DRAPANOS

As you climb out of Kokkino Chorio heading towards Kefalas, the first place you hit – right on top of the hill that forms part of Cape Drapano– is the village of Drapanos. Slowly expanding, its still quite a traditional village with an area on the outskirts which is essentially ‘new build’. The village has great mountain views everywhere  and in some areas fabulous sea views down over Souda Bay. There are about 110 permanent residents.

The 'new' area – some 6/7 or more years old – contains North Europeans who have helped breathe some life back in to and sustain the village. Because of this, and like lots of other places, the ‘newcomers’ are welcomed by the villagers.

8 or 9 years ago there was one small taverna in the village. Adjacent to the quaint local church, this was owned by Leonidas whose wife either simply served you the ‘dish of the day’ or could offer you something from the grill. Always good however.

Now, there are there three good tavernas in the village including one which is owned by English people. The ‘Spirit in the Sky’ offers an  'International' menu' and has a very nice outdoor pool for families / children. As well as an excellent Sunday Lunch and occasional live music nights,  'Spirit in the Sky' have some great quiz nights. If you're serious about winning, it's probably best going to these when Vince (owner - along with Joanne -  of the excellent property management company 'Go West' ) is quiz master as his knowledge of popular music is second to none. To get a better understanding of 'Spirit in the Sky', check them on facebook. The other new taverna,' Irinis',  is owned by the family of Kostas who has the supermarket in Plaka.  All three restaurants have full menus in the summer and two are open in the winter.

Now, there is also a small village shop selling groceries. The owner also sells eggs from his own chickens.  It seems that more and more people here are growing their own vegetables and keeping chickens!

It’s also difficult to believe that Drapanos is at the forefront of a project supported by WWF (world wildlife fund) Greece. A lady called Sharon Jackson is currently heading a project for E∑A (the European Sustainability Academy) to build a ‘fully sustainable’ residential conference, international management and research centre . I believe the building will be constructed in a very old and traditional manner – possibly using elements of mud and straw. It is planned to be open sometime in 2011. The plot is on the outskirts of the village and the intention is that the building is also used by the villagers to provide them with another amenity.

Drapanos is about 8/9 minutes drive to the beach at Almyrida.  Alternatively, the  sea at Ombraglios is the same distance away.  Many of the newer properties either have their own pool or have access to a shared pool.

View Dreamcatchers' properties for sale in the village of Drapanos