Malaxa - Pure Crete

Malaxa

Malaxa

'Above the Venetian port of Chania - some seven miles from the town - is the hamlet of Malaxa, the scene of much ferocious fighting during the second world war between invading German paratroopers, who suffered tremendous casualties, and Cretan and British defenders. Now, the still quiet in the foothills of the White Mountains helps one contemplate the historic significance of the hamlet with its charming Greek Orthodox church, the ruins of a Turkish tower and three tavernas - one where the owner insists on offering raki and showing off old photographs of local fighting during the war - another, the Panorama Taverna, which has spectacular views over the length of Souda Bay, up towards Akrotiri and down across Chania. Pure Crete has been involved in renovating three houses here (two of which adjoin and share a dramatically designed swimming pool) that enable visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy Cretan hospitality, beaches and natural history from a secluded vantage point.'

Agape

sleeps 2/3 Category B

Demetrios House

sleeps 2/4 Category D

Stavros House

sleeps 2/4 Category D

New Pure Crete Property at Malaxa

Maria's Villa

Click on house name for details

The Observer June 8th 2008:

"We pass another memorable night at Malaxa, a mountain village where Demitris Vamvounakis has revived his local community by creating a cooperative to produce organic food. Demitris has rebuilt one of the village's stone houses and into this beautifully crafted contemporary home he has incorporated two adjoining reception rooms in which he holds evenings of Cretan culture. About 14 of us drink fine local wine, and eat superb organic traditional food, prepared by Demitris's wife, Katerina.

"The evening starts gently with our knowledgeable, charming and amusing hosts talking about food, language, flora and fauna, and festivals. But as the raki kicks in, we all gain the confidence to broach heavier issues such as arranged marriages (still prevalent), dowries, macho gun culture and politics. The kids listen open-mouthed to tales of men firing endless rounds of ammunition into the air at daughters' weddings as a sign of prosperity and pride."

Catherine Mack

Cretan Culture and Cooking Evening

Pure Crete house owners Demetris and Katerina in Malaxa host a discussion of the Cretan diet, environment and local history including dinner made with fresh local organic produce. Demetris will introduce the discussion around village life and culture including music, celebrations, customs, religion and work. The conversation will move through flora and fauna to the health benefits of the traditional cretan diet in time to enjoy Katerina (Demetris' wife)'s full Cretan dinner (vegetarian or meat). The dinner is a feast of local organic products including salad, fruit and the main course washed down with a plentiful supply of village wine to lubricate and stimulate the conversation

25 euros per person

Click for: Prices or Location Maps

Call 0845 070 1571 (local rate) for further information.

info@purecrete.com

All holiday payments are fully protected by Pure Crete ATOL licence 2757 (for your flight), our Total Payment Protection Policy (for your accommodation) and UK package regulations 1992 (for your consumer rights).