The lovely village of Koutouloufari offers the ideal combination of authenticity and convenience. Situated between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, Koutouloufari is the perfect ideal home base from which to explore one of Crete’s most exciting regions, filled with activities and sights. A traditional village, set on a mountain slope, is also an ideal place to relax after an activity-packed day.
All you need to know about Koutouloufari, Crete
Traditional Cretan villages are famous for their charm. The seaside cities have their harbors and Venetian delights. But to get to know the true Crete, you need to see a village. The cobblestone alleys, stone houses, the shade of chestnut trees and plane trees, and traditional town squares are among the many reasons to choose a place like Koutouloufari for your stay on Crete.
Where is Koutouloufari located?
Koutouloufari is right in the middle of one of Crete’s busiest and most interesting areas, between the capital Heraklion and Crete’s easternmost town, lovely Agios Nikolaos. It’s just about a kilometer inland from the coastal town of Hersonissos, on the lower slopes of Mt. Pyrgias, at an elevation of 100 m. Koutouloufari is within very easy distance of a number of major attractions. It’s just over a half an hour from Knossos, the Minoan Palace, less than 20 minutes from the fabulous CretAquarium, and very close to many full-service sandy beaches.
How to get to Koutouloufari, Crete
Koutouloufari is just 24 km from Heraklion’s International Airport. If you rent a car, you will have maximum flexibility and be able to explore the region and to visit the sights and beaches with ease. You can pick up your car at our car rental office in Heraklion Airport. If you are traveling during high season, it’s a good idea to book online in advance.
If you’d like to take a bus, you will need to get to the KTEL station, which is near the harbor. There are frequent departures throughout the day – check here. If you arrive in Heraklion by plane, you can take a bus from the airport directly to the KTEL Station. Buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes. For more information, see here. Taxi prices from the airport to Koutouloufari start at 33 Euros.
The History of Koutouloufari
There are many villages on mountain slopes all over the Greek Islands, including of course Crete. But people did not settle here for the views – they came to escape pirates. Koutouloufari is one such village. It’s first mentioned during the Venetian era, in the 16th century.
To get a better taste of the Venetian Civilization, visit Heraklion’s Venetian Fortress and the Morosini Lions Fountain, two of the eras loveliest monuments, and particularly romantic by night.This is one of the most interesting regions of Crete. It was the center of the great Bronze Age civilization of Greece – the Minoans. Their advanced and mysterious culture flourished for six centuries, from 2000 BC to 1400 BC. (To put this in perspective, the Golden Age of Athens, 478 BC to a little before 400 BC, was a full thousand years later). Visiting Knossos, a gloriously and dramatically restored Minoan Palace, gives you some perspective.
What to See and Do in Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari is a great home base for exploring the region. After a day at the beach it’s wonderful to return to a traditional village. Enjoy real Cretan village lifestyle here, by strolling through the alleys and having a coffee at an old style cafe. There are also many family tavernas offering excellent home-style cooking. Cretan cuisine, based on high quality regional products and long tradition, is fabulous.
Enjoy an Ultimate Beach Holiday – Gorgeous Beaches near Koutouloufari
The stretch of coast from Heraklion to Crete’s easternmost edge is dotted with fantastic beaches. Here are some not to miss:
Limanakia Hersonissos – this is one of Crete’s most popular beach destinations. It is not one beach but many – a string of bays that stretches from Cape Sarandaris to the Port of Hersonissos. There is something here for everyone. There are fully-serviced sandy beaches offering loungers, umbrellas, beachside food and drink service, and exciting watersports. There are also rockier beaches that are more secluded. The waters are spectacular.
Sarantaris Beach: Part of the consecutive bays known as the Limanakia, that stretch from Akrotiri Sarantaris all the way east to the Chersonissos Port village, the Sarantaris Beach is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and silky sand. An organized beach with many restaurants and cafes surrounding the area, it is ideal for families with children.
Exciting Activities in the region of Koutouloufari
This is the perfect time to try out a new watersport, or hone your skills. Paragliding, jet packs, jet boards are among the exciting options, along with more conventional excitement like waterskiing. There are many watersports centers along the beaches of Hersonissos.
There are also several diving centers near Koutouloufari. The Divers Club Crete is a five-minute drive away, and the Scubakreta Diving Center is just a ten-minute drive.
There is also action in the mountains. The Odysseus Stables in Avdou are just over a 20-minute drive away if you’d like a horseback ride.
Just a kilometer outside of Avdou, you’ll find the entrance to the Roza Gorge, a hike of about one and a half hours uphill that gets steadily steeper, but rewards the visitor with fantastic views. The scenery in the gorge itself is also fantastic if you don’t want to complete the whole route.
Amateur Speliologists will enjoy exploring some of Crete’s famous caves. Just a half an our away to the west is the Skoteinos cave, one of Crete’s most interesting caves with many large chambers with names- The Altar, The Sanctuary, The House of Worship- filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The Dikteon, or Psychro Cave is an hour’s drive away. On the beautiful slopes of Mt. Dikti on the Lassithi Plateau, it has the distinction of being one of two caves that are known as the birthplace of Zeus (the other is the Ideon Cave on Mt. Ida, two hours from Koutouloufari)
Cultural excursions in the Region of Koutouloufari
If you like the traditional style of a Cretan village, you’ll also love exploring the villages of Piskopiano and Old Chersonissos.
Piskopiano, at the foot of Mt. Harakas, has a magnificent panoramic view of the sea and shores. Like Koutouloufari, this traditional village was settled away from the coast to avoid pirate raids. The villagers occupy themselves with livestock and olive growing in addition to tourism. This would be a charming place to sample some local cuisine. Piskopiano is mid-way between Koutouloufari and Old Hersonissos.
Old Hersonissos is also a traditional village, with some Venetian heritage. The Venetian fortress now stone houses an ecclesiastical museum. The Byzantine Monastery of St. John is also interesting to visit while you are here.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites, is just 35 minutes away from the village of Koutouloufari. Restored in vivid color, this is also an exciting archaeological excursion if you are travelling with children.
Also great for children and adults is the CretAquarium Thalassocosmos (Sea-world) – an amazing destination for learning about the beauty and biodiversity of marine life. This is a fantastic place to learn about the ecosystems and see many fabulous and fascinating creatures of the sea.
Where to Stay in Koutouloufari
One thing that makes Koutouloufari a great tourist destination is the wide range of accommodation available. Whether you plan to stay in a hotel, a self-catering studio, or an Airbnb – we’ve got you covered. Here are the top picks you should check out:
Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites
With a mix of sophistication, natural beauty, and a unique location, Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites is one of the best places to stay in Koutouloufari. Located right at the seaside, it is an ideal choice for families and couples who are looking for comfortable and affordable stays. Once there, you’ll like the peaceful suites, which have a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette, and a refrigerator, as well as the complimentary internet provided by Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites. Plus, an outdoor pool is available for those who want to take a quick, refreshing dip.
Address: Europe Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete 70014 Greece
Website: https://pilotsvillas.com/
Contact: +30 2897 022266
Espirides Resort
Although the resort can be a bit expensive, your stay here is worth it. With personalized service and a plethora of facilities, Espirides Resort offers an excellent hospitality experience to its guests, with rooms equipped with modern amenities. It also has a pool bar that offers fresh juices and cocktails, making your stay even more relaxing and fun.
Address: Costa Varnali Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.esperidesresortcrete.gr/
Contact: +30 2897 022322
Galaxy Villas
If you’re on a budget, you’ll never go wrong with the cheap yet quality services offered by Galaxy Villas. Located in quaint Koutouloufari, this authentic accommodation has a homey and relaxed atmosphere that will immediately make you feel at ease. They have over 53 spacious and elegant villas that are perfect for large families and groups.
Address: Ag. Konstantinou Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.galaxy-villas.com/en/
Contact: +30 2897 022910
Where to Eat in Koutouloufari
If you’re feeling hungry, grab a bite at one of these popular restaurants in Koutouloufari. Each place offers exemplary services, delicious food choices, and a comfortable ambiance:
Rahati Cafe Patisserie
An outdoor seating with lavish gardens, friendly staff, and affordable prices are just some of the reasons why Rahati Cafe is a favorite among Koutouloufari locals. Aside from their crepes, desserts, and savory dishes, they also serve excellent coffee that’s sourced from Crete itself.
Address: 86 Evropis, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Contact: +30 697 285 3513
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is considered to be one of the most popular restaurants in Koutouloufari. This fine-dining restaurant offers a wide range of delicious dishes with Mediterranean influence, including kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), beef stroganoff, and creamy seafood pasta. They also have an excellent wine list that will surely suit your palate’s preferences.
Address: Alexi Minoti 12, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Greek-Restaurant/The-Alchemist-1070410899671412/
Contact: +30 2897 025582
Nikos the Fisherman
If you’re more into seafood, trying freshly cooked dishes at Nikos the Fisherman is an absolute must. They serve excellent seafood paella, fresh mussels, and spaghetti with lobster that are perfect for sharing with your travel buddies or loved ones. You’ll also love their fish tavern which has a laid-back ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Koutouloufari.
Address: Old Village Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Nikos-The-Fisherman-643403322343413
Contact: +30 697 804 4087
We hope that you enjoyed learning about Koutouloufari and everything you can do during your holidays here.
The lovely village of Koutouloufari offers the ideal combination of authenticity and convenience. Situated between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, Koutouloufari is the perfect ideal home base from which to explore one of Crete’s most exciting regions, filled with activities and sights. A traditional village, set on a mountain slope, is also an ideal place to relax after an activity-packed day.
All you need to know about Koutouloufari, Crete
Traditional Cretan villages are famous for their charm. The seaside cities have their harbors and Venetian delights. But to get to know the true Crete, you need to see a village. The cobblestone alleys, stone houses, the shade of chestnut trees and plane trees, and traditional town squares are among the many reasons to choose a place like Koutouloufari for your stay on Crete.
Where is Koutouloufari located?
Koutouloufari is right in the middle of one of Crete’s busiest and most interesting areas, between the capital Heraklion and Crete’s easternmost town, lovely Agios Nikolaos. It’s just about a kilometer inland from the coastal town of Hersonissos, on the lower slopes of Mt. Pyrgias, at an elevation of 100 m. Koutouloufari is within very easy distance of a number of major attractions. It’s just over a half an hour from Knossos, the Minoan Palace, less than 20 minutes from the fabulous CretAquarium, and very close to many full-service sandy beaches.
How to get to Koutouloufari, Crete
Koutouloufari is just 24 km from Heraklion’s International Airport. If you rent a car, you will have maximum flexibility and be able to explore the region and to visit the sights and beaches with ease. You can pick up your car at our car rental office in Heraklion Airport. If you are traveling during high season, it’s a good idea to book online in advance.
If you’d like to take a bus, you will need to get to the KTEL station, which is near the harbor. There are frequent departures throughout the day – check here. If you arrive in Heraklion by plane, you can take a bus from the airport directly to the KTEL Station. Buses leave every 10 to 15 minutes. For more information, see here. Taxi prices from the airport to Koutouloufari start at 33 Euros.
The History of Koutouloufari
There are many villages on mountain slopes all over the Greek Islands, including of course Crete. But people did not settle here for the views – they came to escape pirates. Koutouloufari is one such village. It’s first mentioned during the Venetian era, in the 16th century.
To get a better taste of the Venetian Civilization, visit Heraklion’s Venetian Fortress and the Morosini Lions Fountain, two of the eras loveliest monuments, and particularly romantic by night.This is one of the most interesting regions of Crete. It was the center of the great Bronze Age civilization of Greece – the Minoans. Their advanced and mysterious culture flourished for six centuries, from 2000 BC to 1400 BC. (To put this in perspective, the Golden Age of Athens, 478 BC to a little before 400 BC, was a full thousand years later). Visiting Knossos, a gloriously and dramatically restored Minoan Palace, gives you some perspective.
What to See and Do in Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari is a great home base for exploring the region. After a day at the beach it’s wonderful to return to a traditional village. Enjoy real Cretan village lifestyle here, by strolling through the alleys and having a coffee at an old style cafe. There are also many family tavernas offering excellent home-style cooking. Cretan cuisine, based on high quality regional products and long tradition, is fabulous.
Enjoy an Ultimate Beach Holiday – Gorgeous Beaches near Koutouloufari
The stretch of coast from Heraklion to Crete’s easternmost edge is dotted with fantastic beaches. Here are some not to miss:
Limanakia Hersonissos – this is one of Crete’s most popular beach destinations. It is not one beach but many – a string of bays that stretches from Cape Sarandaris to the Port of Hersonissos. There is something here for everyone. There are fully-serviced sandy beaches offering loungers, umbrellas, beachside food and drink service, and exciting watersports. There are also rockier beaches that are more secluded. The waters are spectacular.
Sarantaris Beach: Part of the consecutive bays known as the Limanakia, that stretch from Akrotiri Sarantaris all the way east to the Chersonissos Port village, the Sarantaris Beach is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and silky sand. An organized beach with many restaurants and cafes surrounding the area, it is ideal for families with children.
Exciting Activities in the region of Koutouloufari
This is the perfect time to try out a new watersport, or hone your skills. Paragliding, jet packs, jet boards are among the exciting options, along with more conventional excitement like waterskiing. There are many watersports centers along the beaches of Hersonissos.
There are also several diving centers near Koutouloufari. The Divers Club Crete is a five-minute drive away, and the Scubakreta Diving Center is just a ten-minute drive.
There is also action in the mountains. The Odysseus Stables in Avdou are just over a 20-minute drive away if you’d like a horseback ride.
Just a kilometer outside of Avdou, you’ll find the entrance to the Roza Gorge, a hike of about one and a half hours uphill that gets steadily steeper, but rewards the visitor with fantastic views. The scenery in the gorge itself is also fantastic if you don’t want to complete the whole route.
Amateur Speliologists will enjoy exploring some of Crete’s famous caves. Just a half an our away to the west is the Skoteinos cave, one of Crete’s most interesting caves with many large chambers with names- The Altar, The Sanctuary, The House of Worship- filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The Dikteon, or Psychro Cave is an hour’s drive away. On the beautiful slopes of Mt. Dikti on the Lassithi Plateau, it has the distinction of being one of two caves that are known as the birthplace of Zeus (the other is the Ideon Cave on Mt. Ida, two hours from Koutouloufari)
Cultural excursions in the Region of Koutouloufari
If you like the traditional style of a Cretan village, you’ll also love exploring the villages of Piskopiano and Old Chersonissos.
Piskopiano, at the foot of Mt. Harakas, has a magnificent panoramic view of the sea and shores. Like Koutouloufari, this traditional village was settled away from the coast to avoid pirate raids. The villagers occupy themselves with livestock and olive growing in addition to tourism. This would be a charming place to sample some local cuisine. Piskopiano is mid-way between Koutouloufari and Old Hersonissos.
Old Hersonissos is also a traditional village, with some Venetian heritage. The Venetian fortress now stone houses an ecclesiastical museum. The Byzantine Monastery of St. John is also interesting to visit while you are here.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites, is just 35 minutes away from the village of Koutouloufari. Restored in vivid color, this is also an exciting archaeological excursion if you are travelling with children.
Also great for children and adults is the CretAquarium Thalassocosmos (Sea-world) – an amazing destination for learning about the beauty and biodiversity of marine life. This is a fantastic place to learn about the ecosystems and see many fabulous and fascinating creatures of the sea.
Where to Stay in Koutouloufari
One thing that makes Koutouloufari a great tourist destination is the wide range of accommodation available. Whether you plan to stay in a hotel, a self-catering studio, or an Airbnb – we’ve got you covered. Here are the top picks you should check out:
Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites
With a mix of sophistication, natural beauty, and a unique location, Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites is one of the best places to stay in Koutouloufari. Located right at the seaside, it is an ideal choice for families and couples who are looking for comfortable and affordable stays. Once there, you’ll like the peaceful suites, which have a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette, and a refrigerator, as well as the complimentary internet provided by Pilot’s Villas Luxury Suites. Plus, an outdoor pool is available for those who want to take a quick, refreshing dip.
Address: Europe Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete 70014 Greece
Website: https://pilotsvillas.com/
Contact: +30 2897 022266
Espirides Resort
Although the resort can be a bit expensive, your stay here is worth it. With personalized service and a plethora of facilities, Espirides Resort offers an excellent hospitality experience to its guests, with rooms equipped with modern amenities. It also has a pool bar that offers fresh juices and cocktails, making your stay even more relaxing and fun.
Address: Costa Varnali Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.esperidesresortcrete.gr/
Contact: +30 2897 022322
Galaxy Villas
If you’re on a budget, you’ll never go wrong with the cheap yet quality services offered by Galaxy Villas. Located in quaint Koutouloufari, this authentic accommodation has a homey and relaxed atmosphere that will immediately make you feel at ease. They have over 53 spacious and elegant villas that are perfect for large families and groups.
Address: Ag. Konstantinou Street, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.galaxy-villas.com/en/
Contact: +30 2897 022910
Where to Eat in Koutouloufari
If you’re feeling hungry, grab a bite at one of these popular restaurants in Koutouloufari. Each place offers exemplary services, delicious food choices, and a comfortable ambiance:
Rahati Cafe Patisserie
An outdoor seating with lavish gardens, friendly staff, and affordable prices are just some of the reasons why Rahati Cafe is a favorite among Koutouloufari locals. Aside from their crepes, desserts, and savory dishes, they also serve excellent coffee that’s sourced from Crete itself.
Address: 86 Evropis, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Contact: +30 697 285 3513
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is considered to be one of the most popular restaurants in Koutouloufari. This fine-dining restaurant offers a wide range of delicious dishes with Mediterranean influence, including kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), beef stroganoff, and creamy seafood pasta. They also have an excellent wine list that will surely suit your palate’s preferences.
Address: Alexi Minoti 12, Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Greek-Restaurant/The-Alchemist-1070410899671412/
Contact: +30 2897 025582
Nikos the Fisherman
If you’re more into seafood, trying freshly cooked dishes at Nikos the Fisherman is an absolute must. They serve excellent seafood paella, fresh mussels, and spaghetti with lobster that are perfect for sharing with your travel buddies or loved ones. You’ll also love their fish tavern which has a laid-back ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Koutouloufari.
Address: Old Village Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Crete
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Nikos-The-Fisherman-643403322343413
Contact: +30 697 804 4087
We hope that you enjoyed learning about Koutouloufari and everything you can do during your holidays here.
