Vamos Traditional Village

Hotel Information

Vamos Traditional Village is a small local company specializing in holidays with a difference that focus on the cultural aspects of the Vamos area and which promote ethical sustainable eco-tourism and agro-tourism. Step back in time in our beautiful traditional village, away from the busy tourist resorts but only a few minutes drive from several sandy beaches.

Our guests range from individual travelers, families and small groups of friends, who love to enjoy the benefits that responsible low-impact tourism can bring to the area and the local community.

In Vamos you will find a warm hospitality, traditional atmosphere, Cretan tradition, village life, pure flavor, and rich flora and fauna.

In short, if you would like to live in a stone and wood village cottage, taste natural honey and virgin olive oil, walk on village paths or local countryside, smell the flowers in bloom, say ‘kalimera’ (goodmorning) to the locals whilst drinking coffee or ‘tsikoudia’ (local drink) at the village kafenion and tavern, enjoy the sun and sea in nearby beaches,
then you will be in the right place!

Location
Vamos village is located in Chania perfecture, in West Crete on the foothills of ‘The White Mountains’, 25 km from the beautiful city of Chania. The city of Rethymno is only 35 km and the capital city of Crete Heraklion is 135 km. Vamos is a semi-mountain village, 300 meters high above sea level, surrounded by cultivated and wild nature. The two airports of the island are Chania (45 km) and Heraklion (135 km). The distance to the nearest beach is only 7 km.

Accommodation
Accommodation in Vamos VillageDuring your stay in our beautiful village, you will be guested in one of the aesthetically renovated old houses, spreading out mainly in the old neighborhood of the villages, but also outside of the villages.

Buildings from 18th, 19th and early 20th century have been sympathetically restored paying particular attention to their individual architecture, the aesthetics of the house and the local environment. Materials used for restoration are mainly stone and cypress wood and the plaster is made using the special techniques of local builders. Furnishings and decoration are also of local handicrafts. However, bathrooms and kitchens have been adapted to take into account modern day requirements.

The houses are spread out in the old neighbourhood of the village with views of the White Mountain and flowering gardens. Vamos is also only a short distance from the northern beaches of the Cretan Sea, which guarantees visitors the chance to combine a beach and mountain village holiday. The village's location, traditional environment and dramatic scenery have all helped us to create a unique atmosphere for guests wanting a relaxing holiday in an authentic Cretan locality.

Traditional houses and cottages in old villages >

Traditional houses and villas with sharing swimming pool >

Traditional houses and villas with private swimming pool >

History
The history of Vamos goes back many centuries. According to historical sources its first inhabitants were Arab pirates around the 8th century. To the general census organized by the Venetians in 1573, Vamos is mentioned as “Vamu” with 271 permanent inhabitants.

During the time Greece was under Turkish domination, Vamos was the headquarters of the Turkish army and in 1863 a Pasha named Savas chose Vamos as the Capital of the prefecture of Sfakia. People of Vamos proved to be very patriotic fighting to free themselves from the Turkish domination. The winning battles of 1896 set Vamos free from the Turks.

At the time that Vamos was the capital of Sfakia, it met a great development as a region. This development is characterized by the luxurious houses and public building with neo-classic elements. From this time and on, there was a distinction between luxurious and non luxurious houses, a fact that highlights the economical levels of the society, depicting the contrast between the rich that lived in the so called “conakia” and the poor that lived in the “kamarospita” (one room house). Built with local materials such as stone, wood and soil, these houses still impress with their authentically and traditional colour. It is important to mention that until the 19th century architecture was greatly influenced by the Venetian domination.

The architectural heritage is well-preserved and Vamos is one of the most attractive traditional destinations of the area: a preserved traditional stone road, the old neighbourhood, well painted Chapels of Virgin Mary (monument of 13th century), and Karidi Monastery13th-19th, with the most spectacular scenery of an old olive press with 12 arches.



Facilities:

• Air Conditioning
• Pool
• 220 AC