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Inappropriate / Inaccurate? Giorgos Votzakis

Country: Greece
Speaks: english, french, german, greek
Services: accommodation, food
Cost: Between $45 and $75 ($US per day / per item)
Recommended by: Kim Beach (Kimmy Beach), May 1, 2010
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Description:

Giorgos Votzakis has lived in Chora Sfakion his whole life, and has been a prominent businessman in the town for years.

The Mesohori Studios and Taverna are located away from the seaside and thus, away from most of the tourism of Chora Sfakion. The majority of the visitors stay along the harbourfront, and as a result, Giorgos' taverna has a very local feel. At the end of the season, a lot of the area's men retreat here, and it becomes a true local hangout.

It takes a bit of doing to get here, but taxis leave daily from the airports at Chania and Iraklion (both on the north coast), for around 90 euro one way. There's also a daily bus (approximately a two-hour trip)

The terrain here is rugged, and one needs to be fairly able-bodied to get around. Giorgos' suites are large and bright, and sleep up to three people. Most visitors who come to Sfakia use the town as a jumping-off point for hiking the many gorges of Southern Crete.

The studios range in price - depending on the season - from $45-$75US. Meals in the taverna are very reasonably priced, and drinks are incredibly inexpensive.

Contact Details:

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Uploaded by Kim Beach on May 1, 2010.

My town. Chora Sfakion Uploaded by Jan on July 27, 2010.

Customer Reviews

Overall
8.3 / 10
3 reviews

Kim Beach (recommender) (9 / 10)

reviewed May 1, 2010, 4:57 p.m.

Kim Beach spent 2-4 weeks with Giorgos Votzakis.

Description

My husband and I visited Chora Sfakion in the fall of 2009. Giorgos and I had met when we were both 18 years old in 1983. I was on a backpacking trip and spent months in Sfakia as a teenager.

While there are many spectacular gorges and hikes in the area, we spent most of our time with Giorgos and his family, and got to know many of the local people. Our days were spent taking ferries to other towns, and exploring the ruins of the towns on the south coast (Sfakia and Loutro, specifically), and our evenings were filled with social gatherings with the townspeople and other visitors to Sfakia. Giorgos' taverna is wonderfully friendly, welcoming, cost-effective, and one of the best places in town to listen to and learn Greek, as this is the taverna a good many locals choose to spend their time.

A full meal for two (including bread, salad, a main course, vegetables, and all the wine you can drink) can come in at under 30 euro.

Best bits: Try the goat, whatever you do. In addition, Giorgos' employee, Tsetsa, makes the best Greek meatballs on the planet.

Worst bits: Though the days seem very long, they go by in a flash. This is not Giorgos' fault! Greek furniture is not comfortable. One should not expect overstuffed armchairs in the rooms.

Ratings

Overall experience: 9 / 10

Value for money: 10 / 10

Eco impact: 9 / 10

Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Klaus (8 / 10)

reviewed July 26, 2010, 5:12 p.m.

Klaus spent 2-4 weeks with Giorgos Votzakis.

Description

I have visited Mesohori several times for holidays.

Best bits: It's a fantastic place if you really like or need to relax. more Giorgos and his friends already

Worst bits: a lot of bus traffic, but just 2 times a day for 20 minutes.

Ratings

Overall experience: 8 / 10

Value for money: 7 / 10

Eco impact: 7 / 10

Does the local understand eco issues? Yes

Profile Accuracy: 10 / 10

Comments:

This is an unique experience. It's absolutely worth to come and see.
The hospitality is overwhelming.

Jan (8 / 10)

reviewed July 27, 2010, 2 p.m.

Jan spent longer than 3 months with Giorgos Votzakis.

Description

Absolutely nothing!
Exept enjoing life and the wonderful nature.
The mointains, the sea, the weather and especially the openhearted people of Chora Sfakion.

Best bits: Wonderful people

Worst bits: Having to go back to Denmark

Ratings

Overall experience: 8 / 10

Value for money: 9 / 10

Eco impact: 10 / 10

Does the local understand eco issues? Not sure

Profile Accuracy: 6 / 10

Comments:

Mesohori Hotel in Chora Sfakion.

It is impossible to be objective in my description of this place!
It´s a pearl. - And it is my place.
Don´t go there!
I want it for myself. I don´t want it to be spoiled by turism.

But if you are a person who enjoys life and friendly people. Nature and a perfect sea.
And the openheartedness of these wonderfull people, then go there.
But only for a few days.
Because it is my place and as they say in western movies.: "This town ain´t big enough for the two of us"

Sorry for being a little ironic. But i simply love the place.