Vrouchas

The small village of Vrouchas is situated on the relatively unspoilt eastern part of Crete in the Lassith prefecture, about 10 miles from the popular resort of Agios Nikolaos. This part of the island is steeped in history - according to legend, this part of Crete was the birthplace of the most important of Greek gods, Zeus. Like many small villages on the island, Vrouchas has a beautiful mountain setting, surrounded by olive groves and wooded hills. Visiting Vrouchas is rather like stepping back in time – the village is refreshingly untouched by commercialism, and remains largely undiscovered by tourists. There are several villas to rent in and around the village and a few traditional tavernas. A few minutes walk from the center of the village is the most famous attraction in Vrouchas, a collection of ancient stone windmills. Built over two centuries ago without the use of cement, they were used mainly for grinding corn. Several of these windmills are still intact and make for a fascinating visit. Vrouchas makes a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Several of the surrounding villages such as Plaka and Elounda offer basic tourist facilities, as well as a reasonable selection of bars and restaurants. Away from the towns and villages however, one of the joys of this area is just exploring the countryside itself. Venture outside Vrouchas and you are rewarded with the quintessential Cretan landscape – windmills, small stone farmhouses, whitewashed villas and olive groves stretching into the distance. The area around Vrouchas also offers spectacular views over the picturesque Gulf of Mirabello and beyond – some say the best views on Crete are to be had from the nearby coastline. An easy day trip from Vrouchas is to the small island of Spinalonga. A short ferry ride from the nearby port at Plaka, Spinalonga dates back to ancient times when an Olounite fortress was established on the island. In 1579, the Venetians realized the island’s strategic position in the Gulf of Mirabello and chose it as a site for one of their fortresses. In the early part of the 20th century, the island was home to a leper colony. The colony closed in 1957 when a cure for leprosy was discovered and the island remained uninhabited – local people still call the island “the quiet island”. A visit to Vrouchas and the surrounding countryside offers a glimpse of the traditional Crete – one far removed from the package tours, hotels and apartments. If you are seeking the simple life with the minimum of distractions, Vrouchas makes a perfect choice.