A perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort – a truly unforgettable stay!

We absolutely loved our stay at Olive Picker’s House – it was everything we hoped for and more! The cottages are a beautiful mix of traditional Cretan character and modern convenience. Thoughtfully renovated, they retain their quirky charm while offering every comfort you could need. Each room is air-conditioned, and the bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in – a real treat after long days exploring.
Alan and Jo were the perfect hosts – warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. From the generous welcome pack waiting for us on arrival to their swift assistance with anything we needed, they made us feel truly looked after. The use of the washing machine was a big plus, especially for a longer stay.
The location in Gavalochori couldn’t be better. It’s a peaceful, authentic village surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet just a short stroll brings you to several lovely tavernas serving delicious local food. There’s also a charming little museum, a bakery, a couple of shops, and historic sites like the Venetian wells and traditional olive press – all within walking distance (be warned that the wells are up a steep hill!).
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the real Crete, Olive Picker’s House (or Wine Press House) is the perfect choice. We couldn’t recommend it more highly – a true gem!
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holidays in west crete
Judith & Owen

We’ve had the most wonderful week staying in the Wine Press House, everything you need is readily supplied, including a welcome pack to see you through the first breakfast. Alan and Jo couldn’t have been more helpful, guiding us to local places of interest and recommending local tavernas. There are three in Gavalohori, all great! The village is only short walk from the house and has a well-stocked grocers, a lovely bakery and a beauty salon (pedicure 18 EUR have it done when you get there!) The beach is an easy taxi ride away, and Alan is happy to arrange airport transfers if you don’t hire a car. Looking forward to our next stay already.
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Helen

The Winepress House is a restored, lovingly furnished old stone house. It is in a quiet location and the town center is within walking distance. The landlords stocked the fridge for a first breakfast and provided water filters to avoid plastic waste. If a problem arose, it was solved immediately. We particularly liked the warmth, openness and British humor of Jo and Alan.

We stayed at Winepress House for two weeks at the end of August 2024 and can highly recommend this accommodation. We will definitely be back!
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Gabi & Angela

Das Winepress House ist ein restauriertes,  liebevoll eingerichtetes, altes Steinhaus. Es ist ruhig gelegen und die Ortsmitte gut zu Fuß erreichbar. Die Vermieter haben den Kühlschrank für ein erstes Frühstück bestückt, sowie Wasserfilter zur Verfügung gestellt, um Plastikmüll zu vermeiden. Ist ein Problem aufgetaucht, wurde es umgehend gelöst. Ganz besonders gut haben uns die Herzlichkeit, Offenheit und der britische Humor von Jo und Alan gefallen.
Ende August 2024 waren wir für zwei Wochen im Winepress House und können diese Unterkunft wärmstens empfehlen. Wir kommen garantiert wieder!
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Gabi und Angela

I instantly felt at home in the authentic traditional Cretan accommodation. Alan and Jo are thoughtful and kind hosts. The historic village of Gavalhori is only 5 minutes away with beautiful shops , local produce and great restaurants . You get to experience a working Cretan community whilst only being 10 minutes from the nearest beach resort. A home from home . I look forward to my next holiday.

 

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Rob & Tina

Nous avons séjourné dans « The Olive Picker’s House » et « The Wine Press House » en août 2022. Nous étions 6 personnes dans 2 locations qui peuvent créer un grand espace privatif très agréable. Nous connaissons très bien ce coin de Crète depuis de nombreuses années. Deux de nos amis y possèdent une maison. Nous aimons particulièrement l’authenticité et le calme de ce village. Les premières plages sont extrêmement proches. Les locations que propose Alan, le propriétaire, sont d’authentiques maisons crétoises très  charmantes, offrant un confort moderne très plaisant. Alan vit dans une autre maison juste à côté, ce qui est rassurant pour gérer n’importe quelle demande. Nous souhaiterions y séjourner de nouveau avec grand plaisir.

 

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Marie

2022 год оказался полным событиями как в мире так и личной жизни каждого. У нас собралась команда 4 девчонок с разных точек Европы ( Шотландия, Гернси и Латвия) и мы решили провести неделю на Крите и так уж случилось, что выбор пал на традиционную греческую деревню Галавохори с ее столетними устоями и традициями, где собираются по вечерам в местной таверне на стакан пива или домашнего вина, обсуждая последние новости. Нам очень повезло что у нас был замечательный хозяин коттеджа Olive Pickers – Alan Boyd, который взял непосредственное шефство над нами и оказал неоценимые транспортные и гидовские услуги.

В коттедже имеется все необходимое для приготовления пищи, кондиционеры в каждой комнате, а также ванна и душ по желанию.

Хочу отметить что деревня находится в удобном месте всего 40мин от столицы Chania, 10 мин от замечательного пляжа Armarida, возможны разного рода экскурсии. Нам удалось посетить Santorini (day trip), незабываемый день !! Мы все остались очень довольны и думаю что вернемся еще не один раз. Рекомендуем всем, кто хочет уйти от суеты городской жизни и подзарядить свои батарейки 😊.

 

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Елена

2022 turned out to be a year full of events worldwide and in everyone’s personal life. Our group of four girls from different parts of Europe (Scotland, Guernsey, and Latvia) decided to spend a week in Crete in the traditional Greek village of Galavohori where for centuries people gathered in the evenings in the local tavernas for a glass of beer or homemade wine, to discuss the latest news. We were very lucky to have such a wonderful owner of Olive Pickers – Alan Boyd, who took such great care of us and provided invaluable transport and guiding services.

The cottage has everything you need for cooking, air conditioning in every room, as well as both bath and shower for different preferences.

I would like to note that the village is in a very convenient location only 40 minutes from the capital Chania, 10 minutes from the wonderful beach Armarida, and all kinds of excursions are possible. We managed to visit Santorini (day trip), an unforgettable day!!

All of us are very happy with our trip and looking forward be returning more than once. We would recommend Olive Pickers to all who would like to leave the hustle and bustle behind and recharge their batteries. 🙂

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Jelena & friends

We’ve just spent a week with friends in the Olive Pickers House, Gavalohori. What a charming place, not luxury, but full of character, gives you a warm hug the moment you enter. There are lovely courtyards, private and one shared with friends staying in the adjacent Wine Press House, makes it great for larger parties too.

Its only a short drive to local beaches and there are several walks and hikes for those wanting to enjoy the wonderful views. The tavernas in the village are a few minutes walk so you don’t need to drive on an evening. The owners, Alan and Jo, are willing to help with advice and assistance, nothing too much trouble.

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Pam & Andy

We visited in September in 2018 with friends and occupied both cottages. This was a superb holiday destination offering everything required for a modern life in traditional cottages. The Cottages are set in a rural Cretan village with plenty of nice local restaurants offering great food choices within a few minutes’ walk. Local sandy beaches and quiet coves are only a very short drive away from the village, and Chania can be reached in 30-40 minutes for those wanting a larger historic town with shopping and tourist attractions.

We split our stay up to include a couple of days quiet relaxation, reading and chatting on the terrace, along with a full day in Chania, and some beach visits for some swimming and sun. Another trip to this beautiful place is already being planned for 2019.

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Graham Marchant