"Glorious local Greek food all served with a smile!"
Susannah from United Kingdom
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"Amazing view,food, location . Very nice personal"
Orheanu from Romania
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"Delicious food would make this a worthwhile trip for the food alone."
285charles from United Kingdom
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"There is a beautiful infinity pool, terraces and viewpoints, flowers and very natural looking landscaping."
Eileen M from United States
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Countryside hotel with panoramic lake views, on-site stables, and private wellness suites
Accommodations & Wellness Suites
Country Hotel Velani in Avdou offers 10 rooms, including Junior Suites with private sauna and hydro-massage Jacuzzi. From the hillside location, the family rooms with garden or lake views overlook the reservoir and the Dikti Mountains. Each accommodation includes air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a tea and coffee maker, with daily housekeeping provided.
Dining
The hotel's restaurant serves authentic Cretan cuisine made from fresh ingredients grown in the hotel's own gardens and olive grove. Guests can attend educational cooking lessons to learn traditional Cretan dishes, and enjoy picturesque outdoor dining with sunset views. Special diet menus are available, and the wine/champagne list highlights local organic produce.
Wellness & Pools
Three outdoor swimming pools include an infinity pool with a children's shallow end and a heated pool with panoramic views. The wellness area offers a sauna, hot tub/Jacuzzi, and full-body massages including back, neck, and foot treatments. Open-air bath facilities and sun loungers complete the wellness experience.
Leisure
The on-site equestrian center provides horseback riding experiences, from guided hacks to multi-day treks such as the Lassithi Trek crossing the mountains to the Libyan Sea. Guests can also join bike tours, walking tours, or hiking trails directly accessible from the hotel. Horse riding lessons and guided mountain rides with certified guides are available for all levels.
Points of Interest
Set on a hillside overlooking a reservoir and the Dikti Mountains, the hotel is 34 km from Heraklion International Airport. Within driving distance, guests can visit Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos (26 km) and the Palace of Knossos (42 km), as well as the Lassithi Plateau and Skinakas Observatory. The area offers direct access to hiking trails and the natural scent of wild sage and olive groves.
Highlights
Location: Hillside with lake and mountain views, near Palace of Knossos
Rooms: Junior Suites with private sauna and hydro-massage Jacuzzi
Dining: Garden-to-table Cretan cuisine with cooking lessons
Wellness: Three pools, sauna, hot tub, and massage treatments
Activities: On-site equestrian center with guided treks and hiking
Family: Family rooms, children's pool, and pet-friendly with pet bowls
Must-do experiences
Savor the traditional Moussaka at Taverna Avdou on Main Street.
Visit the ancient ruins of the Minoan palace at Knossos nearby.
Explore the local market in Avdou for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Take a scenic hike to Voulismeni Lake for stunning views and relaxation.
Enjoy a Cretan cooking class at a local family's kitchen in Avdou.
Select your room type
Country Hotel Velani offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double or Twin Room Spa Bath
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Junior Suite Sauna
2 persons
33 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Junior Suite Sauna Garden
2 persons
34 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Garden view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Country Hotel Velani offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Outdoor dining area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Children's pool
Spa & Leisure
Infinity pool
Heated swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Back massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Open-air bath
Pool with view
Shallow end
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Show more
Country Hotel Velani Location
Avdou Pediados, Avdou, 70005,
Explore Avdou
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cave Agia Fotini
10 minutes' walk
A mystical cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, known for its natural beauty and serene ambiance.
St. Konstantinos Church
5 minutes' drive
Historic church noted for its remarkable architecture and tranquil surroundings, a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Windmills of the Lasithi Plateau
10 minutes' drive
Impressive windmills symbolizing the region's agricultural heritage, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Minoan Path
25 minutes' walk
Ancient pathways showcasing Minoan history amidst beautiful scenery, ideal for history enthusiasts and casual hikers.
Odysseia Stables
5 minutes' walk
Horseback riding adventures through scenic trails, perfect for families and individuals seeking outdoor fun.
Cave Tours
10 minutes' walk
Guided tours of local caves offering insights into geology and history, a unique experience for curious minds.
Yoga Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions held in serene outdoor settings, promoting wellness and mindfulness amid nature's beauty.
Biking Trails
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling biking trails suitable for all levels, offering exhilarating rides through picturesque countryside.
Restaurant Velani
5 minutes' walk
Traditional Greek cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients, a cozy place ideal for family meals.
Taverna Kera
10 minutes' drive
Authentic Cretan dishes served in a charming environment, known for its warm hospitality and seafood specialties.
Cafe Agios Konstantinos
5 minutes' drive
Casual café with delicious pastries and coffee, a great spot for a relaxing breakfast or light lunch.
Local Music Nights
10 minutes' drive
Live music events showcasing local talent, a lively atmosphere perfect for an enjoyable evening with friends.
Avdou Village Festivals
5 minutes' drive
Seasonal festivals celebrating Cretan culture, family-friendly events featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
Getting around
City Centre
Avdou 2 min · 400 ft
Airports
Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) 51 min · 20.9 mi
Sitia Public (JSH) 170 min · 70.0 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of EUR 10.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Dutch, Greek
Number of rooms:
10
Former name
Avdou Pediados
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Country Hotel Velani from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 89 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
97 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.7/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Really good dining
Unparalleled hospitality
Fine location
Cons
Limited Wi-Fi
Hilly access paths
Noise from stables
Guest reviews
based on 150 reviews
9.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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