Casa Cicala is located in the midst of Messara Plain, and there are various authentic Cretan villages in the vicinity for you to explore and get a sense of the lifestyle in the country. Shops, tavernas, bakeries and other useful facilities can also be found there:
- Pompia: only 2.5 km from the house, this traditional village offers lovely views of the Plain and Ida Mountains.
- Petrokefali: only 2.5 km from the house. Take a walk around the settlement's streets, flanked by dry stone-walled houses, and travel back in time.
- Mires: 4.5 km from the house. Come here to find plenty of useful shops (super markets, pharmacies, etc). There is also a weekly open-air market to stock up on fresh produce.
- Sivas: 6 km from the house. One of the island's most picturesque villages, certainly a must-see! Do it locals-style: enjoy a late-evening dinner in one of the tavernas on the central square.
The magnificent southern coast of Crete is only a short drive away from Casa Cicala:
- The village of Matala, a world-famous hippie destination in the 1960s and 1970s, still retains its bohemian atmosphere. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Matala Beach and explore the hippie caves. Only 15 minutes by car from the house!
- Kommos Beach. A sandy beach over 2 kilometres long. Come here for a late afternoon swim, in order to catch the gorgeous sunset later on. Nudists are welcome here. Only 15 minutes by car from the house!
- Agiofaraggo Beach. The drive to the parking lot is 40 minutes long, and there is a 30-minute easy and flat trek along the gorge to reach the reward: the crystal-clear, deep-blue waters of the beach. Wild Cretan beauty at its best.
Sights include:
- The Minoan Palace of Festos is only a 9-minute drive away. Walk among the ruins of this equally important but much less archaelogical Minoan sight, enjoy the peace and quiet (unlike Knosos Palace!), contemplate the lives lived on this site thousands of years ago, whilst admiring the absolutely stunning scenery.
