Discover

The soul

of Crete

Nestled in the heart of Crete.

Tucked in the mountains, far from the busy city,
Ano Karouzanos offers breathtaking sunset views and a serene escape into nature.

A Legacy of Tradition

For over 45 years, Ano Karouzanos has been presenting authentic Cretan evenings, leaving lasting impressions on over 450,000 visitors from around the globe.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of live Cretan music, and the island’s timeless traditions to life.

Get influenced by the passion, music, dance and the Cretan way of celebrating the human spirit.

Every tradition has a beginning

• Discover Ours

The Cretan Zorba.

It was founded by a visionary couple where the lady was Dutch and sparked the idea to her husband—the taverna was created to bring evenings filled with music, dance, and traditional flavors to life, sharing the essence of Crete with the world.

Our story begins 2 years later.

In 1981, when a young boy named Nikos from the village of Zoforous, whose deep love for Cretan dance, led him the opportunity to perform at the taverna in front of hundreds of visitors.

As Nikos claims until this day:

"I still remember how nervous I was that I had to step onto the dance floor in front of so many people that I almost cried and ran away"

But he didn't.
Nervous yet determined, he performed with a passion that would define his destiny.

From that moment on, Nikos never missed an opportunity to express his love for dancing. Whether at the taverna, in bars, at other restaurants, or local festivals, he shared his passion for Cretan culture and built connections with people wherever he went.

Nikos embodies the same magnetic energy and zest for life that made Zorba the Greek an unforgettable character.

Like Zorba, his passion for music, dance, and the Cretan way of life is a celebration of the human spirit. When he enters the dance floor, he’s not just performing, he’s living the tradition, sharing the soul of Crete with every step.

In 1999, Nikos married a Swedish woman and, alongside one of his three brothers, Giorgos, decided to purchase the taverna. Giorgos, decided to purchase the taverna. Giorgos later branched out to start his own local butcher shop, while Nikos dedicated himself fully to keeping the spirit of Ano Karouzanos alive.

Thanks to years of hard work, unwavering determination, and the commitment of countless staff members who have been part of the journey, these evenings have evolved into moments of joy, love, authenticity, and an escape from the ordinary.

Today, together with his beloved wife and two sons, Nikos continues to share his vision—to bring the magic of Crete to guests from around the world.

If you’re looking to carry a piece of Cretan magic with you forever and experience what guests often describe as the highlight of their holiday, we invite you to join us at Ano Karouzanos for an unforgettable evening.

Contact us

Our events
Every Wednesday and Saturday:
19:45-22:30

We welcome your inquiries and feedback. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch in person, by phone, or by email. You may also send us a note below.

If you want to know more about:- Weddings
- Reservations
- Private events
- Special group bookingsOr additional details about our events, feel free to reach out.

Phone: +306948897686 - +306934201240
Email: [email protected]

Ano Karouzana
Kastelli Pediados, 700 06