Anidri Eco-Cottages

Esther Selsden

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No luxury goods, but the air is pure, the views are splendid and it's really good for both you and the entire planet.

Nomos Chania, in the far west corner of Crete, has the island's fewest tourists but its most beautiful landscape. Most people come for the classic 'Gorge of Samaria' hike and the naturist beaches. Mario and Andrea, however, left urban Germany a decade ago to set up a small patch of eco-warrior territory just one kilometre from the nearest beach.

I flew to Chania, a three-hour bus ride from the couple's dream home. As I approached, the earthen façade didn't exactly set my pulse racing - but that's the whole point. There are barely any other visible buildings and, crucially, the entire place is run on solar power and sustainable materials.

The two guesthouses have three bedrooms each and are built of wood, mud and straw. The slightly rickety balcony turns out to be the main solar panel and all sewage is recycled. I had a plain bedroom with pine furniture and a splendid view of empty nature. And although the guesthouses are self-catering, no one sniffed at me for going into town and eating at the taverna.

The owners' loving nurturing of their organic baby is infectious. I even toyed with having a yoga lesson. In the end, of course, I went for a walk instead. But I approve of the sentiment.

Room rates : €40 per room to €120 or whole house from €250 a week

Phone : 00 30 28230 42188

Address : Anidri Eco-cottages, 73001 Paleochora, Crete

Website : www.ferienhaus-anidri.de/

Map : link to Multimap

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