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Kamilari Holidays

"Its Byzantine name means 'camel rider', but don't let that put you off - this is no desert outpost, it's an oasis of calm."

If you're looking for the real Crete, Kamilari delivers big time. Seemingly untouched by time and tourism, this typical hilltop village has all the classic, picture postcard features. There are the steep, narrow streets. The white-washed stone cottages draped in bougainvillea. And the friendly little tavernas and kafenions, where the local men gather to chat and play backgammon. Tradition is a way of life in Kamilari. Throughout the year there are various festivals and events which celebrate the time-honoured Cretan way of life, including the October Raki Festival, the annual Carnival, Easter festivities, grape and olive harvests and a whole host of feast days. As for other attractions, the scenery takes some beating. On one side the village overlooks the acres of olive groves and orchards which cover the Messara Valley. On the other it's the beautiful blue Libyan Sea. Talking of which, there are several beaches in the area, including Kamilari's own fine stretch of sand, about ten minutes away from the village by car. And you should have plenty of opportunity to make the most of them. Kamilari has one of the best climates in the Greek Islands, with an average of 12 hours a day of sunshine during the summer months. Oh, and if you're into history, you're perfectly placed to explore the nearby archaeological site at Phaistos, not to mention having the remains of a Minoan tomb right on your doorstep. So come and discover this authentic slice of Crete and make it your very own holiday oasis. Giving you the best of coast and countryside … and, some would say, the best of Crete … holidays in Kamilari are totally tranquil, idyllically idle. Ditch the watch - this place is timeless. Forget the glad rags - Kamilari holidays range from rustic to stylish simplicity.

An archetypal Cretan village, its narrow streets clamber up a steep hillside, colourful cascades of bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls. There are just a few shops, a pair of tavernas and a couple of kafenions - where the local men spend hours over a game of backgammon, an ouzo and a plate of olives. And like many an island village, the calendar is littered with local festivals - celebrating everything from saints' days to the grape harvest and raki … the island's firewater. Unlike many an island village, the views from Kamilari are to die for … the patchwork of fields and orchards that make up the Messara Plain. There's a sandy beach five minute drive away. And exploration within easy reach includes Roman and Minoan ruins, a sprinkling of sleepy villages and several secluded bays.

So where do you stay? Self-catering holidays in Kamilari are in a selection of villas and cottages that are contemporary classics - blending Cretan traditional style with mod-cons like air-conditioning and private pools. Look at the Metochi Cottage for an intimate honeymoon hideaway. Or focus on the Knossos and Phaistos Villas for family houses of character.