02/07/2026
Some of the most meaningful places begin as traditions.
For centuries, the Mitato was the seasonal shelter of Cretan shepherds, built entirely by hand from locally gathered stone using traditional dry-stone masonry. More than a place to rest, it was where milk from their flocks was transformed into artisan cheeses during the grazing season, preserving a way of life deeply connected to Crete’s mountains, people, and land.
Today, this remarkable piece of Cretan heritage has been thoughtfully reimagined at Village Heights Resort as a place where tradition continues to thrive. Surrounded by our organic gardens, the Mitato now hosts experiences that celebrate the island’s culture through all the senses from cooking classes, local wine and artisan cheese tastings to yoga sessions, private dining, celebrations, and guided tours of the gardens that supply many of the fresh herbs and seasonal produce enjoyed across the resort.
The Mitato is a living tribute to Cretan craftsmanship, gastronomy, and the enduring relationship between people and nature.