Why the village of Vamos makes an authentic holiday on Crete
“Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force branching warmly and beneficently through his veins, sensing his soul beginning to grow” Nikos Kazantzakis, famous Cretan author
The island of Crete certainly affects the senses and takes you back to earlier times with its many traditional and pretty towns and villages. Vamos is set in a picture-perfect landscape, and is a traditional old village in the hills southwest of Hania. It was founded by the Arabs during the 8th century, who sought refuge on the Island after being expelled from Andalusia.
Below the main square is the old quarter of the town. Locals set up Vamos SA, an endeavour intended to preserve local heritage and customs, by boosting a sustainable type of tourism, without spoiling the local heritage. Several traditional houses have been refurbished to provide a variety of interesting amenities including taverns, galleries and picturesque cafés.
It also has a fully functioning health centre. If you are looking for Cretan authenticity, warts and all, then Vamos is definitely worth considering, a sleepy and beguiling village.
Try visiting Vamos during the spring or autumn, when the weather is moderate and there are less tourists. The best way to see all that the Island has to offer is to hire a car. Use Vamos as a base and set out each day to see something new.
The old town of Chania has a renowned Venetian lighthouse, and the traditional town of Rethymno, is a gem with Venetian buildings, fountains, minarets, and old cobblestone streets lined with interesting shops. The Venetian port of Heraklion is a bustling city with much to see, and the old town of Llerapetra has narrow alleyways, a harbour and Fortress. Last but not least Visit the palm forest at Vai, and the Diktean Antro cave.
If you are looking for high-quality, self-catering accommodation near Vamos, Vintage Travel has several properties available to hire.
Hammam House is bursting with authentic Cretan character. The property was originally built for a Turkish pasha as a hammam, over two hundred years ago. The villa boasts an open plan living/dining area/kitchen. It can sleep two in style and comfort, with all the modern amenities you’ll need and a private swimming pool.
The Old Bakery is located close to the village of Vamos, and is just 7km from the gorgeous sandy beaches of Almyrida. The property has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate four guests.