Villa Helidoni is situated in the village Pontikiana, in the province of Kissamos belonging to the municipality of Kolimbari and prefecture of Chania. As spring and summer arrive, Pontikiana becomes a haven for swallows, which inspired the name of our villa, “Helidoni” meaning swallow in Greek. These graceful birds captivate visitors with their whistles and chirping, crafting their nests in the most unexpected corners. Perched at an elevation of 150 meters in the hills, Pontikiana is a traditional village that shares its borders with Vouves. Here, nature reveals its full splendor, gifting visitors with clean, invigorating air, the symphony of birdsong, and the gentle fragrance of blooming flowers. As the night unfolds, the peaceful ambiance is occasionally interrupted by the soothing call of the cuckoo, adding an enchanting touch to the serene surroundings. Taste the exquisite flavors of xerotigana and avgokalamara, delightful sweet pastries. Sample the aromatic pastelia, made from sesame seeds, or savor the delectable hilopites, a unique pasta creation. Immerse yourself in the local culture by enjoying tsikoudia, also known as raki, a traditional spirit, and don’t miss out on the mouthwatering kalitsounia, small pies filled with cheese and/or spinach. Additionally, we invite you to sample the excellent local wine available at the neighboring wine cellar, further enriching your stay.
Don’t forget to try out the exceptional local virgin olive oil, which is well known all over Greece. The escape to nature combined with all the comforts of modern accommodation will make your stay at Villa Helidoni unforgettable. In the neighbouring village of Vouves, you can see the oldest olive tree in the whole of the Mediterranean, which is over 3000 years old and from which the 2004 Olympics winners’ crowns were made. Also, you will have the opportunity to visit the village Voukolies, which is at a distance of just 8km and has plenty of shops, traditional tavernas and a small waterfall. The church of Ag. Antoniou is situated 300 metres from the villa. It is the main church of the village and has recently been renovated.
Tavronitis can be found 5 km away and Kolimbari 7km. They are both large seaside villages with beautiful beaches, tavernas, restaurants, shops, banks and supermarkets. In the village of Episkopi Kissamou just 10km away from Villa Helidoni is the Rotunda of Archangel Michail. The church was built during the 2nd Byzantine period 700 AD and its unusual shape cannot be seen elsewhere in Crete. It looks like a Basilica with a domed roof, also called a rotunda. It has a huge dome in the centre, which is the dominant architectural feature of the church. From the exterior, the dome presents a graduated structure, decreasing in diameter high in the ceiling of the church. Also just 4 km away from Villa Helidoni you can see Darmarochori, a settlement next to the village of Vouves that has many newly built houses and a large taverna. It is worth visiting the villages of Spilia and Deliana where there is a lush green gorge.