Piskopiano Village Holidays

With just under 500 permanent residents, life moves slowly in Piskopiano Village. The locals are proud of their traditions and heritage, with family ties going back for generations. They're friendly and hospitable, and always happy to welcome guests looking to appreciate a quieter slice of Cretan life. It's a lovely holiday spot for older travellers, as well as couples looking for a relaxing destination. And if you do get the taste for somewhere with a little more bustle, Hersonissos town is just a five-minute drive north.

A gentle stroll through the village is enough to soak up thousands of years of Cretan history. Many of the old buildings are now hotels and apartments, yet retain the architectural styles that go all the way back to the Venetian and Ottoman eras. You'll see stone archways covered with ornate carvings, and find traditional church squares to explore. Protruding balconies hang over the cobbled streets. These are perfect for a quiet evening in your hotel as you take in the idyllic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Museum of Rural Life at Piskopiano is open from 10am to 6pm, although it's closed on Sundays. It's housed in the old olive mill, and shows guests how the villagers lived before the advent of modern technology. You can explore replicas of a carpenter's and a blacksmith's workshop, complete with the wooden and metal tools used by these old-world craftsmen. The top floor of the museum is a gallery with an exhibition of photographs and paintings from local artists.