Velani Country Hotel: Your Cretan Getaway
Velani Country Hotel is a chill and charming spot tucked away in the Cretan countryside, not far from the traditional village of Avdou. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax. The views are amazing – you’ve got the Langada Valley and Aposelemis Lake stretching out below, and the Dikti Mountains rising up behind. You might even see some eagles soaring around!
The hotel itself is built with local stone, which gives it a really cool, natural vibe. Inside, it’s got a classic style that’s perfect for those long summer nights. There’s a reception and bar area with a huge balcony – great for sipping on Greek coffee or raki. And the Velani Restaurant has a terrace where you can enjoy some delicious Cretan food made with fresh, local ingredients.
The hotel’s got 12 rooms spread out in 2 bungalows, so you’ll definitely find some peace and quiet. All the rooms are big and comfy, and they all have awesome views. There are even some wellness rooms with their own private saunas!
There’s also a big infinity pool with a separate kiddie pool, and a Jacuzzi where you can chill out. If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can sign up for horse riding, hiking, biking, yoga, or even paragliding. And if you just want to relax, you can always get a massage.
Room Types:
- Classic Double Room: Chill ground-floor room with a king-size bed or twin beds, perfect for couples.
- Panorama Family Suite: First-floor suite with one bedroom, an open-plan living area, and a balcony with killer views. Great for families.
- Superior Family Suite: Ground-floor suite with two connecting bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and terrace. Perfect for bigger families or groups.
- Panorama Wellness Suite: First-floor suite with a private sauna and jacuzzi, a balcony with panoramic views, and a patio with sunbeds and an outdoor shower.
- Superior Wellness Suite: Top-floor suite with all the bells and whistles – a private garden, sauna, jacuzzi, balcony, and amazing views.
What to Do:
- Hang out by the infinity pool or in the Jacuzzi
- Go horseback riding at the Odysseia Stables
- Hike or bike in the surrounding countryside
- Try paragliding
- Take a yoga class
- Get a massage
- Learn how to cook some Cretan dishes
- Visit the nearby Aposelemis Lake or the ancient site of Lyttos
Location:
Velani Country Hotel is in a great spot – it’s in the middle of Crete, about 40km east of Heraklion. You’re far enough away from the touristy areas to experience the real Crete, but you’re still close enough to the coast if you fancy a day at the beach.
The road to it is very bad!
La randonnée permet de découvrir plusieurs paysages de la Crète à travers les montagnes et la mer.
Nous avons eu une cavalerie exceptionnelle qui nous a permis de parcourir plus de 160 km à travers la Crète et également grâce au fléchage et les instructions.
Cette randonnée doit être réalisée par des cavaliers confirmés car nous passons dans différents villages et lieux « complexes ». Il faut savoir s’occuper de son cheval, être autonome et ne pas avoir peur de monter et descendre du cheval pour éviter tout risque notamment sur les routes glissantes.
Concernant l’hôtel, magnifique endroit avec un super restaurant et des employés très avenants.
En résumé : nous conseillons vivement cette randonnée et nous remercions Sabine et Manolis pour l’accueil et conseils.
Επιπλέον, η στάση του ιδιοκτήτη ήταν απογοητευτική. Ήταν οξύθυμος και αγενής, κάτι που έκανε την εμπειρία μας ακόμη πιο δυσάρεστη. Παρόλα αυτά, ο χώρος του εστιατορίου ήταν όμορφος και το φαγητό εξαιρετικό, γι' αυτό και τα δύο αστέρια. Αν βελτιώσουν την εξυπηρέτηση και την πρόσβαση, ίσως να επιστρέφαμε στο μέλλον.
It has many horses, peacocks and hens that impress the children, but also enough space for a ride and a walk!
We look forward to the next time!
The rooms look perfect and quiet absolute but I didn't stay.
Café da manhã é ótimo e o atendimento dos funcionários é carismático.
The landscapes we rode through were breathtaking. We saw rugged hillsides, olive groves, and rocky paths that opened up to expansive views of the countryside. One of the highlights was spotting vultures soaring overhead-an incredible sight that added a wild, untouched feel to our rides.
Hotel Vilani was the perfect base.
The rooms were comfortable, with plenty of seating inside and out to relax after a day of riding. The food was an experience in itself-authentic Cretan cuisine made from local ingredients, delicious and hearty.
This is an absolute must for horse riders seeking to experience the culture and hospitality of Crete on well-cared-for, fit horses. A huge thank you to Sabine, Manolis, Nicos, Marianne, and Iris for making our stay truly special. We can't recommend this adventure enough!
