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Just over half an hour’s drive from Chania and 5 to 10 minutes from the main coast road, the village of Ravdoucha bestrides the high ground of two small hills on the rugged Rodopou Peninsula and offers a choice of gorgeous sea or mountain views. Although well off the beaten tourist track, the village is nevertheless well known to discerning Cretan foodies due to the excellent reputation of two local tavernas, hidden away amongst the olive groves near the coast, some 2km from the village itself. At the taverna bordering the picturesque pebbly beach, fresh local fish features on the menu as well as traditional meaty Cretan dishes cooked in time honoured fashion. The other, Don Rosarios is incongrously run by an 'emigre' chef from Sicily, who has earned an enviable local reputation for his Italian cusine. The speciality of the house is lobster with spaghetti, but the moules mariniera are equally delicious, with plump juicy mussels especially flown in from Mitilini. Although there are no shops in the village there are three simple cafenions, one of which is just two doors down from Villa Terpsi, and run by Georgos and Eleni a truly charming and obliging couple. Here you can sit quietly (if the televisions’ not on) and enjoy a coffee or perhaps, a local aperitif with peanuts whilst watching the world go by, such as it is... Alternatively Georgos or Eleni, will be happy to sell you beer, wine or soft drinks to take away, but even more delighted if you buy their own, home produced fresh eggs and fresh goats milk. However, if you are not quite enough of a Cretophile to have your cornflakes sprinkled with the latter, fresh cows milk and fresh bread are available, if you order them the previous day! For more sophisticated shopping and a good choice of waterfront tavernas, the seaside village of Kolymbari is no more than a10 minute drive away. Here you will find a large supermarket as well as a bank, bakery and butchers shop, plus a chemist and post office for good measure! Finally, it’s worth mentioning that en-route to the Ravdoucha beach are two small churches, Agia Marina and Timiou Stavros, who celebrate their Saints days on 17th July and 14th September respectively. If you happen to be staying in Villa Terpsi on either date, please be reassured that the village is only being invaded for the day! In Ravdoucha itself, the church of Agia Triada dates back to the 16th Century and fortunately, has its Saint’s day during the winter months! Accommodation Guestbook Ravdoucha
The villa was just what we imagined it to be, original and clean. Easily sleeping six but we went as a couple. The pool was lovely, well maintained and clean. The rooms were all well kept and of fair size, one being air conditioned. The local area was quiet and George the local shop keeper, who doesn't speak a word of English was a highlight with his Rakki and nuts. Don Risario's restaurant was quiet but the food was beautiful and fair priced, we had fresh sea bass in white wine with tomatoes and the restaurant to ourselves. The "local" supermarket was 15 minutes away by car. It was well equipped for our daily BBQ back at the Villa with a bank, a butchers and fishmonger in the same village. Coal was a nightmare to find. Freelance was easy to deal with and pretty much sorted everything out for us, we just wrote the cheque. A fantastic holiday which we shall be repeating. Lee Duffield, Sep 2003 |
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