Koutouloufari Holidays
Pretty, peaceful Koutouloufari offers a traditional slice of village life, all within easy striking distance of vibrant Hersonnisos.
Set on a hillside above buzzing Hersonnissos, this placid little village doesn't rush you into unwinding. Instead, its picturesque streets and rustic atmosphere let you chill out gently, slowly. So you can really relish the journey from burnt-out 9-to-5er to sun-burnished, carefree holidaymaker. Oozing Greek character from every corner, it's a lovely place to potter around with plenty of cute gift shops and friendly tavernas all accented by breathtaking vistas over Hersonnisos and the shimmering Aegean below. When you fancy lazing on the beach, it's a matter of eeny, meeny, miny, mo. Either head downhill straight to Hersonnisos' chain of little sandy beaches or venture further west. Here, the beaches get successively bigger and less crowded, making them perfect for a full day's sunbathing and swimming, picnic in tow. Remember, no visit here would be right or proper without sampling Crete's rich history, provided on a plate nearby. Check out the legend-swathed Minoan ruins at Knossos and follow up with a peer around Heraklion's fascinating archaeological museum. Take a boat excursion from Hersonnisos to visit some offshore isles. Or if you're feeling energetic, pick up the gauntlet of a walk through the incredible Samaria Gorge. The 18-kilometre hike through this pine-scented canyon will leave you exhausted but completely at one with the world. Even when the evening takes over here, the pace stays charmingly relaxed, with the restaurants providing the perfect venue for moonlit dinners with friends. In fact, night times are so appealing here, that tourists from Hersonnisos have a habit of turning up here to sample its easy-going pace. Why not return the favour if you're in partying mood? The bright lights of Hersonnisos' clubs and bars packed harbour are just a mile away. You really do get the best of both worlds here.
When it comes to finding a great location, holidays in Koutouloufari are an inspired choice. It's a fairly traditional hillside village, quite quiet but with plenty of gift shops and tavernas and fantastic views of coast and countryside. And nestled between your resort and the sea is Koutouloufari's USP Its nearest neighbour is Hersonissos, just at the bottom of the hill. So you're near enough for the very lively nightlife, and far enough to be undisturbed by it.
On Koutouloufari holidays, you can opt to join the throng for a day on the beach, where watersports abound or chill out by the pool 'back home', with a long cool drink from the bar. You could take the kids to the waterpark for as many thrills and spills as they can handle. Or catch the bus to Knossos for the legend of the Minotaur. And in the evening, as you go down to party in Hersonissos, you'll cross with people coming up for the romance of moonlit dinners in Koutouloufari.
Self-catering holidays in Koutouloufari will please couples and families alike. Get a glimpse of the Cretan style Petra Village - an intimate little complex, quietly set at the edge of the village or the family-run Astra Village Apartments - close to the shops and eateries of the main square. Each has its own pool and great views down to the sea.
Forward plan for summer holidays in your favourite. But if this decision is last minute, holidays to Koutouloufari may well feature in our great late deals.