time, we are collecting oranges and lemons from our garden and preparing homemade jams and tasty liquers.
Our guests may join in harvesting such as : Olives (during November), picking up seasonal herbs from the fields and cooking classes of traditional dishes.
We may provide and advise guests for:Bicycle hire and tours, Horse Riding, Sea Kayak (Almyrida beach).
Services
Upon arrival, you will find a complementary at your refrigerator with local products to enjoy breakfast at the terrace.
Natalia and Vasso, will be happy to prepare for you breakfast, traditional cretan receipes for dinner and meze for raki or ouzo. Fresh coocked meals are prepare everyday by the ladies of the house. just ask for the dish of the day and enjoy by the pool or have it at your house.
Grocery shop and Kafenion
We own the traditional grocery shop, which is inside our complex, whereby one can buy local products such as: olive oil, honey, jams, herbs, carob products, home made soaps, a variation of wines from small producers of the area, and many other traditional products.
At our Kafenion, next to the pool, every day is offered breakfast, coffee, mountain tea pies and cakes.
Natalia’s Houses
Address:
Douliana Apokoronas
Vamos GR 73008
Town/village:
Douliana
Region:
Crete
nataliashouse@yahoo.gr
Karaiskos Farm
Description
It all start in our vegetable garden.
In a beautiful landscape within the lush forest of Pelion, the unique Karaiskos farm awaits those who wish to get closer to nature and enjoy good food. The farm is located two kilometers beyond the village of Portaria. The farm’s philosophy is based on the principle that “everything starts from our vegetable garden.” The vegetable garden is the focal point of the visitor’s experience, utilizing local seeds and traditional, organic practices for its cultivation.
The farm’s culinary offerings include a restaurant and café where guests can enjoy inspiring dishes and beverages. Only seasonal ingredients from the vegetable garden and pure raw materials from small producers are used to showcase the region’s culinary richness. The combination of olive oil and freshly harvested vegetables promises to fill the table with unique flavors and aromas that will leave a lasting impression on guests.
For young visitors, there are outdoor activities designed to make their visit unforgettable. Staying in the farmhouses completes the overall experience.
Location
Portaria is one of the most popular villages of Pelion. Portaria combines the atmosphere of an authentic Pelion village with unsurpassed views of Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf, as well as considerable tourist infrastructure development. Its picturesque natural beauty and close proximity to the Pelion ski center, the sea, and the city of Volos, make it an ideal destination and a great base for excursions all over Pelion.
Trees and flowers decorate the cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and the squares, and scattered around the village are great mansions, ornate stone fountains, churches, chapels and other monuments.
The village is a holiday destination all year round, as a cool retreat in the summer months with swimming on the coast of the Aegean and the Pagasetic Gulf, for skiing in winter, but also for excursions, hiking and other activities in the autumn or spring nature.
Details
Close to nature with a private garden and BBQ facilities, the farm cottage features a large bed and a sofa bed for children up to the age of 12, a monsoon shower, and a fully equipped kitchen. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Pelion, where comfort meets nature. Wake up to the sounds of birds, enjoy fresh air, explore the picturesque surroundings and the farm garden. Unwind with a barbecue in the evening, or relax in the garden with a good book. Your perfect vacation awaits!
Karaiskos Farm
Address:
2nd km. Portaria – Zagora, Pelion, Z.C.: 37011
Town/village:
Portaria
Region:
Pelion
info@karaiskosfarm.gr