This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Andrew J.
19 Aug 2017
A great place to stay and explore from
It was our first time in Crete so we were slightly apprehensive as to what to expect. We arrived very late at night due to the flight and had worried we wouldn't find the apartment or there wouldn't be anyone around to let us in but our fears were allayed after calling Xristina directly on arrival at the airport. She was up and waiting for us with a big smile and it was easy to find the apartment. Photos can often be misleading on websites but the apartment actually exceeded expectation. It was very clean, reasonably modern with sparse decor and well equipped. We had a family of 5 staying. The two bedrooms have 1 double and two single beds between them. One of our sons slept on the sofa bed for two weeks which may not be to everyone's liking but it was fine for him and us.
Our use of the apartment was mixed in terms of sometimes self-catering and the kitchen was fine for this with a nice space to sit and eat plus we often sat up on the roof garden which was lovely to do. We also used the apartment very much as a base explore some of the lesser known areas of this western side of Crete. We can thoroughly recommend Rethymno and Chania old towns plus travelling down to Agia Galini and other southern and western coastal areas for a flavour of where the locals go to the beach. Also try and take in at least one of the stunning gorges on your travels!
The beach is pebbled until out into the ocean so wear shoes and is generally very clean in the water although one day it seemed to cloud up a bit but then self-cleaned itself! There are plenty of sandy beaches within a 30-60 mins drive though if you want that. There is also a 5 star hotel in the town that didn't seem to mind us occasionally using the amazing glass sided pool if we had a couple of drinks.
The restaurant downstairs was fine with modern takes on Greek, Cretan and other foods and of course the seafood is fresh and delicious. There is a strip of restaurants along the front that all offer good food and atmospheres at a reasonable cost. We were worried, being British, that the cost would seem high what with Brexit etc but it was pretty competitive with anywhere else we have stayed in Europe, if not a little cheaper.
All in all a brilliant first time in Crete. The local population are very friendly and helpful and Xristina was very generous with us and was always on hand to help if needed but kept a respectful distance otherwise
Andrew J.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017