Pitsidia

Pitsidia belongs to the municipality of Matala and is still a tranquil village only a few kilometers from the long sandy Komos beach. For decades it has been a popular holiday destination around Easter and during the autumn holidays for many regular guests, including many teachers, psychologists, and social workers. For this reason it has the nickname "Psychidia" in some circles. In high summer it is somewhat quieter, as it is more than a 20-minute walk to the beach. Legendary was "Kuchen Uwe", who divided Komos beach into service sections and supplied the many regular guests with the latest stories as well as very delicious homemade cake. Unfortunately, Kuchen-Uwe had to go into "retirement" early in 2020... 

On the central market square of this typically Cretan little village, with its many guesthouses and holiday homes, there is a lot going on, especially in the evening. Various music groups enliven the nightly scene. But there are also many different tavernas in the small side streets and along the main road from Kamilari towards Matala, introducing holidaymakers to both traditional and modern Greek cuisine. 

The 'ONIRA', also known as the dream factory, is a kind of cultural café where handicrafts, jewellery, photos, and paintings are exhibited, among other things. German books can be borrowed and there is an internet café. Guests rave about the breakfast, the delicious cakes, and legendary party nights. 

One of the village's well-known festivals is the Raki Festival, which usually takes place at the beginning of October. After the grape harvest in September, tsipouro = raki is distilled from the grape pomace in October. The locals use this opportunity to celebrate a large Cretan festival together with their guests. The still is set up in the middle of the village square, and all around it people not only grill, but also play music and dance. At the latest on 26 October, in honor of the patron saint of the village church, 'Agios Dimitrios', plenty of raki is drunk when the name day is celebrated properly.