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Markos Skordalakis: Meet the owner of the traditional guesthouses Thalori in Crete
12-02-2016 12:43Touristorama traveled in southern Crete to meet the owner of Thalori Guesthouses, who created one of the most beautiful hotels there.
How did you come up with the idea of creating Thalori Guesthouses here in the region of Kapetaniana in south Crete?
I had an intense feeling that I should create something beautiful here, so we built this traditional complex of houses before 14 years. And you know what? I never felt anxious about whether people would like it... I was sure that the visitors would see the same beauty and that they would love Thalori as much as I did.
After 14 years of operation, Thalori enjoys a great fame... It is actually a pole of attraction for tourists who travel in Crete, not only during summer season, but also in winter months. How did you achieve such a success?
We enjoy having people here all year long. We welcome our visitors with open heart, and we always let them become part of our everyday life, without us changing our routine. And they do enjoy to watch us living, working our land, cooking our delicious local products.
Having Thalori as a start point, what else could someone see in the around area?
Our traditional houses are built on an altitude of 750m. in the centre of the mountain Asterousia, right opposite the Kofinas, the Sanctuary and the center of Minoan Civilization. The region of Asterousia is still untouched and its nature is amazing, with lots of canyons and beautiful natural paths. But keep in mind that it' s also a place surrounded by sea. So when one walks up high on the top of the mountain, he enjoys an incredible view of the blue sea as well. In summer time, our visitors have the chance to enjoy some of the best Cretan beaches, as we take them by boat to even the less approachable.
What does the word "thalori" means?
It comes from the Greek "thalassa" which means "sea" and the "ori" which means "mountains". It's our clear message for the exact point where our hotel is built...
Read more about Thalori Traditional Houses here.
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Top bews!
Santorini has a secret... but we have to share it.
It opened in 2004 and soon became one of the favourite dining spots in Santorini. It is called Metaxy mas which means.. between us, but it is not a secret any more that this restaurant has a rich menu with almost 40 different dishes and appetizers based on traditional Greek cuisine.
Aktaion - Writing gastronomic history since 1922
Like a relay race of three generations; a journey with happy days, sad days, joys, sorrows, wars, Occupation, poverty, hunger, deaths, volcanic eruptions, catastrophic earthquakes, flee for a better life, return, better days, feasts, tourism explosion, financial crises and so on… Everything has been indelibly inscribed on the walls of this small building, Aktaion. I feel grateful that life has given me the opportunity to hold the reins of Aktaion all the way to its centennial.
We found the best scandinavian bar in Naxos!
Touristorama has been travelling all around Greece and its islands for over a decade. This year, during our trip to Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades complex, we discovered an interesting spot, perfect for your night out on the island… which is what we do best: finding the best places and then propose you should visit them! Prime is a Scandinavian Bar, located on a privileged position in Chora of Naxos, opposite the port. It’s been operating for 21 years and enjoys a great fame to both foreign and local tourists.
Something old, something new.... Marmita combines them both!
The Marmita Restaurant is now a part of the history of Santorini, since it has been operating in Megalochori since 2004. From 2013 it s been running under the observation of new owner Giannis Manikas and the sense of renewal is obvious.
Privacy on the vivid island of Santorini? Yes, you can have it!
Explore the fascinating volcanic island of Santorini the way you want it yourself! Enjoy a unique accommodation experience, with huge doses of privacy and luxury by choosing to stay in Incognito Villa.
Parea Restaurant: a beautiful terrace for the perfect dinner.
We have been choosing Parea Tavern for our meals and dinners for 14 years! Every time someone from Touristorama travels to the island of Santorini, he enjoys authentic Greek cuisine at the terrace of this restaurant in the heart of Fira. And we are not the only ones. Thousands of tourists include it among their favorites on the volcanic island.
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