The Offbeat Goat Collection

Thalori Retreat

Crete, Greece

 
 

Greece / Crete / Thalori Retreat

A bucolic retreat tucked away in a mountain village perched high above the Libyan Sea

Chiseled into the Asterousia mountains and seamlessly integrated into a once-abandoned village, Thalori impresses with its cozy traditional lodgings, timeworn patina, and dramatic bird's eye view of the sea. Do not expect on-the-ball butlers; the Thalori experience is all about slowing down and chilling.

Delightfully unpretentious, Thalori offers whole-hearted hospitality and a style narrative reduced to its most basic and heartfelt elements. The perfect throwback to a simpler, more authentic way of life.

“Combining the traditional architectural style of rural Crete with contemporary comfort, Thalori consists of 20 traditional houses — each with its own distinctive personality and integrated into the living village of Kapetaniana.”  

—Thalori Retreat

the look.

The small stone villas are all tastefully renovated and connected by narrow cobblestone streets; the décor is understated with a traditional rustic-chic charm. Think stone fireplaces, colorful hand-woven wool blankets, locally-made furniture, embroidered carpets, and antique Greek trinkets. Terraced stone terraces brimming with charming wooden tables and precocious cats look out over jaw-droppingly beautiful views of the Libyan Sea below.

The swoon-worthy infinity pool surrounded by comfy sun loungers and potted geraniums will no doubt have your Instagram popping. The perfect place to press pause, watch a sunset and savor the slower pace of mountain village life.

the experience.

 

horse riding

Saddle up for a trot along the scenic mountain trails with one of Thalori’s many horses. 

 

savory local treats

Savor tasty Cretan home-cooked delights (straight from Popi’s kitchen). Sumptuous delicacies include home-baked breads, fresh orange juices, locally-sourced honey, creamy yogurts, and artisanal cheeses.

 

farm life

Stroll down to the barns and stables, where you will undoubtedly find owner Marcos busy milking goats, making cheeses, or tending to the horses. 

 

beach + hiking trails

Hike along goat paths snaking their way down towards the sea. Trails will take you past flowering scrub, thyme-scented hills, sculpted boulders, and plenty of goat droppings. Worth the views! Or hitch a ride to the beach in one of the 4x4 jeeps (or, if brave enough, DIY). There are charming trails that wind along the coast for views of the old shipwreck and monasteries. You can also rent a boat or canoe and discover this area’s pristine beaches and secluded coves (Agadiko, Agios Antonios beach, Aspes, and Salamias).

the impact.

A strong sustainability sensibility rooted in its connection to the land, culture, and local community.

 

Eco-design

Adopting Italy’s “scattered village” concept, Owners Marcos and Popi rehabilitated this abandoned village by combining rural Crete’s traditional architectural style with modern-day comforts and breathing new life into the village.

Culinary sustainability

Agro-tourism is part of the resort's DNA, with farm-to-table fare (deliciously prepared by Popi herself). All ingredients are sourced locally. 

 

 

at a glance.

$-$$

 

good to know

9 studios and apartments (1-5 persons). Open year round.

location

Kapetaniana, Greece (the beach is 5 miles away).

Photos courtesy of: Saskia Veendorp and Thalori Retreat

Stays in Greece

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