The scent of Crete |
In our AVLI you will find traditional local cuisine, that uses quality, organic ingredients from our farm cooked with respect and passion to highlight their delicacy and nutritional value. |
... and flavours of Greece |
We also look for regional products everywhere in Greece, treating them as the best gifts of our country, which we cook with love to unfold their flavour and quality. |

|| Μενού βασισμένο στη φιλοσοφία farm to table με οργανικά προϊόντα υψηλής διατροφικής αξίας από το αγρόκτημά μας || Σιγοψημένο μοσχάρι με μελιτζάνες στον ξυλόφουρνο, ψαρονέφρι γεμιστό, παραδοσιακά σκιουφιχτά Κρήτης αλλά και σολομός με σάλτσα φράουλας είναι κάποια ενδεικτικά πιάτα από το ευρύ μενού μας το οποίο εναλλάσσεται με βάση την εποχικότητα των προϊόντων...
Ο χώρος | OUR PLACE

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αρθρα | BLOG
Our own craft BeeRA
Our craft beers are fresh, unpasteurized, unfiltered beers It all started with our LAGER back in 2020. It was produced in limited quantities and exclusively for us by a local microbrewery (Notos Brewery, Heraklion). A high quality lager beer, brewed from selected ingredients according to our own recipe, with a traditional brewing method. Next year Read more about Our own craft BeeRA[…]
“Liatiko”: our house wine
Our wine is made from 100% Liatiko variety grapes Liatiko is a Cretan variety, one of the oldest in the Mediterranean. The grapes ripen very early and have a faint red color as their main characteristic. Our vineyards are located in the village of Veni, in the province of Mylopotamos, in Rethymnon. We make our Read more about “Liatiko”: our house wine[…]
‘Katsouna’ – the Cretan shepherd’s crook
In the mountains of Crete lives a tree, Ampelitsia … … a relative to elk in danger of extinction. Shepherds’ crook in Crete are traditionally manufactured with its wood. The Cretan crook or else ‘Katsuna’ was an integral part of the body of the Cretan. Elders but also young Cretan shepherds kept a ‘katsuna’ to help them Read more about ‘Katsouna’ – the Cretan shepherd’s crook[…]
Cretan diet
Greek culinary, with the variety and quality of its materials, with its wise, beneficial combinations and centuries of knowledge, enjoys a privileged position in the global taste culture. Greece is characterized by the numerous islands and the intense relief of the mainland. This morphological variety creates “worlds inside a world”. Common characteristics are the excellent Read more about Cretan diet[…]
the family pictures
The old family photo was a rare depiction of the family … … usually taken by itinerant photographers. The photos were black and white and the ones depicted on them were usually set and did not smile at the flashlight. When they called for the itinerant photographer to take a photo, people dressed in their Read more about the family pictures[…]
Talagani cheese
A traditional, handmade cheese made 100% of Greek ship and goat milk. It comes from an area in south Greece, Messinia. Thanks to its consistancy, it keeps its full taste – all reach aromas and distinct touch of mint – when grilled. It has a mastic texture and does not melt or lose its shape Read more about Talagani cheese[…]
Our new video
An impressive and atmospheric video production by Videographer Nick Deris (NicPa Productions) visually transferring you to our restaurant and our avli (yard) Αυτή η ανάρτηση είναι επίσης διαθέσιμη σε: Ελληνικα Nederlands Deutsch Italiano
“Philotimo”, the Greek secret
Leading Greek-Americans Explain Why Hellenic Excellence Throughout History May Result From The Uniquely Greek Word “Philotimo” Arianna Huffington,George Stephanopoulos, Bob Costas and Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Demetrios are among the nationally-known Greek-Americans who appear in video titled The Greek Secret produced by Manatos & Manatos for the Washington Oxi Day Foundation. The video suggests Read more about “Philotimo”, the Greek secret[…]
Michael Tsagarakis – “Tsagaromihalis”
This mansion was built by Michael Tsagarakis (the man pictured above) at the end of the last century. He was a well respected man and had his own olive oil factory and flour mill. He had eight children. One of his sons, Kostas, was a judge and also a very Read more about Michael Tsagarakis – “Tsagaromihalis”[…]
Farm fresh eggs
Most of the eggs used in our kitchen come from our chicken coop in our farm in Vitsilia, Malia. Real free roaming eggs, from chickens living in a natural habitat and under the best conditions; grazing at the grass field, under the Greek sun and clean air, eating natural and organic food. Αυτή η ανάρτηση Read more about Farm fresh eggs[…]
Our heirloom ‘buffalo’ tomatoes
Our heirloom tomatoes come from an old and forgotten variety of Crete “psomontomata” that is cultivated organically – using his own, kept seeds for us – by a certified organic farmer, Vasilis Kavvalos in Agios Vlasis village. The difference from other varieties is at colour (pink), shape and unique flavour. Αυτή η ανάρτηση είναι Read more about Our heirloom ‘buffalo’ tomatoes[…]
Organic cherry tomatoes
The cherry tomatoes we use are organic and of various varieties, such as cherries, acorns, etc. Our main supplier is the certified organic farmer Vassilis Kavvalos that cultivates them in the village of Agios Vlasis, Heraklion, with a lot of passion and special attention, so that they are always delicious and healthy. We also cultivate Read more about Organic cherry tomatoes[…]
Rocket
Rocket is an excellent tonic and extremely healthy green It protects against osteoporosis, obesity and cancer. It cleanses the blood, removes cholesterol, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, lowers blood sugar levels, stabilizes metabolism and therefore helps in our effort to lose weight. Our cultivation of our rocket comes from our field in the area Read more about Rocket[…]
Strawberries
We pay great attention to our cultivation of strawberries *the plant can easily take all the elements of its environment (soil, water supplies and others) and the strawberry has a tendency to easily retain pesticides. Our strawberries are grown on our estate in the region of Vitsilia in Malia, without any use of pesticides Read more about Strawberries[…]
‘Vlita’, nutrient local greens
Delicious and healthy greens* from our own garden, which offer many nutrients. They are rich in iron (132 g of steamed green vegetables provide 17% of the recommended daily iron intake), making them an ideal source of iron. They are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. They are also a source of manganese, magnesium, Read more about ‘Vlita’, nutrient local greens[…]
Cretan ‘Apaki’, a particularly delicious Cretan pork
“Apaki” is a particularly delicious Cretan pork, raised and prepared with love and in a special way. It is a traditional, natural product, which contains no preservatives. It gets its particular taste thanks to the choice of good raw materials, quality vinegar and the wonderful aromatic herbs of the fertile lands of Crete. The preparation Read more about Cretan ‘Apaki’, a particularly delicious Cretan pork[…]
“skioufihta”: the Cretan traditional, handmade pasta
Skioufihta are the local pasta – handmade, delicious, cooked in different ways according to your taste The main ingredients are wheat flour, water, salt and a little olive oil. They have a cylindrical shape and are not made with a classic dough roll like many other fresh pastas. Their name “skioufihta” or “skioufikta” comes from Read more about “skioufihta”: the Cretan traditional, handmade pasta[…]
“Siglino”, the Cretan cured pork meat
In Crete, “Siglino” is cooked from pork kept in the “glina”: the fat resulting from its sizzling. This method kept the pork as long as possible after the slaughter of the animal, since there were no refrigerators for storage at that time . Αυτή η ανάρτηση είναι επίσης διαθέσιμη σε: Ελληνικα Nederlands Deutsch Italiano
Our tsikoudia (raki)
Our tsikoudia (raki) is traditionally homemade using old methods After crashing the grapes to make wine, the rest of the pulp is stored until the small distilleries open and start producing our tsikoudia or ‘raki’ as is known. It is a high quality distilled product with the aromas and the flavour of the Liatiko variety. Read more about Our tsikoudia (raki)[…]
Excellent Cretan cheeses
Tirozouli – “Tir-o-“: cheese, “tiro-komo” (verb): to make cheese, “-zouli”, “zoulao” (verb): press This traditional product of Crete has its roots in mythology. Remember Amalthea (the goat that raised the Cretan Zeus), whose horn still symbolizes abundance today! The milk of Cretan sheep and goats today is processed in a traditional way, but in modern Read more about Excellent Cretan cheeses[…]
Tiro-philia; all Greek (cheeses) to you …
For all those considered as cheese lovers we prepared a list of selected – for their quality and taste – Greek types of cheese and traditional recipes to include in our menu. They are all meant to tempt your taste buds ! Join us on a culinary trip to some of the most famous products Read more about Tiro-philia; all Greek (cheeses) to you …[…]
Festive dishes for the Christmas period
We love Christmas and we love spending time with family and friends, enjoying delicious food and precious moments. In AVLI we have prepared selected festive dishes for the period, with Greek flavour, adding something ‘symbolic’ to our menu to bring you more than a nutritional satisfaction – which is always important. Come to try them Read more about Festive dishes for the Christmas period[…]
VILANA FUME
Για την καλοκαιρινή σαιζόν 2022 σας παρουσιάζουμε κάποιες από τις νέες προσθήκες μας στην προσεγμένη λίστα των κρασιών μας. Ελπίζουμε να τα απολαύσετε… 100% από την ευαίσθητη λευκή ποικιλία Βιλάνα. Ένα εντυπωσιακό καπνισμένο λευκό κρασί. Με αρώματα βερίκοκου και ροδάκινου σε συνδυασμό με ξηρούς καρπούς και τα στοιχεία της βανίλιας. Σώμα γεμάτο, χαρακτηρισμένο από διακριτική Read more about VILANA FUME[…]
Tribute to Avli in Malia in CRÈTE GUIDE EVASION
We had the honour and the pleasure to be referred in the French tourist guide of Crete CRÈTE GUIDE EVASION as the only favourite place to eat in Malia. It was also a pleasant surprise for us as we did not know that the author of the guide, Isabelle Cervellin-Chevalier, had visited us, let alone Read more about Tribute to Avli in Malia in CRÈTE GUIDE EVASION[…]
ORTHI PETRA RESERVE
Για την καλοκαιρινή σαιζόν 2022 σας παρουσιάζουμε κάποιες από τις νέες προσθήκες μας στην προσεγμένη λίστα των κρασιών μας. Ελπίζουμε να τα απολαύσετε… Ερυθρός, ξηρός, βιολογικός οίνος, παλαιωμένος 12 μήνες σε γαλλικά και αμερικάνικα δρύινα βαρέλια. Syrah 60%, Κοτσιφάλι 40% – 14,5% αλκ. Βαθύ, ρουμπινί χρώμα, αρώματα ώριμων κόκκινων φρούτων σε φόντο μπαχαρικών, καφέ και Read more about ORTHI PETRA RESERVE[…]
Tribute of Migusto magazine to Crete and to Avli in Malia
It was with great pleasure that we received from our customers the publication of the prestigious Swiss gastronomy magazine Migusto. In this particular issue, reference is made to the Cretan diet and especially to the use of pure raw materials, as is our philosophy, which we are constantly evolving. Many thanks to Lea Kipfer and Read more about Tribute of Migusto magazine to Crete and to Avli in Malia[…]
Selected dishes with organic ingredients
WE ADDED TO OUR MENU DISHES THAT ALLOW US TO USE INGREDIENTS COMING FROM OUR GARDEN ‘Dolmadakia’ With aromatic yoghurt dip € 4,80 ‘Kolokithanthi’ Stuffed zucchini flowers filled with a blend of local cheeses and basil. Deep fried in a crispy batter. € 5,00 Stuffed ‘kadaifi’ Shredded pastry (kadaifi) stuffed with pastourma (cured Read more about Selected dishes with organic ingredients[…]
Homemade bread
we knead it here, bake it here Freshly made daily, with wheat and barley, and baked in our wood oven, drizzled with aromatic olive oil of our produce. Our bread is homemade traditionally with barley and grains and baked daily in our wood oven. Pairing our homemade bread with our selection of fresh, Read more about Homemade bread[…]
Νο1 Moussaka in Malia, by restaurantguru
Avli in Malia Restaurant Guru 2022 We joyfully received this latest award and we feel honoured! Moussaka is a classic greek dish, a light mixture of aubergines, courgettes and potatoes, with minced beef sauce covered with Bechamel sauce. If you haven’t tried it yet, you suggest you should!
Zero Waste philosophy
Over the past few years, we have moved towards a zero waste philosophy. We encourage the redesign of resource life cycle so that most of our products get reused or recycled. We spend a lot of time monitoring our waste and find ways to use it to our advantage. There is always some need Read more about Zero Waste philosophy[…]
Our own early olive oil
Early olive oil is the natural juice from crushing unripe – unwrinkled olives retaining the green color and aroma of the fresh fruit. It is rich in all the valuable ingredients of olives – antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and provitamins, polyphenols and therapeutic substances – but also up to 5 times higher in content than a Read more about Our own early olive oil[…]
Wines of Crete: A journey to the Cretan vineyards
Crete, an island with a rich history and tradition, is famous not only for its stunning natural beauty and traditional cuisine, but also for its excellent wines. Cretan wineries, with respect for tradition and modern techniques, produce wines that reflect the island’s unique terroir. In our restaurant, we believe that wine is an integral part Read more about Wines of Crete: A journey to the Cretan vineyards[…]
Carob syrup
Carob Syrup: Greece’s golden-sweet secret Carob trees have been cultivated in Greece for over 4,000 years, and this ancient superfood is making a modern comeback. Carob syrup, or “charoupomelo” as we call it, unlike refined sugars, it’s a nutrient-rich alternative that’s been nourishing Mediterranean families for centuries. This dark, rich syrup comes from crushing dried Read more about Carob syrup[…]
Historic news for Crete & Malia! UNESCO inscribes Minoan palatial centres
In a landmark unanimous decision on 12 July 2025, UNESCO officially inscribed the six Minoan palatial centres of Crete, Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia, onto the World Heritage List. These palaces exemplify the cultural, political, economic, and artistic achievements of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization (circa 2800–1100 BCE) All sites share defining architectural features: Read more about Historic news for Crete & Malia! UNESCO inscribes Minoan palatial centres[…]
September: The sacred month of grape harvest
When the Mediterranean sun reaches its perfect balance between summer’s intensity and autumn’s embrace September arrives in Greece like a whispered promise; the air still warm with summer’s memory, yet touched by the first hint of autumn’s wisdom. For winemakers across Crete and Greece, this is the most sacred month of the year, when months Read more about September: The sacred month of grape harvest[…]

































