Neos Omalos Hotel

I knew as soon as I heard goats with their little bells on that I’d like this place. Quiet, quaint, country accomodation on the way to Samaria Gorge. The family who run it were all lovely, and mum even made me up a picnic to take on the hike before dad gave us a lift to the starting point. Maybe it’s because it never happens back home, but I ordered a beer downstairs upon arrival, and got given free olives - that made my absolute day and, though previously incorruptible, my loyalty was bought instantly and totally. I also had the rabbit fry up thingo, which tasted great, although the salad itself was even better, though it curse my carnivorous tongue to say it. The bedroom had a great balcony for looking out over the green and rocky hills. Bed was super comfy, and it actually was a little colder way up in the Omalos elevation (in June) which made sleep come very easily for those like me who run hot. Big fluffy blanket in the cupboard though for those of you who like to be warmer. The bathroom is a bit small and being on the tall end of the height spectrum I had to be wary not to knock myself out on the hand basin when using the toilet. But if you’re under 6 foot you’ll patting your genetics on their small back. The building is relatively old so expect to hear some footfalls as other guests go past your room, but other than that, blissfully quiet overnight. The daughter of the family speaks really good English which helped a couple times, when regretfully I seemed to have forgotten all my Greek (which I rudely hadn’t learned prior to arriving). I can’t recommend this homely hotel enough, so if you’re on your way to hike the gorge, park your car here and stay the night. Then stay in Agia Romelli at the very end of the hike. Then come back to Omalos the next day and get some home style cooking back into your weary body. Or whatever floats your ferry.

A real mountain hotel. The rooms are small but clean. They however excel in friendliness, both in the hotel and in the restaurant you are treated as family. They serve typical Cretan cuisine with fresh products. We missed a place with comfortable chairs to read an relax but for the rest this offered everything you need an a hiking holiday. Certainly value for the money!