Idi Hotel

Sunvil has worked with this delightful family run hotel since it opened in 1980. The mountain village of Zaros (elevation 434m) is in the centre of Crete - a 50 minute drive via a good road inland from Heraklion - and has always been an integral part of our fly-drive holidays to the island.

Set at the foot of Mount Ida, alternatively called Idi or Psiloritis and at 2,456 metres the highest mountain in Crete by all of 2 metres, this overwhelmingly hospitable 2-star hotel is set within 16 acres of lush gardens of fruit trees, flowers and shrubs. At the entrance to the hotel water gushes from a mountain spring - the spring water from Zaros is famous and sold throughout Greece - and next door is the historic 15th century water mill which is still working (the flour for the hotel’s bread is ground here). Peace, quiet and birdsong reign.

The family is particularly proud of its restaurant serving fresh trout, salmon and sturgeon directly from the hotel's own fish ponds. All food in the restaurant, not only the fish, is sourced from local farms and cooked to traditional Cretan recipes. In all dishes, the restaurant uses virgin olive oil from its own groves. This is traditional Cretan gastronomy and the Mediterranean diet at its finest. Breakfast choices are equally healthy - and delicious!

Rooms are housed within three separate buildings on ground, first or second floor and are simply and tastefully furnished with views to the surrounding mountains or gardens and pool from their balconies. Rooms in the main building, which has a lift, are renovated in a contemporary style; those in the garden bungalows to the rear have older more traditional furnishings.

The large village of Zaros is under a kilometre away - a 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk - and has three tavernas plus cafes and shops. A 7 minute walk (600m) from the hotel in the other direction is Zaros Lake, which has a restaurant of its own.

Of course walking is a major attraction here. Zaros is on the E4 hiking trail which runs the length of the island and options range from shorter local paths to the longer more difficult routes up the mountain, maybe taking in the Vorizia Gorge (a mountain guide is recommended for serious hikers). The region also hides a number of monasteries and chapels.

A wonderful, very Cretan base from which to enjoy the nature all around and one where you can hardly fail to relax and fully recharge batteries.

Facilities

• Restaurant with terrace
• Cafe/ bar
• Furnished gardens (hammocks) with extensive lawns
• Freshwater swimming pool
• Tennis Court (equipment can be provided)
• Central safe
• WiFi
• Free parking

Standard Room

Twin or double bedded (17 sq m) with heating/air conditioning, fridge, TV, WiFi, hairdryer, bathroom with shower and balcony or terrace with garden and mountain views. Single rooms are slightly smaller at 15 sq m. Triple rooms (20 sq m) have an extra bed.

Family Room

(35 sq m) One double bedroom and a separate room with a single bed and a sofa bed so can sleep up to 4 persons. Amenities include heating/air conditioning, fridge, TV, WiFi, hairdryer, bathroom with shower and balcony or terrace with garden and mountain views.