Property Description
AROLITHOS is the unique traditional private Cretan village. It lies just 11 kilometers away from Heraklion, along the old national road connecting Heraklion with Rethymnon.Built on the slope of a mountain, in the wild Cretan landscape, the village is a feast for the eyes, evoking memories from the past of older generations as for their way of living while revealing the simplicity and beauty of old times to younger generations.AROLITHOS is a family - run business. It was implemented with great passion and love for Cretan tradition. Its goal is to bring Cretan tradition, the customs and habits of the region, the architecture and the values of Cretan people into relief, through a project that will stay alive for a long time to come.AROLITHOS complex could be characterized as a reconstruction of a typical Cretan village including various departments such as: Hotel, Restaurant Tavern, Traditional Cafe, Modern Cafe, Museum of Rural History and Popular Art, Traditional houses, Ceramics, Woven Textile, Old Blacksmith's, Shops with cretan products, Church. In Arolithos, the hotel rooms are arranged in small “neighborhoods”, scattered all over the premises. Each of them has its en suite bathroom, a refrigerator, as well as a TV set and an air conditioning system. Moreover, the rooms used in the winter have a fireplace that could be used on request. The rooms provide basic equipment while being of a traditional style. Most of them have balconies or courtyards, where our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the garden view or the view over the surrounding hills. The reception of the hotel is 24 hours opened from May to September. From October to April it is opened from 8 am to 11 pm. Please inform us about your arrival time.The restaurant of Arolithos is equipped with a spacious dining hall used in the winter, until the weather permits the use of the village square. This hall accommodates 300 persons and it is divided in three tiers. The restaurant mainly operates for gala nights, social events (wedding receptions and christenings), corporate events, formal VIP dinners etc. The above-mentioned hall can also be used for the organization of art exhibitions, as well as for corporate product promotions. During the summer season, such occasions take place at the sprawling village square, whose capacity is 1500 persons. The square is naturally shaded by trees. At the same area lies the church “Analipsi Kiriou” (dedicated to the Assumption of our Lord), which celebrates forty days after Easter. During the said celebration, a fete takes place in the village.For many years now, Arolithos has connected its name with the phrase “traditional Cretan wedding”. Hundreds of couples from the district of Heraklion, as well as from other regions of Crete have had their wedding reception in “Arolithos”. Moreover, their largest majority has exchanged marital vows during a wedding ceremony celebrated in the church of “Analipsi Kiriou”. For those wishing to have such events organized, they should contact the person in charge, so as to discuss the details together and carefully plan the event. On the day of the wedding reception, a colorful party takes place to the sounds of Cretan or Greek music. There is a wide array of wedding receptions depending on the client's request. Thus, one has the choice of a typical traditional Cretan wedding reception, a wedding reception that includes traditional Cretan cuisine combined with folk music from other regions of Greece, or even sumptuous receptions where traditional Cretan cuisine is served.The conference hall has been designed to serve conferences meetings and seminars of a limited number of participants. Its capacity is up to thirty personsMoreover, there is a reception area for coffee breaks. It is equipped with an overhead projector, a slide projector and a paperboard. Additionally, one has the option of hiring any other audio-visual equipment upon mutual agreement. The room is air-conditioned, with a lightning system equipped with dimmers. Alternatively, the room can be darkened using the window stores. The room can also be used as an art exhibition hall.EVENTS – ACTIVITIES The activities available in Arolithos are related to popular art and nutrition. They are exclusively intended for groups, only upon discussion.Their maximum duration is 2 hours for each.The activity may be scheduled in the morning hours and on a date convenient for the group or for the facilities.The maximum number of participants per activity is ten persons. Each group has the option of alternating between two activities at the most.We provide the materials used for each activity. However, our guests may take what they have produced or prepared home with them (ceramic) or just enjoy it (Cretan dish or bread).The following activities are available: Cretan cuisine, Preparation of Cretan wedding rolls, The Weaving Art,Greek Language Learning,Cretan Dances Learning, Kneading and Baking Bread, Pottery and Ceramic Art and Participation in Yoga Classes
Details / Other Expenses
Check In: | 12:30 |
Check Out: | 12:00 |
Year of Last Renovation: | 2008 |
Floors: | 2 |
Rooms: | 35 |
Corridors: | All Rooms Have Exterior Hallways |
Non Smoking Rooms: | 15 |
Handicap Rooms: | |
Suites: | 0 |
Room Windows: | Windows Do Open |
Cleaning Frequency: | Daily |
Meeting Rooms: | 3 View Spaces |
Meeting Space: | 3014 sq. feet |
Banquet Space: | Holds 1500 people |
Dist. to Food/Bars: | 3.1 Mi |
Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: | 6.2 Mi |
Dist. to Nearest Gym: | 3.1 Mi |
Pool Info: There is an outdoor pool available from May to October from 8 am to 8 pm. Children must be accompanied by their parents |
Policies / Expenses Cancellation: For cancellations 14 days prior to arrival 50% of the total cost applies as cancellation fees.For cancellations 7 days prior to arrival 100% of the total cost applies as cancellation fees. |
Nightly Parking: | 0 |
Typical Group Deposit: | 50 |
Total Taxes: | 6.50% |
Total Misc Fees: | $0.00 USD (mandatory resort fees/taxes) |
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
The airport is situated 11klm from the hotel Arolithos.There is no airport shuttle service provided by the hotel. The cost of the taxi is aproximately 25.00-30.00 euro (one way)
Local Shuttle Info: The local bus runs about 4 times a day (schedule depending on the season).The bus station is right across the entrance of the village.
Breakfast Information
Our breakfast is typical cretan traditional breakfast in the form of a buffet. Some products are produced by us.The cost is 8 euros per person when the breakfast is not included in the reservation.
Pet Friendly?
Yes! Pets are allowed.
Pets are welcomed in the premises of our property free of charge.
Internet / WiFI
There is free of charge, wireless internet connection in the public areas of the village.In the rooms, internet acces is available with a wire.