This tip is a comment on the story by Aida Edemariam in the travel section on 4 July 2009 about the Agia Fotini Taverna and the couple who run it, Stavros and Vicki Perakis.
My wife, Karen, and I live in Wollongong Australia, about 80km south of Sydney where Vicki grew up and Stavros lived for about 10 years. I worked with Stavros in the Abrasive Blasting game and got to know them and their extended Greek families and friends very well. When they went back to to Crete to take over the family taverna they always said we must come and visit. Well in 2002 we did just that and spent two weeks with them and a week on Santorini.
You always get the cliches and all the Greeks told us before we left "you'll love it, it'll be the best holiday you will have" and we went "yeah, right". But I must admit they were right, it was sensational.
The trip to the taverna was a holiday in itself and it is perched right on the waters edge. Karen and I stayed in the "honeymoon" suite (inside facilities) and my brother stayed next door. From there we ventured out and did all the touristy sites as nowhere is far away on Crete. When we decided to stay in a typical day was; late up, dip in the ocean, Stavros would call us in for a cooked breakfast then read a book, walk on the beach, try a Mythos (local beer), more food, chat to the customers and end up about 1am sipping Ouzo and Raki with any late comers. We even helped them out around the tables when things got busy.
It was and still is the best holiday we've had and we would like to thank Aida for telling it just like it is.

Google map: tinyurl.com/2u9rwux

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Agia Pelagia is a small fishing village which doesn't really qualify as a mainstream tourist resort - and that's a good thing. Situated 23 km west of Heraklion, it has a rich history going back to Minoan times when, because of its strategic and sheltered location, it was an important harbour.

Nestled in the curve of a wide bay at the foot of a hill, its picturesque setting was noticed by a few intrepid businessmen who understood the area's potential in the burgeoning tourism industry of Crete. Slowly but surely, hotels and restaurants were built but never too many and so the area has kept its charm. Today, it is a popular destination for families and couples who prefer a quieter getaway.
Near Agia Pelagia is the small hotel&aparts Villa Bellevue built just over the beach of Ligaria.
The hotel is nestled at an idyllic spot in Agia Pelagia.

Villa Bellevue Apartments, +30 2810811102, www.agia-pelagia-bellevue.com

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South eastern Crete remains one of the few areas on the island that has not been swamped by a dependence on tourism. The infrastructure is there to provide for tourists' summer needs but agriculture remains the main source of income for locals. The two-hour drive from Heraklion Airport has helped to keep the area largely unspoilt, with many hidden gems of isolated beaches and traditional mountain villages just waiting to be explored. There is a good (daytime) public transport service between Heraklion Airport and Ierapetra with an hourly service on to Makry-Gialos which has the widest selection of accommodation and is a good base for the area.

www.southeastcreteholidays.com

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