Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
9 Apr 2025
Feedback
24
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
My name is Maria and I live between Athens, Crete and Berlin. I am taking over the private house of my grandparents, so I need help with the reconstruction of the house and the garden. The village Zaros is located in a typical Cretan village in the mountains, 30 min away from the southern beaches and is known for its lake and its hiking trail up the mountains.
Age minimum 28 years old.
This is a queer-friendly space and open to all.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If my family is around you can learn all sorts of plants, vegetables and herbs that grow in Crete. You will learn the customs of the village by meeting the local people, you will eat traditional food and learn how to take care of a farm.
Help
WorkAway in the mountains of Crete in the village Zaros
Experience life in the beautiful countryside in Zaros, 30 minutes away from the sea. Enjoy stunning mountain and hiking trails.
Help welcome with gardening, stonework, painting and building things out of wood, therefore people with carpentry skills are welcome.
If you are interested tell us about yourself and your plans. We look forward to welcoming you!
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Beginner
Accommodation
The room is cozy and Internet is available.
In your free time you can hang out in many of the terraces, in the hammocks, or in the garden. Bicycles are also available to explore the surrounding area.
Food can be prepared in the vintage shared kitchen with provided ingredients, although sometimes my mother cooks warm traditional food.
What else ...
On your time off, you can go to the lake or to the village or take the hike up to the mountains. There is a bus that goes to the closest city or I can give you a ride.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good internet connection.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 193495413319
Feedback (11)
7 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
We had the pleasure of hosting Simon for 2 weeks, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his time and contributions. He helped with farm work, painting and fixing a wall, organizing the storage room and tiling but what made his work exceptional was the artistic mindset he brought so that a mosaic in the bathroom and outside of the Shala was created.… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
This is a space where you can freely unleash all your creativity into building a project of your own if you're feeling inspired or even participate in larger pieces of work and renovation around the house.
Maria is very helpful with all things, and always happy to welcome new ideas.
During a stay of aprox 2 weeks, we did some renovation jobs,… read more
Maria is very helpful with all things, and always happy to welcome new ideas.
During a stay of aprox 2 weeks, we did some renovation jobs,… read more
2 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
We had the pleasure of hosting Simon for 2 weeks, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his time and contributions. He helped with farm work, painting and fixing a wall, organizing the storage room and tiling but what made his work exceptional was the artistic mindset he brought so that a mosaic in the bathroom and outside of the Shala was created.… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Zsófia)
Having Zsofia around was like having won the lottery. Not only did she spend endless hours in the kitchen cooking amazing
dishes and baking bread or cakes, but with her artistic skills she transformed my boring wardrobe into a fairytale. She also liked
to take initiatives by painting or fixing things here and there and doing all the stuff I was… read more
dishes and baking bread or cakes, but with her artistic skills she transformed my boring wardrobe into a fairytale. She also liked
to take initiatives by painting or fixing things here and there and doing all the stuff I was… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Zsófia) for host
10/10 ☀️
I spent about two weeks in Zaros, the area is beautiful, your morning view is absolutely worth it! We had difficult weather but tried to make the most out of it, Maria let me to release my imagination and transform her wardrobe into a painting she also never stopped me from my passion, cooking! If you're looking for a relaxed pace, want… read more
I spent about two weeks in Zaros, the area is beautiful, your morning view is absolutely worth it! We had difficult weather but tried to make the most out of it, Maria let me to release my imagination and transform her wardrobe into a painting she also never stopped me from my passion, cooking! If you're looking for a relaxed pace, want… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
7 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
We had the pleasure of hosting Simon for 2 weeks, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his time and contributions. He helped with farm work, painting and fixing a wall, organizing the storage room and tiling but what made his work exceptional was the artistic mindset he brought so that a mosaic in the bathroom and outside of the Shala was created.… read more
(Excellent)
15 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
This is a space where you can freely unleash all your creativity into building a project of your own if you're feeling inspired or even participate in larger pieces of work and renovation around the house.
Maria is very helpful with all things, and always happy to welcome new ideas.
During a stay of aprox 2 weeks, we did some renovation jobs,… read more
Maria is very helpful with all things, and always happy to welcome new ideas.
During a stay of aprox 2 weeks, we did some renovation jobs,… read more
2 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
We had the pleasure of hosting Simon for 2 weeks, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his time and contributions. He helped with farm work, painting and fixing a wall, organizing the storage room and tiling but what made his work exceptional was the artistic mindset he brought so that a mosaic in the bathroom and outside of the Shala was created.… read more
(Excellent)
7 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Zsófia)
Having Zsofia around was like having won the lottery. Not only did she spend endless hours in the kitchen cooking amazing
dishes and baking bread or cakes, but with her artistic skills she transformed my boring wardrobe into a fairytale. She also liked
to take initiatives by painting or fixing things here and there and doing all the stuff I was… read more
dishes and baking bread or cakes, but with her artistic skills she transformed my boring wardrobe into a fairytale. She also liked
to take initiatives by painting or fixing things here and there and doing all the stuff I was… read more
(Excellent)
6 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Zsófia) for host
10/10 ☀️
I spent about two weeks in Zaros, the area is beautiful, your morning view is absolutely worth it! We had difficult weather but tried to make the most out of it, Maria let me to release my imagination and transform her wardrobe into a painting she also never stopped me from my passion, cooking! If you're looking for a relaxed pace, want… read more
I spent about two weeks in Zaros, the area is beautiful, your morning view is absolutely worth it! We had difficult weather but tried to make the most out of it, Maria let me to release my imagination and transform her wardrobe into a painting she also never stopped me from my passion, cooking! If you're looking for a relaxed pace, want… read more
27 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (anauert) for host
Staying in Zaros was so fun! I highly recommend this workaway if you’re looking for an authentic local experience in the Cretan mountains. Arriving in December allowed me to both work in pleasant temperatures and relax under the on of the lush orange trees in Maria’s garden. "La Maison Bleue" has a lot to offer. I was more than grateful for this… read more
21 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (anauert)
Antonia stayed in our house in the mountains and was great to have around.
She has a sweet and discreet personality and works independently.
She had many assignments in the garden and around the house and while she worked hard,
she never complained. She likes to take initiatives and is reliable and punctual. We would
love to host her again.
She has a sweet and discreet personality and works independently.
She had many assignments in the garden and around the house and while she worked hard,
she never complained. She likes to take initiatives and is reliable and punctual. We would
love to host her again.
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Alexandra & Martin) for host
Martin and I spent about three weeks in Zaros at Maria's in November. We had the best time - it was our first workaway, and we met amazing people from everywhere in the world, while participating in renovating the house and landscaping the garden.
We were given different tasks each day so we never got bored and improved our DIY skills. For… read more
We were given different tasks each day so we never got bored and improved our DIY skills. For… read more
24 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Agnieszka56) for host
I spent a month at Maria's house in Crete and had an amazing time with her and other volunteers. The work itself was interesting and always fair. Maria gives different tasks with consideration of people's strength, abilities and even preferences. The room shared with other girls was very comfortable, the fridge and pantry always full of fresh food… read more
3 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Agnieszka56)
We had such a great time with Agniezka in our home! She stayed for one month and worked in a group of 8 people. Not only is she a great cook, but she has knowledge of about anything. She baked bread and made marmelades and caroub honey and cooked fantastic dishes. She planted trees and created a permaculture vegetable garden and took good care of… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Clemens)
Clemens stayed at our home in the mountains for 3 weeks and brought a positive energy in the house.
We worked in a team of 8 and had everyday different tasks. Clemens absolutely loved
to paint, so he did all of our windows, doors etc. He also has experience in pruning and gardening and took care of
our orange trees and helped planting… read more
We worked in a team of 8 and had everyday different tasks. Clemens absolutely loved
to paint, so he did all of our windows, doors etc. He also has experience in pruning and gardening and took care of
our orange trees and helped planting… read more
(Excellent)
11 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Clemens) for host
Kalimera, ich bin 3 Wochen im November bei Maria im Bergdorf Káto Zarós gewesen. Das Bergdorf Zarós (auch: Sarós) liegt am Südhang des Ida-Gebirges oberhalb der Messará-Ebene. Es besteht aus den beiden Ortsteilen Áno Zarós und Káto Zarós. Es ist ein sehr traditionelles und wasserreiches Berg Dorf.
In Káto Zarós gibt es zwei Kafenia und einen… read more
In Káto Zarós gibt es zwei Kafenia und einen… read more
3 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Silja) for host
Staying with Maria was my first solo travel and Workaway experience and it could not be better! I stayed there for 4 weeks and had an amazing time. Maria is a super sweet and fun woman to be around and I learnt a lot from her. Helping her in the garden and all around the place was really nice. She was very accommodating and open to help us out.… read more
3 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Silja)
Silja stayed at our home in the mountains of Crete for a month and was part of
a group of 8 people. She helped with various tasks, like planting vegetables, cleaning the garden,
organizing the storages, cooking, sanding and painting furniture. Silja is reliable and
eager to help and has a discreet and sweet temper. She bonded really well with the… read more
a group of 8 people. She helped with various tasks, like planting vegetables, cleaning the garden,
organizing the storages, cooking, sanding and painting furniture. Silja is reliable and
eager to help and has a discreet and sweet temper. She bonded really well with the… read more
(Excellent)
3 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Brandon)
Brandon stayed in our home in the mountains of Crete for a month and was such
an asset to the team. With his building knowledge we finally managed to finish building
an outside oven and set the base for an outside platform. Besides, he build a house for the
animals and helped the rest of the team developing the stone path and cleaning
the… read more
an asset to the team. With his building knowledge we finally managed to finish building
an outside oven and set the base for an outside platform. Besides, he build a house for the
animals and helped the rest of the team developing the stone path and cleaning
the… read more
(Excellent)
3 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah stayed at our home in the mountains for a month and always walked around with a smile
and a positive attitude. We worked in a team of 8 and had everyday different tasks. With her help
we created a stone path, glued bricks in an oven, planted vegetables, cleaned the storages and
the garden, cooked and cleaned and much more. She is clever,… read more
and a positive attitude. We worked in a team of 8 and had everyday different tasks. With her help
we created a stone path, glued bricks in an oven, planted vegetables, cleaned the storages and
the garden, cooked and cleaned and much more. She is clever,… read more
(Excellent)
25 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Steve)
Everything Steve states in his description is true! He is absolutely fantastic at everything!
Steve stayed in our house in the village for about 6 months and helped us finish all the projects we had in mind.
He has amazing building and carpentry skills and can make everything happen. He build 2 wooden outside
showers for us, an outside toilet,… read more
Steve stayed in our house in the village for about 6 months and helped us finish all the projects we had in mind.
He has amazing building and carpentry skills and can make everything happen. He build 2 wooden outside
showers for us, an outside toilet,… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Steve) for host
I spent the whole winter with Maria, helping with a wide range of tasks from olive harvest to glamping platform to re-flooring the yoga studio. Built a solar spiral shower, extended the WiFi, rebuilt all the kitchen drawers, and much more.
Maria 's place is spacious and blessed with fine views, endless food, and as much fresh OJ as you can handle.… read more
Maria 's place is spacious and blessed with fine views, endless food, and as much fresh OJ as you can handle.… read more
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
Maria was my first volunteering host and I could not have wished for a better first experience, I spent three fantastic weeks in beautiful Zaros 😊
Maria and her family were really friendly, they took me in right away and my fellow volunteers were awesome as well.
We worked Monday to Friday between 9-13, which wasn’t hard, we distributed tasks… read more
Maria and her family were really friendly, they took me in right away and my fellow volunteers were awesome as well.
We worked Monday to Friday between 9-13, which wasn’t hard, we distributed tasks… read more
1 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Peter was an excellent workawayer, always willing to help and to learn.
He helped us clean the whole garden, build a wooden floor, create a stone path and
do a lot of farm work. He is strong, resilient and reliable and a good teamplayer.
I totally recommend him.
He helped us clean the whole garden, build a wooden floor, create a stone path and
do a lot of farm work. He is strong, resilient and reliable and a good teamplayer.
I totally recommend him.
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jakob & Sofia) for host
We stayed with Maria for 6 weeks and had a wonderful time! There was perfect work life balance and interesting tasks to do. We had more food that we could eat and Maria was very kind and helpful with everything that we needed, some could say the perfect host! We definitely recommend Maria and her place to others, it was a pleasure to be there :)
22 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Joline)
Joline is a lovely, friendly person with great skills. We had a great time at my village, collecting bamboos to build a shade and building a wooden toilet. Joline has the ability to understand immediately what has been asked of her and she learns quickly. She is strong and works hard. Furthermore, she knows how to do constructions from wood. She… read more
(Excellent)
20 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Joline) for host
I stayed 8 days with my mum at Maria's place. It was a lovely experience. She is very kind and helpful. Whatever we wanted she did not hesitate to arrange. The pick up and leaving were very nicely organised. The tasks were clearly given and Maria gave space for individual creativity. It was simply fun to work and we were really glad to see how she… read more
14 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrés & Giorgia)
Andrés & Giorgia are super sweet and are easy to have around. I invited them to work on a house project with me. They were either painting the windows or going to the olive oil fields with me. They were always eager to help, they never complained, they were punctual and kept the house clean. Also they did most of the cooking. You can have… read more
(Excellent)
