Agios Ioannis, Crete

The village of Agios Ioannis, located on the southern side of the Greek island of Crete, dates back to the 15th century.  In the 1980’s, when irrigation systems brought fresh water from the mountains to the coast, the village became largely uninhabited and many of the stone and mud structures fell into ruin. The Mudhouse is unique among the homes in the village, as a renovated structure utilizing traditional Cretan construction methods.

Agios Ioannis is 9km from the coast, up a twisting mountain road, and at 500m above sea level boasts an impressive view of the Libyan sea. To the east the road leads to the village of Schinokapsala and crosses Pshiro hamlet, with a natural spring that feeds into the largest waterfall on the island and the only pine tree forest on Crete. The western road passes through goat grazing lands and olive tree orchards, over the Thripti mountains where it is possible at the narrowest span to see both the East and West coastlines of Crete. The climate of Crete in summer months can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights may be cool in comparison, requiring a jacket or sweater and long pants.

Artists are accommodated in houses and apartments within the village. Each artist will have their own private bedroom, and may share a bathroom and kitchen with another artist. Linens are provided and laundry facilities are available, and the accommodations are professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Agios Ioannis has a large international community, with residents from Italy, France, England, and mainland Greece. Each residence was rebuilt from the ruins of the original stone village to the specific taste of the owner, and no two residences are alike. To navigate the village, artists must be able to climb stairs and tolerate heat and sunlight. Artists' workspace needs will be taken into account when determining accommodations.

Most accommodations do not include Wifi, although Wifi is accessible at the taverna.

Meals are served family style at the Kafenio. The taverna offers an excellent sampling of Cretan cuisine; fresh fruits and vegetables from Christina’s garden, homemade sweet and savory pastries, in addition to her daily specials and entrees, locally produced red and white wine, and the local "moonshine" raki.