Tella Thera is situated in the westernmost part of the island of Crete. Home to some of the most renowned beaches across Greece and Europe, the charming municipality of Kissamos and its surrounds tucks away a multitude of cultural and natural treasures, some of which we've gone out of the way to capture in our story series, Tella Thera Presents.
Anemoia's kitchen was built around an open charcoal grill and a zero-waste philosophy — two commitments that turn out to be the same thing. Chef Markos Marmatakis sources 95% of his ingredients from within Crete: fish from the port at Kissamos, cheese from a local maker, honey from the mountains inland. What the land doesn't offer fresh, it offers fermented, pickled, or dried. The menu is Cretan in the oldest sense — patient, local, and quietly extraordinary. Named for the longing for a world you've never tasted. Come hungry.
A breathtaking drive with dramatic views of rocky cliffs, winding roads and open ocean is all it takes to transport you to the small seaside town of Sfinari. Psarotavernes ('fish taverns' in Greek) line the pebbly beach, one of which is Captain Fidias. Owned by a family of fishermen that still practice traditional fishing techniques, the brothers go out to sea every day at the crack of dawn and supply fresh catch to the rest of the village, as well as offer up their own delicious seafood at their own restaurant.
Just a stone's throw away from Tella Thera is a farm-to-table dining institution, garden bar and event destination all in one - Gramboussa Restaurant serves excellent Cretan and Greek cuisine to both locals and international visitors alike. The brainchild of Mr. Takis, its founder and owner, there's always something new to discover at the taverna every time you visit.
Two of the things you'll learn about Crete and its residents is firstly their enterprising spirit and also their unending respect for the land. PoToLo is a perfect combination of both - a family-owned micro-winery nestled in the mountains with a focus on sustainability and waste reduction. Visit for an exquisite wine-tasting experience, or try a glass (or two) of their local varieties at our restaurant.
Some things in Crete have never needed to change. Kerameion is a small ceramics studio built on this very belief — that the most meaningful objects are those made slowly, by hand, from the earth beneath your feet. Every piece is shaped using traditional techniques passed down through generations, fired with intention and finished without waste, honouring an island whose relationship with clay stretches back thousands of years. From vessels that carry the weight of the landscape to forms that seem to have always existed, Kerameion's work is less about decoration and more about memory.
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