Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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AnogiaΑνώγεια
POP 2400
Perched aside Mt Psiloritis, 37km southwest of Iraklio, Anogia is known for its rebelli-
ous spirit and determination to express its undiluted Cretan character. During WWII, it
was a centre of resistance and suffered heavily for it. The Nazis burned down the town
and massacred all the men in retaliation for their role in sheltering Allied troops and aid-
ing in the kidnapping of a Nazi general.
Anogia is also famous for its stirring music and has spawned many of Crete's best-
known musicians such as Nikos Xylouris, whose home is now a small museum. Locals
cling to time-honoured traditions and it's not rare to see men gossiping in the kafenia
dressed in traditional black shirts with baggy pants tucked into black boots. Elderly wo-
men, meanwhile, keep busy flogging traditional woven blankets and embroidered tex-
tiles. Though beautiful and well-priced, not all are actually produced locally, so
caveat
emptor
.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Aristea
HOTEL $
( 28340 31459;
www.hotelaristea.gr
;
s/d incl breakfast €35/42, apt €70-110; )
Run by the
chatty and charming Aristea, this small inn offers sweeping valley views from balconies
attached to fairly basic but spotless and comfortable enough rooms. The split-level apart-
ments in a next-door annex are more modern. Don't skip the home-cooked breakfast.
Arodamos
CRETAN $
( 28340 31100;
www.arodamos.gr
;
mains €6-10; lunch & dinner)
This big restaurant in a
modern stone house in the upper village is held in high regard for its perky Cretan fare
and gracious hospitality. Local specialities include the flame-teased lamb or goat
(ofto)
and spaghetti cooked in stock and topped with local cheese.
Ta Skalomata
CRETAN $
( 28340 31316;
www.skalomata.gr
; mains €4-9; lunch & dinner; )
In the upper village,
Skalomata has provided sustenance to locals and travellers for about 40 years with great
grilled meats (the roast lamb is especially good), homemade wine and bread, and even
tasty meatless fare such as zucchini with cheese and eggplant.
