Tylisos offers the ideal spot for a good sense of authentic Mediterranean living as well as the starting point for many trips in the wider coastal and inland Heraklion area (a very good guide here).
A few practical notes on the village of Tylisos as a distination (more details here) : the house is only 18km away from the Heraklion airport (and 15km from the Heraklion port) and very close (8km) from Crete’s largest university general hospital PAGNI. Many minimarkets (link1, link2, link3), a pharmacy (directions), a local bakery (directions) and also restaurants (see below) and many take-away cafes are open all-year round. Tylisos combines easy access to the seafront (about 11 km to Chelidoni and other Aghia Pelagia beaches) as well as to countryside and mountain activities starting at Tylissos or the Zeus’ mythical birthplace, Psiloritis mountain, which has the status of one UNESCO’s Global Geoparks.
Tylisos represents a unique blend of history and sustainability. It has been inhabited since the 16th century BC (visit Tylisos’ archaeological site), while it sustains its character until our times with the excellent harvest of olive oil, grapes and honey (find products from local producers at the many local convenient stores. Unlike other tourist hotspots, in Tylisos you experience real mediterranean living in terms of the scenery, the residential area and weather conditions that combine the sunny and the breezy effects of the Aegean sea. As a visitor you blend yourself with the real life of a Cretan village: local people and their everyday living arrangements and the many cultural events (an interesting local Thalasinos painting gallery, the annual Tylisos jazz festival held in August, the many activities organized by the local cultural association or the many choices for cycling and hiking, especially at the nearby Stroumboulas.
Food&drinks at Tylisos and nearby locations: A strongly recommended tavern («I Plateia» directions) at the public square of Tylisos with traditional local dishes (meat, fish, vegetarian). You can eat there with a view of the little Byzantine church or take-away (also, ask for the pre-order and delivery option). Another good option for eating is «Loumakas» at the nearby village of Moni (5 min by car, directions). Try the local bakery (directions) for fresh bread and snacks or the many take-away coffee shops. «Arolithos», a village-hotel, is a nice option offering coffee, snacks and food, plus a pool (6min by car, directions). “Kubbe” is a great spot for drinks (6 minutes by car, directions) with great view to Heraklion and the Cretan sea. A must-go location is «Technopolis» (10min by car, directions), a multiplex cinema that also hosts many music events (try the open-air cinema!).
Nightlife: Heraklion is a very vibrant area for nightlife (guide) and many events take place on a daily basis (see here for music concerts, theatre, cinemas). Gain great gastronomy and entertainment experiences at the hundrends of restaurants, bars and clubs in the Heraklion city-centre and surrounding area (useful info here and nice recommendations here). Many of the beach bars at the nearby Ammoudara beach turn themselves into clubs after sunset (10min by car, directions).
Sports: Tylisos has its own football court hosting the local team, which is open for the public for running and playing (2min by car, directions). Within a range of few klm you may book a court for tennis or padel (link and link2), do water-sports (link) or diving (link1 and link2). Also, strongly recommended to indulge yourself into some of the best spa&wellness centres (link1 and link2). More top picks on sports/hiking activities link
Tylisos EV Stone Holiday House in Heraklio, Crete 