“Does it always have to be accommodation right by the sea?”
We asked ourselves this question several years ago and decided to try something new for us: a vacation in a small, established Greek village, a little away from the Libyan Sea in the central south of Crete.
Based on a few recommendations from friends, we chose Sivas, a place we already knew from a few vacations in Kalamaki, of course, as we regularly went there to eat, but we had never really thought about staying there.
But, as luck would have it, the owner of our favorite taverna in Sivas, Giorgos Sigelakis, also had an apartment complex, Sigelakis Studios.
It was a real stroke of luck for us.
The Sigelakis Studios are located just below the village, only a few meters on foot to the Plateia, but still nice and quiet away from the village noise and traffic. Ok, you have to “put up” with animal noises from dogs, sheep, goats and peacocks 😉
The view from the balconies and terraces is directed over the garden, olive trees and hills towards the Messara plain and Mires, wonderfully relaxing for the senses; we like to sit on the terrace for hours with a glass of wine or morning coffee, enjoying the view, the nature and the peace and quiet while reading a book. And we also have visitors from time to time… 😉
The studios are well and tastefully furnished and of course also have air conditioning, Internet access via WLAN and, what is particularly important for us, some of them (ask when booking!) have beds with separate mattresses.
All further information about Sigelakis Studios (and now several other accommodations) can be found on the hotel’s own website:
You can also contact Giorgos on Facebook: Giorgos bei FB
If you book, please send a warm greeting from Claudia and Mario 😉
Sivas as a vacation destination is a little off the beaten track, but the sea is only a few minutes away by car. Matala, Komos Beach and Kalamaki are practically on the doorstep.
If you don’t need the sea, you don’t really need to leave Sivas: The village is ideal for short hikes, e.g. to the neighboring villages of Kouses or Pitsidia, and you can buy everything you need for your daily needs in the two small mini-markets and the local butcher.
You can also spend a great afternoon (or two or three) in Kostas Kafenion under the pepper tree. A glass of wine, a book, a very friendly owner and the occasional glimpse of village life make for a relaxing time.
Sivas has several excellent tavernas, so you don’t have to leave the town for dinner. On the contrary, many guests come from out of town because word has spread about the quality of the tavernas.
Our recommendation:
Taverna Sigelakis, of course. It offers the full range of local cuisine in top quality and a very informal atmosphere.
Also worth a look is the ceramics store on the village square (towards Listaros), where you are sure to find some unusual souvenirs…
Conclusion: We can really recommend a vacation “in the village” in Sivas to anyone who doesn’t necessarily have to have the sea right on their doorstep. And the Studios Sigelakis are a fantastic choice of accommodation. We like to go there again and again.
A rental car is absolutely necessary! Our recommendations: Car rental in Crete – discounts & tips