bobbydip

Eastbourne – 11 June 2019

This is my second review of Vasilis’ and Maria’s Patsos Traditional Taverna. We stumbled across this delightful friendly family taverna 12 months ago and were so impressed by Vasilis’ sincere welcome that we returned last September staying for one night in order to walk the Patsos Gorge (previous review). This June (2019) we called on Vasilis having visited the nearby Potami Dam. We’d packed an overnight bag incase we decided to stay one night. Vasilis and Maria were pleased to see us and found us accommodation nearby. This was a new luxurious fully fitted first floor apartment overlooking the peaceful and beautiful valley (45 Euros). Following one of Vasilis’ hand drawn maps, (you need to know what a fig tree looks like!) we visited the hideout ‘Harakas’ (means huge and towering rock) where the Crete resistance held the captured German General Kreipe before he was smuggled out of Crete and transported to Cairo in 1944.

In the evening Maria cooked us one of her specialities. This was the meat from one of her own piglets (shame but tasty!) with vegetables, which had been slowly cooking all day…..absolutely delicious. This was accompanied by Greek salad and domathes (Maria’s home made stuffed vine leaves) and local wine.

You need a car to visit this ‘little gem’ but well worth it. My wife and myself will hopefully be paying Vasilis and Maria another visit in September 2019 to experience another venture into the mountains, and of course, Vasilis and Maria’s excellent. hospitality.

26 May 2019 – AnsgarAbroad – Eppstein, Germany

Vasili seems to ‘just have it’ and his mom cooks wonderful Cretan food. Go there for a delicious meal, too casually meet people (the atmosphere is all about interaction and exchange) and to get advice on trails, things to do, etc. Go with the daily special, a bottle of the local wine and bring a bit of time…

22 May 2019 – perh682 – Our stop at Patsos taverna was on impuls on our way. It ended up as the memorable lunch on our stay in Crete. Delicious food cooked by Maria and very helpful and friendly presented by her sun Vassilis.
Absolutely worth a stop on the way. Vassilis also has a lovely brochure about the area an the chapel of St.Antonious in the nearby gorge is a must…

APRIL 2019 – Lola L – FRANCE,

The meal was prepared by Maria un front of us, fresh meat and vegetables !
We bought olive oil (from around thé village)

Maria ‘s son son gives informations about visit and the road (for see the chapel in the cavern)

It was thé best moment with the Crète’s citizens !!!!!

16 Oct 2018 – We stopped at this taverna whilst driving in the area in the Spring 2018. Vassilis, the owner, introduced himself to us and told us about the area and the Patsos Gorge. When we returned to Crete in the Autumn, I contacted Vassili and arranged to stay in his excellent accommodation for one night. so we could walk the Patsos Gorge and have an evening in his taverna enjoying his 80 year old mother’s (Maria) cooking. On our arrival in the morning we were presented with breakfast before walking the gorge. Vassilis explained the route and supplied us with maps and directions. He insisted on picking us up at the end of the gorge. The gorge was brilliant and nothing like the others we’ve walked in Crete. It was an assault course; clinging on to ropes as we clambered over the rocks and along the narrow tracks along the side of the gorge. Vassilis kept his promise and picked us up. That evening, Maria cooked solely for us. We enjoyed his local lamb chops with all the trimmings, local wine and shared the best part of a bottle of raki! Vassilis is a very proud Cretan and told us the history of the local area. We will definitely stay there again and explore other hikes in the area. Thanks you Vassilis and Maria.

25 Jan 2020 – dainl102 –

One of the BEST and most authentic experiences we’ve ever had. The tavern is run by Vassilis, who takes Cretan hospitality to an entirely new level. He is so generous with his time, expertise, and knowledge – his passion for Patsos and the Cretan people is contagious. His mother does all the cooking, so you will not only experience authentic local culture but you’ll enjoy home cooked traditional Cretan meals…these were by far the best meals we had in Crete (after five weeks in Crete). You will leave feeling like you are family. Patsos is a gem of an area, with nature right at your doorstep so you can feel fully immersed in the Cretan mountains. It is also centrally located and relatively close to Rethymno, allowing for easy access and day trips to many other parts of the island. Also, if you’re a history buff, this was one of the stops during WWII where the captured German General Kriepe was hidden for two nights (Christopher McDougall’s book Natural Born Heroes). You will not regret getting off the beaten path to come here – it will be hard to say goodbye when your trip is over!

Brigitte and Hans (Johannes)

Good morning Vasilis, yesterday evening we arrived our Hotel after walking to Agios Antonios. We were not able, to eat somewhat else this evening. The dinner, cooked by your mother was so good and so much! Thank you very much for all you have given us. The conversation was very interesting. We had a wonderful day……..

Matt s – Clacton-on-Sea, UK –

April 2020

Warm and sincere, traditional food surrounded by authentic Crete. Local scenic walks help build the appetite for lunches one doesn’t want to end.