Situated half way along the shore front Crete’s northern coast, near Panormon, on one of the island’s many rocky shores encompassed by gardens looking out onto the Cretan Sea, this house certainly stands out from the crowd. It was designed from the start to mimic a Minoan palace to give it an alternative look and feel. And if you want alternative tourism in Crete, perhaps for the whole family, then this is it.
Rodialos in Greek means “The pomegranate tree of the sea”, and on the courtyard sure enough you have a pomegranate tree. But first of all, please note, it is not a hotel. Rather it is a 4 bedroom terracotta coloured house that can accommodate up to 8/10 people. Rented out as a whole it makes for a perfect getaway for a family or group of friends.
It’s chic, with great kitchen, dining areas and 180 degree views. In all there are four ample sized bedrooms which though basically furnished are modern, clean and utterly comfortable. The master room is en-suite, and the three others share two marble bathrooms. They may be simple but the atmosphere is spot on – the natural colours, woods, earth and stone used throughout are in harmony with environment.
Indeed, the Rodialos is an extremely peaceful place, one where the idea is to spend as much time outside as in. In fact, the name reflects the fact that it the house is constructed around a courtyard sheltered by a pomegranate tree – a wonderful place to relax and just enjoy the day. There are also big windows to let in the kindly light and which, just as importantly, look out onto sea.