None of the autotourists traveling around Crete will pass by the seaside village of Fådele. It is located 18 km from Heraklion and is included in many excursion routes to the sights of the island. The town was considered the birthplace of the artist El Greco. He really grew up here. Today, a museum is organized in his family’s house. Across the street from it is an ancient church in which the young artist made his first sketches. By the way, the museum does not have a single authentic drawing of the master, but a unique collection of documents and testimonies about his life in Fodale is collected. On the central square of the village there is a bust of the artist.
Fådele Beach
Interesting is the location of the seaside village. In ancient times, there was a harbor of the Greek polis of Eleftherna. The settlement itself was called Pantomarium. Its existence is mentioned in his writings by Pliny the Elder. After a series of earthquakes, the people went further into the mountains, where the village of Fådele appeared. When the elements calmed down, people began to gradually return to the sea, engage in fishing, and now tourist activities.
Today, numerous hotels have been built on the coast 2 km from the village center. The National Highway of Crete passes by them, so travelers often stop here for a holiday.
Tourists should remember that Fådele is not a large resort facility, so the infrastructure is poorly developed and often does not meet the needs of guests. The main advantage of the village is its beach. Here are the main hotels that are able to provide guests with the best conditions for recreation.
The wide sand strip is visually divided into two parts. The western one is landscaped, the eastern one is more like a wild area. People rest in both parts. In the west are the most comfortable hotels Fådele. There is a small pier, from which pleasure boats and boats depart. Golden sand and gentle entrance to the water make the beach especially attractive for parents with young children. It is no coincidence that families from nearby cities and resort areas tend to get here. They come by car and stay here all day.
What else to see in Fådel?
Since the terrain is mountainous and hilly, walking under the scorching sun will be a tiring task for many. Therefore, all tour operators initially offer to rent a car or use transfer services. Here you can always find free parking to go early in the morning to see the local attractions.
In addition to the El Greco Museum and the old temple, tourists definitely try to visit the monastery of St. Panteleimon. The road to it lies through orange and olive groves. The monastery, built in the 16th century in the late Byzantine era, is perfectly preserved. This architectural ensemble is the historical value of the island.
In the vicinity of the village there are ruins of ancient defensive structures “kules”. At one time, the place was of great strategic importance, so fortifications were built everywhere here. One of them is located on a hill above the beach of Fådele.
There are many restaurants and bars on the shore, but it is worth taking the time to go to the village to visit the very interesting To Giasemi Tavern. It is located in the center of the settlement. It’s a family business. The menu offers national Greek dishes with author’s innovations. A favorite place on the shore is the Plaitis tavern. There are always a lot of sea delicacies and Mediterranean cuisine.
In the village itself there are not so many hotels, mainly residential buildings, so guests prefer to stay in the coastal resort area. When choosing a place of rest, it is worth remembering that guest houses are open from April to October. In winter, they usually close or receive guests by prior arrangement.
Fodele Beach Water Park Resort
The luxurious five-star hotel is located on a hillside that descends to the famous Fobele beach. It was built and opened in 1990. Since then, several reconstructions have been made and updates have been introduced in the interiors. The fund includes 396 rooms of different categories of comfort: from standards to fashionable suites. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, satellite TV, balcony and bathroom. Wi-Fi is paid. Meals are organized according to the system “All inclusive” (buffet). In addition to the main restaurant, guests are served by two a la carte taverns, pool bars, in the lobby, on the beach, in the central square.
A variety of activities are offered. Free of charge includes: access to the fitness room, 2 tennis courts with a hard surface, mini-golf, beach volleyball court, archery, step aerobics, evening animation, swimming pools. For an additional fee, you can visit the SPA center, slot machine hall, sauna, water sports on the beach. In the pool area there is a mini water park with water slides. Of the 3 outdoor pools, one is heated and can be bathed in May and November. Entry into the territory with animals is strictly prohibited.
For children there is a games room (mini-club) and an outdoor playground, babysitting services are available for a fee. The restaurant has a baby feeding corner. Moms are provided with a blender, kettle, microwave. There are high chairs in the hall. Strollers are issued on bail. Children are entertained by a team of animators, arranging mini-discos, game programs.
“Great and very popular place to stay in Fodel. The hotel is international. The staff speaks several languages, and domestic channels are broadcast on TV. The restaurant is well fed. Always available dishes from different fish, types of meat, vegetables and fruits. It is convenient that the beach is right next to the hotel” Natalia
Fodele Beachfront Apts
A more relaxing and quiet holiday offers comfortable apartments «Fodele Beachfront Apts», located directly in front of the beach (20 m). There are only two apartments in the house. One (27 sq. m.) with one bedroom, the other (49 sq. m.) with two bedrooms. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, electric stove, coffee maker and kettle. The rooms are air-conditioned. In the bathroom there is a washing machine. The balconies have summer furniture. In the courtyard of the hotel there is a barbecue corner and a terrace for sunbathing. Wi-Fi and parking are included. The owners will help you rent a car, prompt convenient routes for hiking.
“Comfortable and renovated apartment right by the sea. Nearby there are beach taverns, a souvenir shop. The place is quiet, the hostess is friendly. Upon arrival, we found a compliment from her in the refrigerator – an excellent melon, a bottle of local wine and mineral water. I did not get bored with visits, but I helped when it was necessary to solve a particular problem” Krisztina, United Kingdom
Orange Fodele
50 meters from the beach there are another good apartment. The hotel has its own beach area, which is equipped with sun loungers and parasols according to the number of guests. Studios and apartments are offered for accommodation. Each apartment has a kitchenette and a balcony. All necessary appliances are installed, including a toaster and a coffee machine. A feature of this place is also a car rental office, whose office is located in the building. Guests can eat at nearby cafés and taverns. Internet and parking are free.
“The windows have a wonderful view of the sea. The apartment exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort and availability of household appliances. The stove works perfectly, the washing machine washes perfectly, Wi-Fi does not slow down, but flies” Jane, UK
Studio Apartment (45 sqm) with 2 bathrooms in the Gazi area
Apartment for two guests is located in a house located on the beach. The room is decorated in light colors, a large double bed, there is an exit to the balcony, which overlooks the sea and the sandy beach. The balcony is equipped with light furniture for morning tea or evening relaxation with a glass of wine. Air conditioning is mandatory. Free parking is available in the courtyard. The owners of the apartments are always ready to provide a service and help to rent a car. Near the guest house there are beach bars, home taverns.
“Great place to relax, water sports and hike around the area. The bathroom has a shower, hairdryer and fresh towels. Along the shore you can walk to the main hotel Fodele with its own beach and water park” Angela
Fodele Relax
Country house «Fodele Relax» is created for a comfortable stay of people of any age, as well as parents with small children. In the interiors of the two-storey villa, everything is thought out to the smallest detail: bedrooms, kitchen with dining table, sun terrace, swimming pool and patio. Children’s toys are always available. Adults can enjoy bicycle and car rental, fishing, and convenient hiking trails. In the yard there is a corner for barbecue, so the catch will not be lost. Half a kilometer from the villa there are local taverns, bars and restaurants. The nearest beach is 2.7 km away.
“This hotel is called relaxation for a reason. There is absolute peace and quiet. No one interferes, does not make noise, walks under the windows and does not talk. The house has three bedrooms, so you can come with the company. There will be no relaxation, but the rest will turn out bright and memorable” Michał, Poland
Villa Dirui
Villa Dirui is a detached villa located 600 metres from the village centre and 450 metres from the beach. It is built on a hillside. A road is laid to the gate. The second floor is given to the bedrooms. On the ground floor of the apartment there is a spacious kitchen with a dining table. Summer furniture is installed on the terrace. Barbecue facilities, bicycle rental, fishing arrangements and hiking trails are available on site.
“The villa is perfect in every way if you are looking for a holiday away from the resort noise. You can rent a car or walk. The beach can be reached in 5 minutes by walking, to the center – in 7-10 minutes. The house is spacious, all amenities, the bathroom has a snow-white bath. The lack of a pool may be confusing, but it is not so important in this case. The main criterion when choosing this option is excellent value for money” Elena, Greece
Bougainvilla
Not all hotels in Fodel are made to modern architectural standards. Villa Bougainvilla is a traditional Cretan residential house made of stone, with wood-beamed ceilings, small windows and an orchard in the courtyard. Here you can feel the beauty of village life and life. Stone steps lead to the entrance to the main room. The common living room is located on the ground floor. In it, every guest can do their favorite pastime – watch TV, play board games with neighbors, read, sitting on a cozy sofa. The house has three bedrooms with private bathrooms. Just a kilometer from the hotel is the El Greco Museum and the ancient Byzantine church. The beach is 1.3 km away.
“The village and the beach are within walking distance, but for long walks you need a car. From here it is convenient to go on a trip to Crete or stay for the night. The owner is friendly and welcoming. Provides a free parking space, treats with fruit from his own garden” Eugenia, Ukraine
The only and best holiday option in Fodel was and remains the 5-star Fodele Beach Water Park Resort. It has ideal conditions for living, meals on the system “All inclusive”, leisure and beach holidays. Other hotels do not fully meet international standards, but they willingly stay for the night or a couple of days passing by autotourists.
Selection of hotels Fodele on map
