Welcome to Santa Veneranda — a carefully restored 17th-century Cretan farmhouse nestled in the picturesque village of Agia Paraskevi.
This charming retreat offers a peaceful escape just 35 kilometers from Heraklion. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region, unwind in tranquil surroundings, and let Giorgos and Mary—dedicated doctors and passionate advocates of Cretan heritage—introduce you to the authentic Cretan way of life.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing hideaway or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Santa Veneranda invites you to experience the timeless charm and heartfelt hospitality of Crete.
Santa Veneranda is located in the heart of the Cretan countryside, in the fertile plain of Kastelli, just 35 kilometers from the city of Heraklion.
The Kastelli plain is one of Crete’s richest agricultural regions, dotted with numerous villages and covered in olive groves, vineyards, and other crops. Since ancient times, it has been renowned for its agricultural wealth, and the area is scattered with archaeological findings from all historical periods.
Santa Veneranda is situated in the picturesque settlement of Agia Paraskevi, nestled at the foothills of the Diktean Mountains. This small village enjoys a privileged position, overlooking the entire plain. With its excellent dry climate and peaceful setting, it is ideal for year-round holidays.
The Santa Veneranda house itself dates back to the early 18th century and is a remarkable example of traditional Cretan vernacular architecture with a fortified character. It features minimal external openings, is enclosed by a walled courtyard, and is laid out on multiple levels, taking advantage of the sloping terrain. The complex includes a stable, a traditional oven house, the main residence, and several storage rooms.
The current owners of Santa Veneranda, Giorgos and Mary, are doctors based in Heraklion.
In addition to their love for science, they share a deep connection to their homeland, its culture, and its heritage. When they purchased the property, they undertook its restoration with great passion and utmost respect for its history, drawing on local knowledge and the skills of traditional Cretan artisans in stonework, plaster, metal, and wood.
They breathed new life into the old farmhouse—and today, they are ready to welcome you, introduce you to the Cretan culture and way of life, and guide you in exploring the region: its routes and destinations, near and far, and the many experiences Crete has to offer.
WHERE WE ARE
Crete as a destination can satisfy even the most demanding visitor, as this island is a continent of experiences and choices. It is an inexhaustible wealth of images, landscapes, smells and tastes where all the senses participate.
The rich repousse, the different micro-climate, the relatively short distances, the rich history, the famous gastronomy and the unique people who inhabit it contribute to this.
We are here at Santa Veneranda to initiate you into this mysticism. We are located in the center of Crete, in one of the richest plains of the island, the Kastelli plain, an area with particularly active and rich villages, with endless olive groves and vineyards, an area that lives and thrives just half an hour’s drive from the bustling touristic northern beaches of the island and half an hour away from the most deserted charming southern beaches of Crete.
You will find us in the small settlement of Aghia Paraskevi, which is in a privileged position looking down on the entire plain with its olive groves, vineyards and surrounding villages and a mild climate both in winter and summer. This small traditional village with its few inhabitants, stone houses and narrow alleys relegates you to Crete of previous times.
The people, friendly and hospitable, are happy to have guests in their place and will certainly treat you to tsikoudia, with fruits or nuts as traditional hospitality dictates.
A walk in Aghia Paraskevi
Welcome to our traditional hotel in the province of Crete, a beautiful destination that, combining tradition with luxury, offers an oasis of calm and relaxation. Housed in a restored 18th century farmhouse. It has been characterized as a remarkable example of Cretan traditional folk architecture and was restored by its current owners with particular zeal and absolute respect for its architecture and history.
Staying at this traditional lodge is a refreshing escape into a world full of history and natural beauty. The simplicity of the building on the outside, the high walls with the small windows do not give a clue to the interior architectural richness of this residence.
