Koutouloufari is a village of roughly 600 inhabitants on the slope of Mt Pyrgias at an altitude of 100 metres. It is 29 kilometres east of Heraklion and less than 1,000 metres from coastal Hersonissos.
Koutouloufari with its narrow paved streets and old Cretan houses attracts those who want to spend their holidays in the busiest tourist area in Crete - which stretches from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, offering many beaches, attractions, sights and activities and is near archaeological sites such as Knossos and Malia - but who prefer to stay in a quiet environment with a traditional flavour and a lovely view of the Sea of Crete.
In Koutouloufari you will find old stone houses with arches, arched doorways and inner courtyards roofed with vines offering shade and grapes in summer. You can stroll through the paved streets or take the road down to Hersonissos through the hills covered with olive trees. You can even see Cretans in traditional costume on the Cretan Nights held in the nearby village of Ano Hersonissos every Monday.
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Take a taxi from Heraklion Airport or the port and you will be at your hotel in 20 minutes. If you intend to travel round Crete to see the sights of the island, your best bet is to rent a car with free delivery at Heraklion Airport, at the port or at your hotel in Koutouloufari. Otherwise take the bus from Heraklion to Hersonissos, and a taxi from there to Koutouloufari.
There are many restaurants in Koutouloufari offering Greek and international cooking. Stroll through the narrow streets and eat at a different taverna with its traditional vine and lovely decoration each night. If there are bunches of grapes hanging from the vine, or krevvatina as it is known in Crete, ask the owner to cut you some and serve them with an ice-cold raki at the end of your meal.
The precise origins of the village of Koutouloufari are unknown. It was probably first established in the Middle Ages, when people left the coast and moved to higher ground in an attempt to avoid pirate raids. Koutouloufari is first mentioned in Venetian archives, as Catafari metochi in 1577 and Cutrufari in 1630. In censuses from 1888 to 1940 its population varied from 263 to 350, dropping to 159 inhabitants by 1981. In the 2001 census, however, there was a great increase in the population.
I loved my stay in Elite Suites. The staff was really kind and helpful, I loved my breakfast and enjoyed the pool and their amazing cocktails in the bar. The room was clean and beautiful and my bed was sooo comfortable. I totally recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the original Greek hospitality. I hope I can come back soon !!
Breakfast was very good, wide selection (although can run low closer to the end as to be expected), situated in a quaint little village not far from the centre of Hersonisos so you can get the lively bustle of a city and relaxation of a village. Very spacious apartment with balcony sea view. Apartment was cleaned everyday and towels replaced. Rooftop bar was also lovely.
Perfectly situated in the centre of Koutouloufari, the apartments and rooms have been recently modernised and the programme of refurbishment will continue through the winter. The staff, especially Dimitris, are fantastic. Friendly, helpful and nothing is too much trouble.