Country Hotel Velani

A charming small hotel in Nature.

The family run Hotel is located in the rural countryside of Avdou. Perched high on a hillside overlooking the Lake Aposelemis. Experience the serenity of the setting, and the tremendous panoramic view of the stunning location.

It is a secret haven hidden in a rocky wilderness of ancient stone and protected Kermes oak forest. It is these oak trees with their evergreen leaves and ‘Velani’ fruits that gave our hotel its name.

The large Hotel estate of 5 hectare only houses 12 spacious and lovely rooms. Every room has its own garden or large balcony. The Hotel has a breathtaking view and give you a feeling of relaxing with nature on your doorstep.

The Country Hotel has a large infinity pool as well as a separately located children’s pool. Relax on the sun deck enjoying the spectacular vista before you. A large Jacuzzi with hydro-massage on a view point can be rent by the hour.

The Country Hotel has various gardens for fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers, as well as an olive grove for the production of our own olive oil.

The Velani restaurant uses its own produce to prepare the famous healthy Cretan diet; our kitchen utilizes our home-grown produce as well as that of the local farms and surrounding villages. Try typically Greek dishes with extra virgin olive oil, Cretan wine made from ancient grape species, meat and cheese from the free-ranging sheep and goats of our neighbours, or honey from the local beekeeper.

Activities in the hotel:

• The hotel has its own professional equestrian center on site.
  20 beautiful horses and well trained guides take you on horse riding treks in the surrounding nature.
  Trails, day rides, and 2 hour hacks for riders of different levels are daily organized. Young children or new riders can join the horse riding lesson inside the arena.
• Paragliding for experienced pilots and tandem flights for adults.
• Walking and biking routes
• Go birdwatching (not with a guide) at the Aposelemis lake.
• Greek cooking lessons for groups.
• Free use of the meditation and yoga platform under the ancient old Kermes Oaks.
• And after all the activities unwind and relax in your private sauna in one of our wellness suites.
• Complete your stay with a Cretan, Swedish or Thai massage with the use of local herbs.

The hotel is open all year round so you can enjoy a touch of Cretan life whatever the season.
Accommodation is available for winter occupation.

Free and Fast WIFI is available in the entire property and in the rooms.

Let us welcome you with Greek ‘filotomo’ (=hospitality).
The owners Manolis & Sabine Fragkakis

FREE CHANGE OF DATES UNTIL 4 WEEKS BEFORE ARRIVAL.