Traditional Cretan Destination: Vamos Village

Vamos is a traditional Cretan settlement full of life. It is favored for authentic local fare, folkloric celebrations, walks in nature, architecture, and a well-preserved rural lifestyle. A resident collaboration between like-minded people with a passion for Crete renovated several traditional homes, transforming them into beautiful accommodations for tourists. There are about fifteen such venues around the village, all offering comfy beds, all the necessary amenities for a cozy stay, and lovely views.

Vamos is well-developed, featuring good services, including ATMs, a health center/dispensary, dental care, a petrol station, pharmacy, several shops – including a minimarket, bakery, souvenir shops, a flower shop, and a beauty salon, among other facilities.

The local tavernas are famous. Cretans drive from Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion to dine here. The most popular of all is Bloumosifis, but there are more than ten others scattered around the settlement, all serving fresh, traditional fare accompanied by good homemade drinks, including wine and tsikoudia (raki – an alcoholic beverage with an alcohol volume ranging between 40% and 65% degrees.

Due to recent renovations, marketing, and overall popularity among island residents and visitors, Vamos is a year-round destination. At the village tourist office, you will find everything there is to know about seasonal activities, including joining olive or grape harvesting, gathering wild herbs, attending cooking classes, and witnessing the production of raki or tsikoudia at the rakokazana, and even orange picking.

Summer seasonal activities may include botanical guided walks in and around Vamos and visits to the local farmers who produce olive oil, graviera, other Cretan cheeses, and more.

You can also count the local churches among the top tourist attractions of the village. The Church of Metamorphosis, Agios Georgios Church, and Agios Nikolaos Church are exceptional examples of Grek-Orthodox religious architecture and iconography.

Vamos comprises two areas: the old village, with charming walks among old homes, and the newer part, with most of the shops and tavernas. Both sides are equally full of Cretan rural charm.

Last but not least, Vamos is a wonderful starting point for visiting other nearby Cretan village gems, including Gavalochori, Vrysses, Kalyves, and Argyroupolis. The ancient city of Aptera is worth seeing too if you take a day trip to Vamos.
This Cretan traditional village is better accessible to tourists staying in Chania or Rhethymon. From Heraklion, you must drive over 135 kilometers to reach it, while driving from Chania, you will need to go about 25 kilometers. Vamos is 35 kilometers away from Rethymno.

Wherever on Crete you come from, reserve enough time to discover the village, its culinary traditions, and history. Check out the official website of the Vamos Traditional Village for information about activities, nearby sites of interest, and accommodation.