Welcome to Vlatos, where each warm face you see is a story waiting to unfold. As you scroll through the slideshow on this page, dozens of welcoming eyes and smiles greet you—eyes that have seen generations pass, smiles carrying centuries of Cretan warmth and resilience. This village is not just stone and trees; it is the living community that holds it together. Each face in the slideshow tells a piece of Vlatos’s enduring story.
The Cultural Society – New Horizons since 1972
Founded by the villagers themselves, the Cultural Society of Vlatos “New Horizons” has quietly guarded the village’s traditions for over five decades since its inception in 1972. With a board comprising five members elected every four years by the community, this society organizes the annual Jazz Festival, maintains the Folklore Museum, and keeps traditional panigyria alive. Each meeting takes place in stone houses under flickering candlelight, where plans are drawn with laughter over raki. The hands that work the earth and shape Vlatos’s future have guided it through years of change.
Sensory: Meetings in stone houses filled with the warmth of shared raki, laughter echoing off ancient walls, and plans crafted by candlelight as night falls.
The Faces of Vlatos – The People Who Hold the Village
All Pictures by Martin Vlatos
This slideshow is the emotional heart of Vlatos—capturing dozens of real villagers who make up this vibrant community. Grandmothers with stories in their eyes, children running through alleys at dusk, farmers sharing raki under platan trees, musicians playing to a quiet village street, mothers tending to their homes, and elders watching over the younger generation. Each face is a testament to Vlatos’s rich history and enduring spirit.
Daily life here is marked by simple yet profound moments: Kalimera greetings at dawn, panigyri songs rising under the stars, warm hospitality, and quiet pride through seasons and history. The slideshow captures these tender scenes—the laughter in stone alleys, hands that work the earth, and smiles shared over a glass of raki.
These are the people who welcome you to Vlatos, making it feel like home—a place where you can find warmth and connection.
A Village Shaped by Time and People
Vlatos has deep roots dating back to Neolithic times, with layers from Venetian and Ottoman rule, and a revolutionary spirit that endures through its people. The village’s history is not just in its stone walls but in the hands of those who have lived here for generations—passing down traditions, stories, and resilience through each season.
-
The Keeper of Springs and Bells: Pantelis Vaidakis, Heart of Vlatos
Pantelis Vaidakis is the quiet guardian who keeps Vlatos flowing and ringing true. Born and raised in the village’s stone lanes, he sailed the world on Greek merchant ships before returning home with the steady hands of a man who knows both oceans and mountains. Today he tends the churches—lighting candles, dusting icons, ringing bells…
-
The Builder of Milia: George’s Unyielding Hands and Heart for Vlatos
George Makrakis never left the mountain—he simply refused to let it fade. Born and raised in Vlatos under the same thyme-scented sky, he learned early that love for the land means hard work and reverence. With Jacob Tsourounakis, he became the muscle behind Milia Mountain Retreat: hauling stone, planting chestnut groves, rebuilding ruins by hand…
-
From Dutch Canals to Cretan Olives: Martin’s Quiet Journey Home
The story of Martin in Vlatos is one of those quiet, unfolding journeys that the mountains seem to wait for—patient, without hurry, until the right soul arrives and recognizes home.Born
Come meet these people; share raki, listen to a song, and let Vlatos become part of your own story. Look into their eyes in the slideshow—they are waiting to welcome you with open arms.
Daily life here is marked by simple yet profound moments: Kalimera greetings at dawn, panigyri songs rising under the stars, warm hospitality, and quiet pride through seasons and history. The slideshow captures these tender scenes—the laughter in stone alleys, hands that work the earth, and smiles shared over a glass of raki. These are the people who welcome you, making Vlatos feel like home.
A Village Shaped by Time and People
Vlatos has deep roots dating back to Neolithic times, with layers from Venetian and Ottoman rule, and a revolutionary spirit that endures through its people. The village’s history is not just in its stone walls but in the hands of those who have lived here for generations—passing down traditions, stories, and resilience through each season.
The Cultural Society of Vlatos, the people that make it happen
The Cultural Society of Vlatos “New Horizons” was established in 1972 and has been in function with 5 board members ever since with elections held every 4 years. The society promotes Peace (Park of Peace), Culture (Vlatos Jazz, Museum) and this website through the online promotion for off line experiences.
Contact the Cultural Society with email.
The board exists of the following members (since 2022):
- Giorgios Makrakis (Chairman) – Email
- Giorgios Deroukakis (Finance) – Email
- Andreas Papoutsakis
- Rafail Makrakis
- Markos Litsardakis
The board recognizes the following for their Public Relations efforts:
- Martin Vlatos (webmaster of Vlatos.gr, organizer of Vlatos Jazz and owner of Hermitage)
- Maria Manousakis (booker for Vlatos Jazz)
Also the board likes to give their appreciation to our helpers during the events:
- Alfred & Seve Ahmeti (Grill and cleaning)
- Rupert & Inez Zwirn (Kitchen and Bar)
- Kostis Vaidakis (Whatever he does)