Koutouloufari Holidays

Koutouloufari is tucked among a patchwork quilt of olive groves, in the north-east of Crete. It’s some 100 metres above sea level, so the views are out of this world. But that’s not the only draw. Cobbled alleyways, age-old stone houses, and tavernas serving local food all cement the village’s authentic status. And only around 600 people live here, so it never feels crowded.

There’s no sand to speak of in Koutouloufari, but you’re spoilt for choice in Hersonissos, which you can walk down to in around 20 minutes. There are three big, busy beaches here, plus a clutch of smaller, sandy coves that lace the rockier parts of the coastline, on the outskirts of town.

Night-times are given over to long, lazy dinners. There are lots of restaurants to choose from, and they all wear a cloak of green, thanks to the vines that wrap their way around doorways, balconies and window shutters. For the most part, the cuisine is Greek, although you’ll find a couple of places serving Italian and Chinese food.