Dalabelos Estate

We had the pleasure of staying here for 4 nights with our daughter and son-in-law. We chose to do the half board and are extremely happy with our choice. Maria prepared excellent meals that were amazing and locally sourced. She even made her own feta cheese and we agreed that it was the best feta we had ever tasted. The rooms were clean, comfortable and spacious with lovely views. We opted to just hand out there one day and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the lounge chair by our hot tub and listening to the birds and smelling the lovely aromas of sun warmed herbs that permeate the air. If I could live there I would. Our host, Vassili, provided music (for a fee, which was reasonable) and much information about the instruments and everything Crete.|We had read a review regarding being nickle and dimed. With half board we did not feel this way. We did pay extra for wine but that is to be expected and yes, it was marked up from what one would pay at the winery but that also is to be expected.|Absolutely would stay here again and felt it was worth every euro we paid.

I spent the month of April at Dalabelos Estate, residing in a studio cottage and on a full board (breakfast and dinner) plan. Owners and hosts Vassili and Maria have created a welcoming environment, and are attentive to their guests' every need. The estate is beautifully situated and meticulously maintained. My cottage, like all of the apartments and the villa, overlooked olive groves to the horizon with the Cretan Sea. ||Dalabelos is a working enterprise. During my stay the citrus and wild greens harvests were in full force, hundreds of olive trees were starting to bud, and a local shepherd delivered 80 liters of fresh milk that Maria turned -- seemingly effortlessly -- into feta and several other cheeses. Vassili makes organic wine and raki from the estate's vineyards. ||During my stay I participated in each of the offered activities: a two-hour farm tour culminating in a tasting of olives, olive oil, feta, and wine; Vassili's musical instruments workshop (Vassili being a well-known musician and collector of traditional Cretan instruments), and Maria's six-course hands on cooking class. In addition to breakfast in either the dining room or on the adjoining terrace, I had dinner every evening -- and was consistently amazed by Maria's cooking and presentation skills. ||For anyone interested in ancient and modern Greek history and/or archaeology, Dalabelos Estate is perfectly located. I visited historic monasteries, ancient buildings and archeological sites, the stunning museum of Ancient Eleutherna, a local winery, and villages and cities including the Venetian port cities of Rethymo and Chania. ||In sum, I was thrilled with my time at Dalabelos Estate and confirm my highest recommendation for a visit here.

there are places you leave with a tear in your eye – this is one of them. we left just five minutes ago, and we already miss it. Maria and Vassilis have created a space where nature, food, and art simply fall into harmony. a starred place on our map. we won’t reveal the details – come and let yourselves be surprised, and feel it for yourselves.

Wonderful place to stay !! The Pool is simply amazing, it's very nice that they have a kids pool and the view from thr big pool is breathtaking. Our daughter of 1year and a half just loves it!!!Maria's food is fresh and excellent!!!

This was my second week-long stay at the magical Dalabelos Estates, and I cannot recommend it enough. I confess that part of me is reluctant to write a review because this place is a hidden gem--Vassilis and Maria, the owners/chefs, do not invest a great deal of energy into marketing, because they don't need to: word of mouth via a network of Dalabelos fans ensures bookings and many return customers. But what they offer is so special that I want to honor them--||Dalabelos is enchanted. It's a stunning self-contained multi-generational family estate lovingly and consciously tended by Vassilis and Maria, both of whom endow the place with character, personality, reverence, and love. Vassilis grows %85-%90 of the food they serve in their exquisite restaurant--including olive oil, cheeses, and mulberry jam and canna cotta from the ancient tree whose branches braid a canopy over the patio where meals are served. The food that Maria prepares is among the best I've eaten anywhere in the world--and I seek out excellent food everywhere I go. Consummately fresh, cooked with attention to detail, simple in the very best way. ||Vassilis is a professional lute player and musician, and if you're lucky, he might play you a song in the evening after dinner, as you watch the moon rise. He also hosts music workshops and farm tours, both of which are well worth it. ||Every room--studios and villas alike--are adorned with beautiful, unique art. Every fridge is stocked with homemade Raki (beloved Greek digestive) and fresh water. Views are astonishing, the pool is serene and the perfect temperature. Cascading herbs and flowers line every walkway, and the whole estate is perched above olive groves stretching to the sea. ||Dalabelos feels private and quiet, but is also well-situated for travel around Crete. I hosted a women's retreat at Dalabelos, and we visited caves, the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Prevail, and other sites. Vassilis is very helpful in arranging excursions and rides. ||There is so much more I can say, but I will leave it here... You cannot go wrong with this beautiful place <3 I will be back for sure! I hope there's availability after this review! :)

Vassili and Maria were excellent hosts to my wife and in-laws. It was a challenge for both as we arrived in the middle of a sand storm which was followed by a light rain creating a muddy mess. Despite the weather, we were taken care of with a spacious room, terrific home cooking from Maria, and a fantastic concert from Vassili (well worth the extra cost). Their dog Blackie was extra friendly. Maria's feta cheese is the best I've ever had, and their raki was excellent as well. Vassili is a great source of information on the local sights as well. We highly recommend it and hope to come back again the next time we visit crete.

We had a fantastic stay at Dalabelos Estate in Crete. The setting is beautiful, surrounded by olive groves, offering a peaceful escape from busy tourist areas. Our room was spacious, clean, and had lovely views of the countryside.||The staff were welcoming, and we enjoyed the activities, like the cooking class and exploring the organic farm. Breakfast was fresh and delicious, with local ingredients.||If you're looking for a quiet, authentic experience in Crete, Dalabelos Estate is a perfect choice. We can't wait to return!

I can't rate this place highly enough. They have thought of everything to make your stay as excellent as possible. It is family run and they really care about their visitors. The food was delicious, the service efficient and the atmosphere was relaxed. Beautiful views from the rooms, dining veranda and swimming pool. There was freshly picked fruit for breakfast with homemade jams, cheese, eggs. Nothing was too much trouble. Each apartment has it's own outside area. Give yourself a treat and stay at Dalabelos.