A Traditional Crete Farm
Set against the beautiful and inspirational backdrop of the Lefka Ori Mountains this land has supported Cretan people for generations. The Kokotsakis farm raises biological, authentic Crete sheep and does not use antibiotics or special grains to fatten them up. Instead, the sheep are grazed naturally and carefully managed to prevent overgrazing. Many guests have commented on the delicious and tender nature of the meat which is served at Akrimios. In the Spring, sheep milk is churned into fantastic cheese, both soft and hard.
During the spring and summer months a large, biological vegetable garden is abundant enough to serve the family as well as the guests at Akrimios. Orange, mandarin and lemon trees round out the garden. A plethora of herbs and mushrooms are gathered on the farm or locally and used in delicious Cretan recipes.
In Fall beautiful grapes are harvested and turned into the Golden Wine of the Gods. Biological and delicious, this wine is nothing like you have ever tasted. You will never experience a hangover or headaches from preservatives. It is exceptional. Winter sees the olives ripening on the trees and ready for harvesting. It takes about two months of steady work from Petros, his two sons and various helpers to drop, clean and collect the olives. Sent away for production, the olives are turned into delicious, biological and healthy olive oil. This is the oil used by the family at home as well as the Akrimios restaurant.
Soon Akrimios will also house alternative holidays for the most active of our guests. For those who love to learn the skills of milking sheep, making cheese and oil, gardening and generally gain a feeling of how a biological farmer lives on Crete in a sustainable lifestyle.
In Fall beautiful grapes are harvested and turned into the Golden Wine of the Gods. Biological and delicious, this wine is nothing like you have ever tasted. You will never experience a hangover or headaches from preservatives. It is exceptional. Winter sees the olives ripening on the trees and ready for harvesting. It takes about two months of steady work from Petros, his two sons and various helpers to drop, clean and collect the olives. Sent away for production, the olives are turned into delicious, biological and healthy olive oil. This is the oil used by the family at home as well as the Akrimios restaurant.
Soon Akrimios will also house alternative holidays for the most active of our guests. For those who love to learn the skills of milking sheep, making cheese and oil, gardening and generally gain a feeling of how a biological farmer lives on Crete in a sustainable lifestyle.
Petros Kokotsakis
A farmer, cheese-maker, musician and a true community leader
For many years
Petros was a talented and renown musician who played around Crete, reminiscent of Zorba the Greek. |
Petros Kokotsakis was born on the land that has been in his family for generations. He grew up learning the Cretan way and although Petros has adhered to traditional methods he has an open mind and has continued to make improvements. His Austrian wife, Ingrid Margarita and their four children have a deep love and appreciation for the land as well.
Today, he not only manages the farm and Akrimios but is also very involved in the local community. As Mayor for over 10 years he brought electricity and indoor plumbing to the local villages. He continues to be a consultant and advisor to politicians in Chania. Petros instills a deep respect for Crete in everything that he does. He is a proud Cretan who has worked hard to create a legacy for his children and future generations.
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