Leaving the city lights behind, Stella and Ilias chose to make Kato Zakros their home, driven by a shared desire for a better quality of life. With Ilias’s creative talent in landscape architecture and Stella’s deep love for her birthplace and her natural gift for hospitality, they formed a powerful partnership rooted in purpose and passion. Their vision gave rise to a sustainable endeavor that honors the environment, the aesthetic traditions of the Cretan landscape, and the evolving expectations of modern travelers. With patience, dedication, and love, they have shaped a serene haven at the arid foothills of the Kato Zakros valley, a small pocket of paradise that reflects the soul of Crete. For over a decade, Stella and Ilias have welcomed visitors from around the world, offering more than just accommodation. They share the richness of Cretan culture, its diet, music, dance, and timeless way of life, within the stunning natural and historical setting of Terra Minoika.

Tucked away in a tranquil corner of eastern Crete, our charming inn offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, vibrant bougainvillea, and graceful palm trees. Blending traditional Cretan architecture with modern comforts, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Our inn features five individually designed studios and suites, each thoughtfully adorned with rustic wooden beams, handcrafted furnishings, and one-of-a-kind local artwork. Warm earthy tones and natural textures create a cozy, welcoming ambiance, while large windows and private verandas blur the line between indoors and out – bringing the beauty of the landscape right to your doorstep. Perched atop the fertile, amphitheatrical valley of Kato Zakros, our inn enjoys a privileged location with sweeping views of the sea, rising above the silvery tops of the olive trees that fill the valley below. Just 150 meters from the dramatic Dead’s Gorge and the ancient Minoan Palace, and only 500 meters from the beach, it offers a perfect base for both exploration and relaxation.