Kalyvitis is located in the middle of a large olive grove in southeastern Crete, surrounded by mountains, fragrant pine forests, lots of greenery and wide views of the open sky.
The houses blend seamlessly into the landscape and are designed to encourage a strong connection between living and the outdoors. Nature, tranquility, and space define the experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Kalyvitis originated from a very personal story: in 2009, the host family arrived in Crete with a camper van, shortly afterwards bought a plot of land with olive trees and began building their own house. From this experience, a small, deliberately simple concept developed over time, which officially became Kalyvitis in 2012. Today, in addition to the main house, it also includes two guest cottages.
The approach is deliberately not traditionally touristic, but rather follows a simple lifestyle in harmony with nature. Much is produced on-site, as sustainably and organically as possible, with the aim of living and sharing a degree of self-sufficiency. For the hosts, Kalyvitis is less a business and more a way of life they wish to share with their guests.
The accommodations are individually designed, combining simple, natural materials with a warm, partly oriental-inspired decor. The interiors offer comfort but remain deliberately minimalist. The focus is on outdoor living, on the terrace, in the garden, or among the olive trees.
Rooms + Rates
per night| Cottage | from74 € |
| Stone House | from118 € |
Characteristics
- Nature-oriented holidays in natural stone houses with beautiful views over the green valley
- Located amidst olive groves, surrounded by mountains in southeastern Crete
- Off-grid concept, focus on self-sufficiency (as self-sufficient as possible) and regional, natural foods
- “Kalyvitis Welcome Breakfast” on the first morning with homemade products
- Olive oil, eggs, wine, goat cheese, honey from our own production
- Direct hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains
- Just 5 minutes from the sea
Sustainable
The accommodations were designed and built using local, natural materials. The cottages' outdoor terraces are made of wood, reflecting the natural character of the property. The interior design also follows a sustainable approach: around 80% of the furniture is second-hand or handcrafted. Natural stone from the nearby Orino mountains, located only about four kilometers away, was used to construct the exterior walls.
On the first morning, all guests receive a special "Kalyvitis Breakfast" as a welcome gift, consisting entirely of homemade products. This includes freshly baked bread, eggs from the farm's own chickens, cheese from the farm's own goats, homemade jams (such as fig, apricot, or medlar preserves), honey from the farm's own bees, and fresh orange juice straight from the farm's own trees. A particular highlight is the homemade goat cheese: After a lengthy period of experimentation, host Manu has developed his own recipe that combines French cheesemaking tradition with the local conditions of Crete.
Kalyvitis is run without any paid staff. Everything is done by the owners themselves, from looking after guests and cleaning to gardening, agricultural work, repairs, and organization. Only during the olive harvest is there occasional support, during which guests and friends can also help and, in return, stay at Kalyvitis free of charge. Furthermore, there is a close connection to the local community: the village association of Orino is regularly supported at festivals and events, for example, with cooking or setting up stalls.
Kalyvitis operates entirely off-grid, relying 100% on a solar energy system with its own battery storage. Hot water is also generated using solar thermal energy. Water-saving flow restrictors and energy-efficient lighting are used to minimize resource consumption. A particularly cherished project is the "Adoption Tree" initiative: guests and supporters can adopt one of the approximately 500 olive trees. The proceeds are used to finance special organic fertilizer specifically for the olive groves. While significantly more expensive and less productive than conventional alternatives, this fertilizer aligns with Kalyvitis' philosophy, which places healthy, living soil at the heart of the entire project.
Features
- 2 cottages for up to 2 people + 1 stone house for max 4 people
- All houses have a well-equipped kitchen.
- Private cold tub, barbecue and hammock on the terrace
- 10 minutes to the village with shopping facilities
- Children aged 11 and over are welcome.
- Parking available on site
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