Travel Eye on Fodele (Crete)

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Overview:

Famous as the birthplace of the 16th-century painter El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), this quiet, compact village, which measures only about 600 yds by 200, is still very traditional, although it now has a number of souvenir shops lining the main street. Determined local women ply their trade of lace-making while you watch and hopefully buy. Despite several car parks, the streets are often cluttered with the cars of the many tourists visiting an authentic Cretan village for lunch or sightseeing.

Locality:

Fodele is located on the N coast of Crete, 18 mls NW of Heraklion, 21 mls NW of Heraklion airport and 33 mls E of Rethymnon. Fodele is inland from the coast, in a verdant valley complete with a small river; surrounded by steep mountains, pastureland, olive groves, orchards and farms. The beach lies 1¾ mls to the N, set on a sheltered bay.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Fodele is popular with mature couples, nature lovers and those wanting to spend time near a genuine working Cretan village. Not for those seeking nightlife (which exists only in the beachfront hotel). Many British and Germans visit this area. Accommodation is limited to a single grand, all-inclusive hotel right by the beach, 1¾ mls away. Apartments and simple rooms available in tavernas by the beach. The village itself has a few rooms available in local houses.

Fodele boasts a wide bay with a fine sand beach; rocky area at the edges of the bay. Sunbeds and parasols for rent by the 4 beach tavernas. Hotel has its own section. It is fairly busy at weekends, when the locals descend.

Shoppers will find that the village has mainly souvenir shops, all selling similar goods, and a couple of minimarkets offering staple foods and local produce. Only 1 minimarket at the beach.

Entertainment consists of beach activities and water sports; walking; mountain biking. Nightlife is mostly hotel-based entertainment; a few bars in the village.

There are numerous pleasant tavernas in the village which provide local-style food at reasonable prices. Most have lovely outdoor dining terraces shaded by mature trees alongside the river. Several tavernas on the beach, with more sophisticated restaurants at the main beachfront hotel.

A regular bus service provides a useful means of getting around and runs along the main road, W to Chania and Rethymnon or E to Heraklion. Car hire is available from the hotel or tour representatives. Radio taxis can be arranged fairly easily.

Local excursions consist of: El Greco museum; traditional Greek evening. Full day options include: ancient Minoan palace of Knossos and Heraklion archaeological museum; historical sites of resort of Chania; Samaria Gorge; boat trip to island of Santorini; Water City water park; fortress island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony.