Oikos Wooden Retreat

A Sustainable Hideaway Among the Olive Trees

We love the quiet elegance and woodsy feel of these two cabins on the Greek island of Crete. Located near the village of Chorafakia, about 20 minutes by car from Chania, they offer tranquil seclusion within an organic olive grove. 

Newly built and designed by their owner to be environmentally sustainable, they're a perfect example of less is more. Read a book on the shaded patio, listen to the song of the cicadas with views of the distant mountains, cook a meal using olive oil produced from the surrounding olive grove, or hike to the nearby monasteries and gorges.

This cabin rental in Greece is the perfect backdrop for a quiet escape or remote working. The two semi-detached cabins are made from sustainably grown wood, and have a cool a cabin-in-the-woods feel. Simple, light-filled interiors are painted in white and grey, with high ceilings and fun details, from the brightly tiled bathroom floors and glass-paned shower doors, to the freestanding shelves.

This is a place for some serious downtime, surrounded in thyme, olive and carob trees, and restful tranquility. The cabins are semi-detached, but each has its own terrace and garden access. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The cabins are not serviced, but spare bed linen and towels are provided. They were built to be as sustainable as possible. Five trees were planted for each one that was harvested to make them, and all olive trees removed to build the houses were transplanted within the grove. No pesticides have been used. 

The cabins are also bioclimatically designed to maintain a comfortable temperature year round with minimal environmental impact. Each cabin has its own independent heating and air conditioning that are free to use, and water is heated using solar panels. Fire-resistant thermal and noise installation has been applied through all external walls.

AROUND

This cabin rental in Greece is located 10 minutes' walk from Chorafakia village, which offers great restaurants, bars and cafes with diverse menus, as well as an ATM, markets and pharmacies. There are several beaches nearby that can be reached easily on foot or by car. The nearest, the small and sandy cove Tersanas, is 20 minutes on foot, or five minutes by car. Popular beaches Stavros, Seitan Limania, and Kalathas are all within 15 minutes' drive. 

Chania is a 20-minute drive, and well worth a visit for its narrow lanes filled with Venetian and Turkish architecture, its elegant harbor, unique boutiques and creative restaurants.

Hike from the cabins through the back roads to Agia Triada monastery (90 minutes each way), where you'll find olive oil and wine tasting, as well as a museum. The owners recommend a moderate hike from Moni Gouvernetou to Stavros, which takes about three hours each way. It crosses Katholiko, an old monastery located in a dramatic gorge and caves.

LOCATION

Chorafakia, Chania, Greece. Nearest airports: Chania (3 miles, 15 mins), Heraklion (92 miles). The port is a 20-minute drive.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through October. However, unlike most holiday homes in Crete, this property is well designed for winter months and can be inhabited all year round.