Fodele holidays

Holidays to Fodele give you a glimpse of traditional Crete – think friendly tavernas, pretty churches and citrus groves.

Authentic Greek getaways

Imagine a quaint Cretan village with a stream running through it, surrounded by olive, orange and lemon groves, and you’ll have a pretty good picture of what Fodele looks like. It’s nestled in the north of the island, around five minutes’ drive from the coast. And while the seafront section has a couple of beaches to show off, the village itself boasts historic sites, traditional architecture and loads of authentic charm.

Museums and churches

One of Fodele’s main attractions is the El Greco Museum – dedicated to the famous Renaissance painter from the 1500s, who grew up in the village. Here, you can nose at copies of his masterpieces, and even check out a replica of his work room. Directly opposite the museum sits the Church of Panagia. This cross-domed structure dates all the way back to the late Middle Ages, so history buffs won’t want to miss it.

Souvenir shopping

Once you’ve had your history fix, you can set aside some time for a spot of retail therapy – the village is scattered with shops selling local handicrafts like decorative tablecloths and woven bags. There are plenty of tavernas in the mix, too, so you can refuel with a big plate of traditional Greek fare, al fresco-style. Most of the shops and eateries sit along – or just off – the main thoroughfare.

Beach days

Fodele’s also got a sandy beach, about five minutes’ drive north of the village. It’s split into two sections, separated by a small headland. On one side, you’ll find row after row of sea-facing sunloungers scattered with red and blue parasols. There’s a handful of tavernas around, too, so you’ll be able to grab some lunch between sunbathing sessions.