Your only obligation is to leave the space clean and tidy, just as you found it Discover Greece with a local expert.
Your only obligation is to leave the space clean and tidy, just as you found it.
Today's plan included hiking. We would walk on the northern slopes of Mainalo where, among other things, we would reach the hermitage of Sfyrida. We left Vytina behind and with our companion on this route, Lambros Papalambros from Vitina Trekking, headed toward the village of Lasta.
"It's a very small village where permanently, only one family lives," he told us on the way, and we continued through the fir forest. We were about to reach the village, but made a small stop at a spring to refresh ourselves, and after admiring the view, we continued. Indeed, very soon we had already arrived in Lasta. From here our walking route would begin. We left the car a bit lower and walked to the square.
The Village Square
The large stone church of Agios Georgios dominates the center and was built in 1876. A large stone-paved square with a beautiful view and an ancient plane tree creates the scene, while right next to the old school, an effort has been made to convert it into a guesthouse. Here, in this square, every summer on August 15th, the village festival takes place, which also functions as a good opportunity for everyone who originates from here to gather.
We've been in the village for quite a while and haven't seen a person, only a dog keeping us company. We're preparing for the hike but Lambros leads us to the cafe next to the church. It's a different kind of cafe, however, as it operates as self-managed. It has no barista and everyone takes that role for a bit.
The Self-Service Concept
"Anyone can come here, make their coffee with the materials and tools they'll find in the space. Their only obligation is to leave it clean and tidy, just as they found it."
On the walls hang images from the village's past, woven textiles, and some portraits. An old radio-cassette player on one side, backgammon, cards, and various other board games make me imagine what the space is like during summer months. Next to the kitchen counter is a piggy bank, where a sign says "cash register." Right above, another small sign urges us to leave something as a token of offering: "Here you put any financial contribution for the maintenance of our historic cafe."
A Moment of Connection
We make our coffees and sit on the colorful wooden chairs. The things on the walls are so many that every so often, I see something else that piques my interest. We drank our coffee, took a loukoumi each, tidied things up, and were ready to start. The cafe of Lasta was a nice surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Greece?
April to June and September to October offer the best weather, lower crowds, and full restaurant schedules. Summer is peak season. Winter is quiet with great value.
