Located in the countryside, 1.2 miles from Avdou village, in a 35,000-m? estate, Country Hotel Velani offers accommodation with panoramic views over Lagada Valley. Featuring an equestrian centre, it includes a restaurant with a large terrace and a bar.Velani rooms are air conditioned opening out to furnished balconies or patios. They come with a flat-screen, satellite TV, mini fridge and electric kettle. The private bathrooms feature a hairdryer.Overlooking the valley, the restaurant serves Cretan dishes prepared with virgin olive oil produced on site. The bar also features a large balcony, where you can enjoy a glass of the traditional raki drink or a Greek coffee.The lively town of Hersonissos is around 9.3 miles away. Heraklion City is at 38 km, while Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 21.7 miles away. Free private parking is available on site.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Country Hotel Velani, located at Avdou Pediados, Heraklio Region, 70005, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Country Hotel Velani, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Country Hotel Velani are revisited so often.