A lovely small hotel in nature, COUNTRY HOTEL VELANI

January - December - Rooms 11 - Capacity 35

Avdou, Heraklion, Crete

Guest house Small Traditional hotel

Activities Horse Riding Hiking Stay & Bike Gourmet stay Bird Watching Cuisine lessons Well Being stay

Description

On the way to Lasithi, 45 km from Heraklion, the Velani guesthouse is situated in a magnificent panorama of forests and olive groves, across from the Dikti Mountain. In this paradise-like area of Crete, horse riding plays an important role and itʼs one of most welcoming areas that you will come across.

 

 

Horse Riding Hiking Stay & Bike Gourmet stay Bird Watching Cuisine lessons Well Being stay

Guest Inn Opinion

A beautiful destination for lovers of nature and tranquility and for those passionate about equestrian sports that can enjoy a beautiful family atmosphere, delicious homemade dishes and discover this area of Crete.

Facilities

Reception
Fireplace
Breakfast Room
Veranda
Swimming Pool
Garden
Snack-Bar
Bar
Pets allowed
Tavern
Baby cot & high chair free of charge
Daily cleaning service
WiFi Internet acces
Iron & ironboard upon request
Laudry service
Non smoking rooms available
Private parking
Vehicle recommended
Towels & sheets included
Credit cards accepted
Horse riding with extra charge
Airport/Port Transfer Service with extra charge
Sunbeds & Umbrellas
Pool Towels
Massage on request
Οutdoor Jacuzzi 5 persons (with extra charge)

Spoken Languages

Dutch, English

Customer Reviews

Loic P. / France / September, 2022
Velani est toujours aussi agréable. De nombreuses améliorations ont été apportées depuis deux ans. L'accueil est chaleureux, le restaurant sert une excellente cuisine à base de produits locaux. Parfait pour qui recherche le calme.

ADELINE C. / France / August, 2020
Tres bon séjour au calme. Le restaurant est très bon. C’est une bonne halte avant un retour sur Heraklion avant de reprendre l’avion ;)

- L. / France / October, 2018
Nous avons passé un très bon séjour, le cadre est superbe, la propriété très bien aménagée et entretenue. Le repas au restaurant était délicieux également !

karine B. / France / July, 2018
Après deux kilomètres de piste, nous arrivons au Velani où nous avons aussitôt du suivre en courant par 30° la personne qui nous a emmenés à notre chambre, sans aucune explication ni accueil, ce qui est regrettable pour un hôtel de charme. La chambre était confortable malgré un dysfonctionnement de la climatisation la première nuit. Piscine très agréable, ainsi que l'environnement général de l'hôtel. Petit déjeuner complet et copieux, servi avec un souci de conseil et de satisfaction. Beaucoup de clients francophone mais pas de personnel parlant le français. L'endroit est très calme et reposant, le petit nombre de chambres appréciable. A noter que pour les promenades à cheval, des leçons sont requises, ce qui porte le coût à 270 € pour deux heures de promenade pour une famille de trois personnes. "OWNER'S ANSWER": Le coût de 270 € pour 2 heures de promenade à cheval pour 3 personnes ne correspond pas aux prix pratiqués sur place. Les prix affichés sont les suivants : - Leçon d’équitation, 25 euro p/p. - Promenade à cheval de 2 heures, 40 euro p/p. - Promenade à cheval journée, 70 euro p/p Les leçons et les promenades à cheval ne sont pas obligatoires pour les hôtes

Loic P. / France / August, 2017
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour. Le site est magnifique et particulièrement calme. Notre chambre tripe était très confortable avec une petite terrasse et une belle vue sur les montagnes. Belle piscine. La cuisine est vraiment très bonne. L'équipe est très dynamique et sympathique. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la possibilité de faire des ballades à cheval. Des cours d'équitation sont aussi proposés.

parianos P. / France / July, 2016
Nous avons passé 5 merveilleuses journées du 4 juillet au 9 juillet 2016. Tout était parfait, l'accueil, la qualité des prestations largement au dessus de ce que l'on trouve généralement en Grèce, l'espace, la nature, une piscine qui donne l'impression de survoler la plaine qui s'étend plus bas, mais aussi la qualité de la restauration et des déjeuners, et en prime la gentillesse des propriétaires. merci à eux et j'y retournerai certainement . yorgo le francais

Genevieve V. / France / May, 2014
très bon accueil une ambiance familiale des chambres spacieuses très propres et calmes, à recommander

Hugues T. / France / July, 2012
Découverte du plateau de Lassiti...Super accueil de Manoli.Superbe site avec piscine débordante. Hébergement  spacieux, propre, très confortable. Très bonne table. Chevaux à proximité qui stimulent la curiosité même si on ne pratique pas l'équitation. Le silence de la propriété et son ciel étoilé, la nuit, sont extraordinaires. 10/10  On reviendra !!

Matthieu D. / France / August, 2011
L'accueil est sympathique. La chambre était très agréable et la vue sur les contreforts du plateau de Lassithi apaisante. On mange bien, et la piscine à débordement est tout simplement parfaite. En définitive, les 2 kilomètres de piste qui mènent aux gîtes valent la peine d'être parcourus ! Un excellent rapport qualité-prix !

Maryline V. / France / August, 2011
Les jours que nous avons passés à Velani ont vraiment été exceptionnels, tant par la magnificence du site naturel, que par la qualité de l'établissement et de l'accueil. Les propriétaires sont chaleureux, ils savent faire partager cette combinaison que j'apprécie particulièrement : simplicité et excellence. Bravo !

Emmanuelle P. / France / August, 2011
Très belle situation, très bon accueil, confort parfait, calme, très bonne cuisine.

Jon & Sarah / UK / October, 2010
We had a wonderful time! The property was everything it was advertised as and more! We expect to return!

Rooms

Classic Double Room | Terrace (×2 )

Amenities +

A charming, ground floor, room with a double king size bed or 2 twin beds. The room has an en-suite sitting area (no fireplace), a spacious bathroom with bathtub and a furnished terrace with garden.


Panorama Wellness Suite | Sauna & Spa Bath | Balcony (×4 )

Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1

Amenities +

Located on the 1st floor has a private 2 person infrared sauna cabin and duo Spa bath inside the room as well as a king size double bed or 2 twin beds (please inform preference with the reservation). There is an open connection to a split level bedroom, with another single bed. The split level bedroom is not suitable for very young children. The main room has an open plan sitting corner with fireplace, a 2 person infra-red sauna cabin, and a coffee corner. The Sauna comes complete with colour therapy, and a Bluetooth sound system to create the perfect atmosphere. A large bathroom features a 2 person Spa Bathtub with hydro massage. The large furnished balcony with the panoramic view offer an outdoor massage shower and sunbeds.


Panorama Family Suite | One-Bedroom | Balcony (×2 )

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2

Amenities +

This first floor family suite have a large furnished balcony and 1 bedroom with a queen-size double bed and a single bed. There is an open connection to a split level bedroom, with another single bed (not suitable for very young children). The main room has an en-suite sitting corner with fireplace, a walk-in closet, a coffee corner, and a large bathroom with bathtub.


Deluxe Double Suite | Duo Spa Bath | Private Garden (×1 )

Amenities +

Α charming ground floor suite, on the corner of the building, giving just that extra privacy to guests. The Suite features a king size double bed or 2 twin beds (please mention your preference with the reservation), an en-suite sitting area with fireplace, a spacious modern bathroom with a 2 person Spa bathtub with hydro massage. The private garden has a patio with sun beds and an outdoor massage shower and a furnished terrace with panoramic view.


Superior Wellness Suite | Sauna & Spa Bath | Private Garden (×1 )

Amenities +

On the top floor the Wellness Suite offer a private 2 person infrared sauna cabin and duo Spa bath, inside the room. It has a king size double bed or 2 twin beds (please inform preference with the reservation). There is an open connection to a split level bedroom, with a single bed and a child bed. The split level bedroom is not suitable for very young children. The main room has an open plan sitting corner with fireplace, a 2 person infra-red sauna cabin, and a coffee corner. The Sauna comes complete with colour therapy and a Bluetooth sound system to create the perfect atmosphere.  A large bathroom features a 2 person Spa Bathtub with hydro-massage. The Suite comes complete with a private garden with veranda, an outdoor massage shower, a patio with sunbeds and a large furnished balcony with panoramic view.


Superior Family Suite | Two Bedrooms | Terrace (×1 )

Amenities +

A charming, ground floor, family suite with two connecting en-suite bedrooms. The master bedroom has a queen size double bed or 2 twin beds, with an open plan sitting corner with fireplace. The second bedroom has 2 twin beds with an open plan sitting area with a sofa bed and a second TV. The Suite has 2 large bathrooms with bathtubs. And each room has a furnished terrace with garden.


Map & Access

Access Information

From Heraklion: (45 km, 1 hour approx.) Follow the National Road Heraklion-Agios Nikolaos, exit towards Lasithi Plateau, then drive towards the villages of Potamies and Avdou Arriving in Avdou, turn right to enter the village, cross it following the central road and continue to the dirt road for about 2 km. The Velani Guest house is located at the end of this road and there are signs to lead you.


Distances

Village
2.0 km
Sea Sports
16.0 km
Closest Airport
45.0 km
Closest Port
45.0 km
Beach
16.0 km
Horseback Riding
50 m

Calculate your itinerary

To see / To do

Ride horses by the sea, lakes or in the countryside along with qualified guides. The horse riding centers are located at the guest houses or at a maximum distance of 10 km
Walk around and explore marked trails, accompanied by the owners, qualified guides or on your own, starting from your place of stay or within 10 km.
Explore the Greek countryside on your bike. Mountain bikes are available at the guesthouse or at a maximum distance of 5 km
Guesthouses which offer onsite restaurant, tavern or table d'hôtes. Take the chance to experience a tasty journey and try local specialties
Observe unique species of migratory birds in protected wetlands, at a maximum distance of 15 km from your accommodation
Our owners will share and teach you the secrets of the local cuisine. Taste the delicious Greek traditional recipies.
Give yourself a special treat! Relax in a SPA, jacuzzi, sauna or an indoor pool. Enjoy wellness seminars (yoga, reflexology…)

From the hotel: 

  • The hotel has its own professional equestrian center on site "the The Odysseia Stables". 

The owners, Sabine and Manolis, are both horseback riding instructors with many qualifications and they own one of the best horse riding schools in Greece. Sabine has been a world champion in horse acrobatics. They both have a way to share their passion about horses with you. 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.

Hiking and mountain bike: Manolis is perfectly acquainted with his area and knows all trekking paths. He will provide you with all the necessary details and maps so that you discover the most interesting paths.

Home Cooking lessons with chef Manolis for small groups

Bird watching at the Aposelemis lake (without guide) and spot the griffin vultures right from the hotel terrace

Free use of the meditation and yoga platform under the ancient old Kermes Oaks. Professional Manduka yoga mats are available at a charge, complete with blocks and blanket.

Join the different Yoga session by a professional and experienced trainer, only available during the organized yoga weeks in the summer months

Defferent kind of relaxing massages with reservation and an extra charge

Jacuzzi with hydro-massage rental for a romantic evening with your partner (private use)

Paragliding for experienced pilots who have their own equipment and license

 

In the area: 

Visit of the Panaghia Kera Monastery

The Lasithi plateau at 900 meters height

The closest beach is Anissara, 16 km away.

A 18 hole golf course is located at 9 km

Professional tennis court at 18 km

Water sports near the coast at 16 km

Booking Request