Koutouloufari is a storybook village set at the foot of Mt Pyrgias and laced with cobbled streets and alleys. Whitewashed houses with brightly painted doors and window shutters give Koutouloufari all the charm of a quintessential Greek village. Relax in the village or use Koutouloufari as a base to explore Crete.
Things to do in Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari is perched 100 metres above sea level and boasts spectacular views over the Sea of Crete. The entire village looks like a scene from a Greek postcard. Around every corner, you’ll see traditional Cretan houses covered with bright pink bougainvillea flowers. Peer through wrought-iron gates to see cobblestone courtyards shaded by leafy grapevines.
Day trip to nearby archaeological sites like Knossos. The site has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Tour the ruins of the evocative palace and admire frescoes of animals and mythical beasts. Learn more about the ruins and brush up on thousands of years of history at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
Enjoy traditional Cretan dance and music at weekly cultural nights in the neighbouring village of Ano Hersonissos. Like Koutouloufari, the village oozes traditional charm. Wander along cobbled streets, sip coffee in sun-drenched squares and shop for gifts at colourful souvenir shops.
Try mouth-watering Greek cuisine at traditional tavernas in Koutouloufari. Dine in courtyards lit with twinkling fairy lights or sit inside and enjoy the rustic atmosphere. Finish your meal with an ice-cold glass of “raki” brandy made with distilled grapes.
Getting around Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari is compact and easy to get around on foot. The village is on the northern side of Crete, a 30-minute drive from Heraklion and 20 minutes from Heraklion Airport. Rental cars offer the freedom to stay in Koutouloufari and explore Crete at your own pace. Local buses run between Heraklion and Hersonissos. From here, you can take a taxi to Koutouloufari in five minutes.