Nikos Tsepetis is a Cretan-born hotelier, design aficionado, and trendsetter whose aesthetic flair has transformed Chania’s hospitality landscape and earned admiration far beyond Greece.
Raised in a family rooted in seaside hospitality since the 1970s, he inherited not just a hotel but a deep connection to place, culture, and creativity.
His reinvention of the beloved Ammos Hotel on the beach outside Chania marked a turning point in the island’s design narrative. What began as a family-run property became a benchmark of soulful, style-driven hospitality, blending curated interiors, joyful details, and a lived-in sense of ease. Ever evolving, Ammos remains his flagship—a place where daily rituals, impeccable design, and personal guest connection coexist effortlessly.
Tsepetis’ ventures also extend into food with Red Jane Bakery, where design meets local flavor and storytelling. His projects expresses his belief that beauty lies in the details—and that design should be both intuitive and emotional.
The hotelier has been credited with quietly reshaping the way Greek boutique hotels are imagined, bringing a new level of depth and international relevance to the Cretan experience. His influence is felt across travel, design, and culture, both at home and abroad.
As he says, “I never wanted to create perfect places—I wanted to create places with soul. Somewhere between a dream and a memory.”
Now, as someone who knows Chania not only as a native but as a keen observer of its shifting moods, rhythms, and hidden corners, Nikos Tsepetis shares his personal guide to the city he calls home—offering thoughtful, stylish, and heartfelt recommendations for travelers who want to experience Chania beyond the obvious.
01
A Perfect Day Trip
Visit the well known ceramist Manousos Chalkiadakis, at his home and studio in the small traditional village of Paidochori (about 35 minute drive from ammos). Then continue on to the tiny Venetian village of Maza. In the village square have a meal at a small kafeneion and taverna (the owner can also unlock the door to a small chapel for you to see magnificent 13th century frescoes).
02
Nicest Walk Ever
Another great idea is to drive to Sougia village (90 minutes from ammos) and take a one hour walk to Ancient Lissos. You swim there and then go back to Sougia either walking again or taking a taxi boat (there are many). You can then either eat at Sougia village at Polifimos taverna or drive to go and eat at nearby inland Agriles village at Old Petrol Station.
03
Satisfying Swims + Bites
Great beaches can be found near Paleochora village (90 minutes from Ammos). You either go to Anidri beach and then eat at Sto Scholio taverna in Anidri village (go early and never on Sunday) or you can go to Krios (the second small cove, the one at the far end, which has the most amazing waters) and then eat at taverna Grammenos at Grammenos beach. Again Sundays might be too busy.
04
Dinners Worth the Drive
Drive to Therisso village (30 minutes’ drive through the most amazing gorge) and then continue to Drakona village and sample the most exciting traditional cuisine at Dounias slow food taverna. On the way back drive through Zourva, Meskla and then back to Chania.
05
Another Gorge-ous Expedition
Nicest gorge is Aradena gorge at Sfakia region (90 minutes from Ammos to Chora Sfakion and then another 20 minutes to reach the beginning of the gorge). As soon as the three hour hike ends, one is found at magnificent Marmara beach. After your swim, eat at Chrisostomos the prettiest taverna on the south coast.
06
Antiquity with a Splash
Near Kissamos another great place of great archaelogical value is ancient Polirinia (45 minutes from Ammos). Go there mabe after a swim at Falasarna beach and walk around the village, see the ruins and stay for dinner at Acropolis taverna (to enjoy stunning views). It’s best to call them before you go as they have only a few tables (Tel: 6949 476239).
Unmissable Favorites
Favorite Hotels – Ammos, Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (for its old world charm), and Aisha Hotel, for its vintage aesthetics.
Swim at Kedrodassos and Obrosgiallos (Apokoronas).
Eat-with-reckless-abandon at Almyriki taverna in Stavros.
Bars/cafés for sunset mischief: Thealassa for dramatic sunsets.
Chania, through the eyes of Tsepetis, therefore comes into existence as a city of gestures, textures, stories and visionary revelations. This guide is his way of seeing the glorious Cretan city, so slow down, look closer, and let the city unfold.
