Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: Nakou Village's Untouched Beauty
Forget Santorini! Nakou Village is Crete's Secret Slice of Heaven (And I Need You to Know This)
Alright, let's be real. You're sick of the same old "luxury escape" brochures. You've seen the perfectly posed Instagram photos, the curated smiles, the promise of… well, nothing new. You crave adventure, authenticity, and a place where you can actually breathe. Consider this your unofficial initiation into Crete's best-kept secret: Nakou Village. And I'm about to give you the real deal, the messy, glorious truth about why you absolutely need to go.
Forget the generic hotel reviews; this is coming straight from the heart (and my credit card, which definitely regrets the temptation of the on-site gift shop).
First Impressions, Or, "Did I Just Stumble Into a Greek Myth?"
Getting to Nakou isn’t some arduous adventure. Accessibility is pretty good, with airport transfer readily available (thank Zeus, because navigating a rental car after a red-eye is my idea of hell). There’s even car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site], which is a lifesaver. And bonus points for bicycle parking! Seriously, seeing those little bikes lined up made me almost want to be healthy. Almost.
The village itself? Pure magic. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, that specific turquoise-blue of the Aegean Sea… It's like stepping into a postcard that’s actually real. It's not just pretty; it is an experience, and that begins with feeling "at home".
Staying Safe (and Sane) in a Post-Pandemic World
Look, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. I was a bit jumpy at the thought of traveling again, but Nakou Village took it seriously. Cleanliness and safety are top-notch. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays gave me instant peace of mind. They've got hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff are meticulous about safety protocol training.
I had one close encounter with a plate of olives in an restaurant, so I was relieved to notice all the individually-wrapped food options. I felt safe letting my guard down, and I never felt rushed. A real blessing!
Inside the Fortress of Bliss (aka My Room)
My room was a revelation. Seriously. Forget cramped hotel rooms; this place felt like a mini-apartment. Everything you could ask for was available for Internet access – wireless, and I could even get connected using Internet access – LAN if I wanted to. The Wi-Fi [free] was strong enough to stream Netflix, meaning endless hours of The Great British Bake Off in my Air conditioning comfort while I luxuriated in my extra long bed. Bliss.
Let’s talk amenities: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes. I didn't even use the alarm clock! I was too busy falling into a deep, blissful sleep. The bathtub was deep to the point of being an almost-dangerous temptation, with complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker, and free bottled water. The mirror made it easy to see how sunkissed my face was. The non-smoking policy was much appreciated, as well as the soundproofing provided in the soundproof rooms.
The Spa: Where My Inner Mermaid Finally Came Out
Okay, this is where things got really good. I am not a "spa person" – I’m more of a “nap on the beach” person. But the Spa/sauna at Nakou Village… oh. My. God. It was a transformative experience.
I started off with a 90-minute massage. Honestly, the knots in my shoulders were so old, they had their own zip code. The therapist was a miracle worker, working her magic with a blend of essential oils that smelled like heaven. Then, a Body scrub the next day, which left my skin feeling like a baby’s bottom. The Pool with view was another highlight.
Afterward, I chilled in the Sauna, and it was… I don’t know how to explain it. Relaxing isn't strong enough a word. I emerged, feeling rejuvenated and ready to face anything (except maybe doing my laundry. Nope, still can't bring myself to do it).
Dining, Drinking, and (Almost) Disaster
Food is a big deal in Crete, and Nakou Village does not disappoint. The restaurants offer a delicious mix of traditional Cretan dishes and international fare. The Vegetarian restaurants were a huge plus for me, as I can have a wide variety of flavorful meals.
I particularly enjoyed the Buffet in restaurant for breakfast, it was all about the fresh, local ingredients. I loaded up on the Asian breakfast, too, as well as some delicious desserts in restaurant. The coffee shop served the best coffee I've had in ages, and the Poolside bar was the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Now, be warned: their Happy hour is dangerous. I may or may not have accidentally stumbled into a karaoke session after a few too many Mojitos. The details are hazy, but it involved a surprisingly good rendition of "Mamma Mia" and a lot of laughter. The Room service [24-hour] came in handy when I needed an emergency plate of fries at 2 am!
Fun Fact: I was on my own at the bar a day later, and the bartender was actually pretty charming. He asked if I wanted the same cocktail. I could handle the truth, and the delicious drink? Oh yes, please!
Things to Do (Besides Eating, Sleeping, and Getting Massaged - Though That's a Valid Option)
Nakou Village is all about embracing the "dolce vita." In terms of things to do:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: It's tempting to just lie by the pool all day and do nothing, and I can't blame you.
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness: I looked at the gym. I considered it. I went to the pool.
- Things to do, which could include going to the Shrine or admiring the exterior corridor.
- Terrace: This should be a mandatory requirement for all hotels, and Nakou absolutely provides on.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything
The staff at Nakou Village are genuinely lovely. They go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. From the concierge who helped me book a boat trip to the friendly waiters, everyone was helpful.
They have the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, cash withdrawal, and all the facilities for disabled guests you could ask for (important!).
The concierge was also super helpful. They helped me arrange a cooking class. I’m not the best cook, but it was a lot of fun, and the results… well, let’s just say I didn’t poison myself.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart – Aka Me)
Nakou Village is definitely family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and I even saw a Kids meal options on the menu. I didn't have to deal with kids, but they seemed happy enough, so that's a win.
The Irritations (Because Let's Be Real)
No place is perfect. And yes, I am a picky reviewer.
- The Wi-Fi for special events made me jealous.
- I never got to the Steamroom, but that's on me.
The Verdict: Book Now (Seriously, Do It)
If you crave genuine experiences, breathtaking scenery, impeccable service, and a place to truly unwind, Nakou Village is your answer. Forget the crowds, the pretension, and the cookie-cutter resorts. This is a place for authentic connection, relaxation, and the kind of memories that will have you daydreaming for years to come.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (and I rarely give 5 stars!)
Call to Action (aka How to Get Your Butt to Crete)
Don't just dream about it; do it!
Book your stay at Nakou Village NOW. They're offering a special package for first-time visitors, including:
- Free airport transfer (saving you the hassle of a rental car).
- Complimentary welcome drink (because you deserve a cocktail after your flight).
- 15% discount on all spa treatments (treat yourself, you deserve it!).
- Daily breakfast in room (because who wants to get out of bed?).
- The chance to discover a hidden gem before everyone else does (because bragging rights are important).
Click here to book your adventure and discover the untouched beauty of Nakou Village! This is more than a vacation; it’s an escape. And you deserve it.
Wrocław's Moon Hostel: Your Epic Polish Adventure Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Nakou Village, Crete. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, you're getting the raw, unfiltered, sunburnt truth. This is gonna be… well, it’s gonna be something.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive Oil Crisis of 2024 (Or Was It Just Me?)
- Morning (or What Passed for Morning After That Flight): Landed in Heraklion. Holy gods, the baggage carousel! Reminded me of a slow-motion demolition derby… mostly because I was convinced my suitcase was going to be the first casualty. Finally clawed my way out, sweaty and slightly traumatized, and found the rental car. Let's just say driving on the “wrong” side of the road, especially on Cretan mountain roads, felt like an audition for a stunt driving job. I kept yelling, "Are we sure this is the right way?!" at the GPS. (Narrator: It wasn’t always.)
- Afternoon: The Quest for Nakou: The drive itself was… spectacular. Rugged mountains, impossibly blue sea. I actually gasped a few times. Then, I made a wrong turn. Or two. Or five. Found myself utterly lost, feeling like a complete idiot. Finally, after what felt like an eternity and a near-meltdown involving a very insistent donkey, I stumbled into Nakou.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Settling in and… Olive Oil?! Checked into my little guesthouse – charming, no wifi (gasp!), and the view was… well, you'll see. It's the kind of view that makes you instantly forget about the baggage carousel and the donkey. Went to a taverna for dinner. Ordering was… challenging. My Greek is limited to "hello," "thank you," and "where's the bathroom?" The waiter, bless his soul, just kept bringing me things. I ended up with a plate of grilled octopus that was both delicious and slightly terrifying. And the olive oil… oh, the olive oil. They poured it on everything. I'm pretty sure it's illegal not to have olive oil with every meal. I started to have a serious internal debate: was I allergic? Was I just… overdosing on deliciousness? (Narrator: It was the latter. Definitely the latter.)
Day 2: Hiking Woes and The Secret Life of Village Cats
- Morning: Attempting to Hike: The plan was ambitious: a hike to some ancient ruins. I packed water, sunscreen, and a whole lot of optimism. Well, the sun was hot, the path was steep, and my optimism… evaporated. I took some photos. They were beautiful. Also I tripped and fell. Luckily I landed on some lovely shrubbery, a definite improvement over rocks.
- Afternoon: The Cat Conspiracy Theory: Back in the village, I sat in the shade, nursing my ego and a cold drink, and became obsessed with the local cats. They’re everywhere. Sleek, sun-drenched, and completely indifferent to my existence. I started to believe they were running the place. They knew things. They held secrets. I swear one winked at me. (Narrator: Probably just a speck of dust.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Taverna Therapy and The Perfect Sunset: Another taverna, another delicious, confusing meal. This time I managed to order something that wasn't octopus (proud moment!). The sunset over the mountains was unreal. Like, picture-postcard, make-you-weep levels of beautiful. I sat there, feeling incredibly small, incredibly insignificant, and utterly, blissfully content.
Day 3: The Beach, The Sea, and the Great Sunscreen Disaster
- Morning: Beach Time! Okay, so picture this: crystal-clear water, golden sand, and me, slapping on sunscreen like my life depended on it. Which, considering my pale Irish skin, it probably did. Spent the morning swimming, reading, and generally soaking up the Cretan sun. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Afternoon: The Sunburn: Now, here's where it all went sideways. Despite my best efforts, I managed to get a serious sunburn. The kind where even breathing hurts. (Note to self: Reapply sunscreen. More frequently.) Spent the afternoon huddled in the shade, feeling like a lobster. My fault. Completely.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Back to the Taverna… Again. More delicious food, slowly rehydrating, and trying to ignore the throbbing sensation in my arms. I have to be honest, I was too burned to even think or talk to people. Just ate food and drank water.
Day 4: The Day I Fell in Love with (and almost lost) Nakou
- Morning: I woke up and I decided that this tiny place needed some of me in it. I found a small, local bakery and ordered some pastries, a coffee, and went to the town square and sat down to enjoy the energy of the locals.
- Afternoon: A Moment of connection with the locals. I stumbled upon a small festival celebrating the local harvest. The food, the music, the dancing… it was pure, unadulterated joy. I even attempted a few steps of a traditional Cretan dance (mostly tripping, but hey, I tried!).
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The Almost Lost Key. After an afternoon of eating, drinking, and sunbathing, I lost the key to my room somehow. I retraced my steps, frantically searching. Panic set in. I'm going to be stranded! Suddenly, an older woman, with eyes that had seen a century of stories, pointed to it, right on the ground near some flowers. Talk about relief.
Day 5: Farewell (for now!) and the Lesson I Learned (Maybe)
- Morning: Last Breakfast and the Long Goodbye: Said farewell to the lovely guesthouse, the friendly locals, and the mountains that had become my constant companions. One last breakfast staring at the sea.
- Afternoon: The Drive Back (Slightly Less Traumatizing): The drive back to Heraklion was… easier. I’m still not a pro, but I survived.
- Evening: On the Plane: Sitting on the plane, a little bit sunburned, a little bit overwhelmed, and a whole lot in love with Nakou. I'll never forget the place.
Quirky Observations and Rambles:
- The air smells of herbs and sunshine, all the time.
- The cats are definitely judging you.
- Don't underestimate the power of a good olive oil.
- Pack more sunscreen. Seriously.
- The locals are incredibly kind, even when you can't speak the language.
- There's a certain magic in getting lost.
Emotional Reactions:
- Frustration – The rental car almost did in my nerves.
- Joy – The scenery, the food, and the feeling of being utterly, completely present.
- Panic – Finding myself lost.
- Contentment – Watching the sunset.
- Awe – Cretan Mountains are incredible.
This trip wasn't perfect. I was definitely lost a few times. I got a wicked sunburn. But it was real. It was messy. And it was, in its own imperfect way, perfect. Nakou, I'll be back. Someday. After I invest in a better GPS and a lifetime supply of sunscreen.
Escape to Paradise: Waterfront Irish Haven Awaits!
Okay, Nakou Village. Sounds idyllic. Is it actually...idyllic? (Don't lie!)
Idyllic? HAH! Alright, look, it *is* beautiful. Picture this: you, the sun, a mountain practically shoving itself into the sky...and a village clinging on like a stubborn little goat. But idyllic? That's a word for brochures. The reality? Well, the reality is more like... Picture me, three days in, desperately searching for a decent coffee (and failing). Then the rooster starts its dawn serenade, and you realize the only "idyll" involved is probably the goat's. Seriously. Don't go expecting perfectly manicured lawns and Wi-Fi that doesn't resemble dial-up.
So, what's the *actual* vibe then? Beyond, you know, the caffeinated rooster and the limited internet.
The vibe? Think "Time stopped." In the best – and sometimes most frustrating – way. People are *genuinely* friendly. Like, I got adopted by an elderly lady named Eleni who kept shoving homemade grape leaves at me. (And OMG, they were amazing. Seriously, I spent a solid hour trying to understand how to make them. My Greek is atrocious, mind you.) But then you remember you actually need to *do* things, and…well, the pace is...relaxed. If you’re used to the frantic energy of, say, *any* city, prepare to recalibrate your internal clock. You'll probably start sleeping more. And eating more. And drinking *way* more raki. Which is both a blessing and a curse.
**Side Note:** Finding a shop open after 3 pm is apparently a lottery, the odds of winning are low, and you should always have snacks. Always.
Let's talk about the food. Is it as good as everyone says? (And am I going to gain ten pounds?)
Oh, the food. Bless the food. It's…well, it's ridiculously good. Yes, you will gain weight. Accept it. Embrace it. It's the Cretan way! Imagine fresh, sun-ripened tomatoes that taste like pure sunshine. Olive oil that's literally liquid gold. Meat that's been slow-cooked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. And the cheese! OMG the cheese. I swear, I think I lived on cheese and bread for a week. The tavernas are simple, the portions are huge, and the conversations are lively. And yes, I'm pretty sure I gained ten pounds. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. My clothes *might* not agree, but I do.
What's the one MUST-DO thing in Nakou Village? I'm talking, like, if I only have a day here, what should I do?
Okay, *one* thing... hmm... Okay, the obvious answer is hike the Samaria Gorge. But honestly, I didn't. My knees said no. So, let me tell you about an experience that was truly remarkable. It wasn't even planned.
It was a Sunday. I was wandering around, hopelessly lost (which, by the way, is a *very* common state in Nakou). And I stumbled upon a *panigiri* – a local festival. I’m talking music, dancing, food, and so much *raki* that I was pretty sure I saw a goat do the cha-cha. The music, oh god, the music. It was this raw, vibrant, joyful energy that just pulled you in. I didn't know a soul, but I was swept up in the dancing almost immediately. The locals welcomed me with such warmth, even though my moves were…let's just say, enthusiastic. I ended up laughing, singing off-key with strangers, and feeling like I was part of something truly special. It felt like being embraced by a culture. That… that's what you should do. Find a festival, or simply sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. You will become one with nature, with the wind, with the food, and most importantly with Raki.
Okay, be honest. Is there a downside? Because this is sounding a little *too* perfect.
Alright, fine. There are definitely downsides. Being reliant on a car is a big one. Public Transport? Forget about it.. The roads are, shall we say, "rustic". Meaning you might find yourself white-knuckling your way around hairpin turns on the side of a mountain. The language barrier can be frustrating, even if you try to learn some Greek. And, as mentioned, the Wi-Fi situation. Don't expect to be glued to your phone. Which, actually, is probably a good thing. It forces you to *live* in the moment. There's also the occasional power outage, the stray dog that might try to steal your souvlaki, and the fact that getting a decent espresso is a quest. But look, these are minor inconveniences. They're part of the charm, honestly. They force you to slow down, be present, and, you know, *actually* interact with people.
What should I pack? Besides the obvious stuff like sunscreen (and maybe a very understanding therapist)?
Ah, packing. I've got you covered. Firstly, comfortable shoes. Walking is key. Secondly, a phrasebook! Knowing the basics will get you far. Thirdly, snacks! Emergency snacks are an absolute necessity -- something to fill in between meals or when you just can't find anything open. A decent flashlight – because the stars at night are ridiculously amazing, and you'll want to see them *without* being eaten by a rogue goat. And earplugs. Trust me. Those roosters again… And finally, a sense of humour. You *will* need it.
So, would you go back?
Without a doubt. Even with the questionable coffee, the occasionally terrifying driving, and the potential for irreversible weight gain. Nakou Village… it got under my skin. It's a place that reminds you of the simple things: good food, human connection, and the beauty of the world. It's not a flawless postcard, but it’s real. And in a world of filtered photos and carefully curated experiences, that’s… pretty damn special. I'm already plotting my return. Just need to find a good map, brush up on my Greek (or at least how to order more cheese), and, uh, maybe start training to outrun a rooster.
