My name is Tanja. My passion was to travel the whole world to get to know other cultures. I was and still am interested in learning new languages. In the past in order to be able to get in touch at least a little bit with the locals on my journeys and nowadays with our guests.
I decided to turn my hobby into my profession and I have now been in tourism for 30 years.
After working at airports, hotels and also as a tour guide my dream came true.
Together with my husband Georgios we opened “Casa Belvedere“ in his home village Kournas.
We tried to create a unique, warm place that reflects our attitude.
We would like to feel our guests welcomed and well cared from the first moment of their arrival. It is our aim to show them the local culture, how daily life in a greek village is affected by the rhythm of the seasons and the traditional festivals, to explain the local dishes and also give them ideas where to discover small, but not less impressive sights.
With one word to make it an easy start to dive into the greek „lifestyle“.
In the hope to continue enlarging the number of friendships with our guests, we are motivated and ready for the future that is coming.

The first floor apartment Casa Belvedere with shared pool and private jacuzzi, is located in the village of Kournas Apokoronou, near the lake of the same name. A well known area, ideal for holidays and moments of relaxation. Overlooking nature, the unique traditional landscape of the area, the beautiful lake nearby, a reference point for both locals and visitors, it will surely enchant you and reward you for your choice.
Holidaying in Casa Belvedere means "living among the locals", discovering Greek village life.
Choose your dream residence from our two generous, fully equipped holiday apartments!

* Ideal for families, couples & friends
* Free parking
* Free Wifi, A / C
* Private heated pool

The traditional village of Kournas, well known for its lake which enhances the lush landscape of the White Mountains, will leave you with the best memories. Relaxing holidays in nature but also close to the sea, as the beach of Kavros is only 4 km. Ideal place for those who love hiking. Nearby villages such as Georgioupolis, Vamos, Vrises and of course Rethymno will give a special note to your vacation.
Near the only freshwater lake on Crete, the Kournas Lake, and just 4 km from the longest sandy beach of the picturesque fishing village Georgioupolis. It’s an excellent starting point for hikes through the idyllic village, the nearby olive groves with a new accessible small gorge (Atzikalas) or to lake, beach or sea.
18km east and 40 km west the old towns and Romantic Venetian ports of Rethymnon or Chania are waiting to be discovered.
The list of interesting places in the vicinity would be endless, for example, the water sources of Argiroupolis, Koumos in Kalives or even a small lavender farm, unique in Crete, right in our neighbourhood.
For those who like to be creative, there are occasionally various painting, cooking and other handicraft courses in neighbouring villages.

Mandali Shop
The lovely dutch couple Barbara and Arno, made their dream come true in 2016 by opening MANDALI SHOP. They offer a selected range of homemade specialities, cosmetics, jewelries and artworks. But they are much more than shop owners. They are the information point in Kournas. Their multilingual talent and big knowledge about Crete made MANDALI a favourite meeting point for holidayers and villagers. Sit down at the story table to have a chat with Barbara and Arno or/and leave a comment about your thoughts and feelings in the guest book. 2 years ago the Mandali family enlarged with 4 donkeys, nowadays a real attraction on Crete. All year round Barbara and Arno lovedly take care of them.