How Our Family Revived a 16th‑Century Cretan Hamlet —reflecting the authentic heritage of Natura Cottages Eco-retreat in Crete

Discover the Story Behind Natura Cottages Eco-retreat in Crete

Tucked away in the protected Aspros Potamos (White River) valley near Makry‑Gialos, Natura Cottages is not a modern resort—it’s the heartfelt restoration of an authentic, centuries‑old rural village. This is the story of how our family transformed stone farm cottages, unused for decades, into the eco-lodge retreat you enjoy today. 

1. A Vision in the 1980s Eco-retreat in Crete

In 1984, our grandfather, Ioannis Grammatikas, saw potential where others saw ruins: a small hamlet of olive-farmers’ cottages built from local stone, earth, and olive wood—abandoned after World War II. His dream was to restore the buildings faithfully, preserving their original character while making them suited to guests. Over the next few years, with local craftsmen and sustainable sourcing, the transformation began. 

2. Restoration Rooted in Care of a Eco-retreat in Crete

The cottages were reassembled using materials from the gorge and surrounding land—stone, marble, earth, clay, olive wood, bamboo, and clay tiles. The goal was authenticity, not overhaul. Interiors were kept simple: wooden-beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, stone floors, and modest kitchenettes. Traditional architecture was married with discreet modern amenities, and high-speed internet—preserving ambiance while ensuring comfort.

3. Family Legacy Continues

Today, Natura Cottages remains family-operated, with the same ethos inherited from our grandfather: authentic charm, personal hospitality, and a profound respect for the environment. We treat guests as individuals, sharing the surroundings, history, and values that make this retreat unique. 

4. Why Heritage Preservation Matters

• True authenticity: These cottages were constructed over 300 years ago and restored with care—not rebuilt. They retain original stone walls, small fireplaces, rustic textures, and tranquil garden courtyards.   

• Responsible & quiet travel: Located within a Greek-protected natural area, Natura Eco-retreat in Crete embodies sustainable tourism: low-impact living, solar energy, use of reclaimed materials, and eco-conscious design.   

• A living family story: From Ioannis’s original vision to our current daily hospitality, this place reflects generations of care—not commercial development. Every guest becomes part of that ongoing story. 

  
  

Experience Heritage in Every Detail

A stay at Natura Cottages is more than a vacation—it’s a connection to Cretan history:

• Restored structures that whisper stories of past centuries

• Architectural integrity meeting guest-friendly touches

• Hidden garden corners, natural materials, and a peaceful setting

• A family legacy rooted in authenticity and sustainability Eco-retreat in Crete

We invite you to walk these paths, breathe the olive-scented air, and feel the living heritage beneath ancient beams. Natura Cottages is not just a place to stay—it’s where history, nature, and family hospitality come together.