Venture on Crete combines traditional farm with comfortable, stylish accommodation
Senior business executive Yiannis Papadakis sensed that an escape from the grind of modern life was not an impossible dream.
Along with his architect wife Fani they went back to his roots in the foothills of Mt Psiloritis on Crete and combined their talents to turn an old family property into a hospitable and stylish agritourism facility that immerses guests in the authenticity of rural Crete.
Enagron is located on a 5-hectare estate in a superb location near the village of Axos, 44 kilometers west of Iraklion, above the source and gorge of the Mylopotamos River, after which the district is named.
Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, vegetable gardens, fruit trees and wild vegetation are 12 attractive, rural-style buildings, comprising 32 fully equipped and traditionally furnished studios and apartments that can accommodate two to six people all year-round (except for weekdays in winter). The farm, which includes animals and poultry for milk, meat and eggs, uses mild and organic cultivation methods and the products are served in the restaurant. The central building, decorated in a traditional and comfortable style, includes the restaurant, a self-service coffee room with table games, a lounge with an Internet corner as well as outdoor patios overlooking the ravine. Nearby are the traditional wood oven, distillery and barbecue facilities. The cuisine is traditional Cretan, cooked by locals and is simply exquisite. Guests can participate in the cooking or attend special classes.
Enagron also organizes a variety of ecotourism activities and programs aiming to acquaint guests with the surrounding area and its traditional ways. Besides the cooking classes, the programs include hiking, donkey rides, attendance of social and cultural events in the area, cheese, bread, wine and raki making, grape harvesting, botanic walks and herb collection and last but not least bird-watching.
A fully equipped conference facility with a capacity for 120 people is also available, as well as a pool with a fine view of the ravine.
Tel. 28340.61611/8, 2810.285752, www.enagron.gr
Source: ekathimerini.com
