Family friendly holidays Villa Zoi inTzitzifes

Situated in the picturesque village of Tzitzifes in the foothills of the White Mountains at an altitude of 240m, Villa Zoi is set in a Mediterranean landscape rich in aromatic plants such as sage and thyme, shrubs including laurel (bay), and of course olive and carob trees. There are numerous paths and trails nearby that are suitable for gentle walks, jogging, or longer hikes. This unique accommodation offers every amenity including a private pool while its location is convenient for those who wish to explore western Crete and its stunning world-famous beaches.
Villa Zoi is a sensitively renovated 1890s property of 115m² which is naturally cool in summer due to its stone walls. Its hillside position affords wonderful mountain views, while the gentle sounds of nature and relaxing undisturbed under shady trees or under a starry night sky ensure restful holidays in an oasis of tranquility far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While staying at Villa Zoi with its fully equipped kitchen for self catering, you also have the chance to sample the Cretan cuisine through a select menu of traditional local dishes prepared with top quality fresh ingredients by your hostess Zoe, who can also produce dishes of your choice. This extra option of prepared meals is available on request. Villa Zoi welcomes nature lovers who are eager to embrace tranquility and fine Mediterranean cuisine. This is where the authentic Cretan lifestyle begins. Zoi means life, so live it to the full!
THE INTERIOR
The villa includes a living room, dining area, two bedrooms, two studios and three bathrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people so it is ideal for families or groups of friends The large windows allow ample light to enter and blend with the warm colours and wooden furnishings of the interior. All the décor has been carefully chosen to reflect tradition with some additional touches of personal taste. The thick stone walls function as a natural air conditioner keeping the interior cool regardless of the outside temperature.
On the ground floor there is the living room area featuring a stone arch and a stone fireplace, and equipped with a flat screen TV. There is also a spacious dining area and a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, electric cooker and microwave oven. There are also two bedrooms on the ground floor; one with a double bed and ceiling fan, and another with two single beds, a ceiling fan, shower and washing machine.
On the first floor there are two studios. The first has two single beds or one double bed, an air-conditioning unit, a wardrobe, bedside tables, a small fridge and an en suite bathroom. The second studio has two single beds, an air-conditioning unit, a wardrobe, bedside tables and an en suite bathroom. Besides being spacious, the first floor opens out onto a wonderful veranda where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains, the sunset or moonlit evenings.

THE OUTSIDE AREA MADE FOR RELAXATION
Villa Zoi reflects the love and care of those who restored it, who envisaged a countryside retreat with a strong traditional feel. Only natural materials were used in its construction including locally quarried stone. While offering every comfort, Villa Zoi has a friendly atmosphere encouraging guests to unwind and enjoy their stay. The courtyard is in harmony with the surrounding countryside with trees providing shade. There is a barbeque which guests are free to use and the outside lounge and dining area are the perfect place to enjoy a drink or meal at any time of day. Villa Zoi has an outdoor swimming pool which is for the exclusive use of the guests. It is surrounded by trees and rich greenery making it a perfectly private spot to relax on the sun beds provided.
Villa Zoi has its own private parking area and free WiFi is available.
Villa Zoi is approved by the Greek Tourism Organization.
Licence number: E.O.T. No. MHTE 10 42 K 10 00 00486 0.
Check-in time: 14:00 (earlier check-in possible, depending on availability)
Check-out time: 10:00 (later check-out possible, depending on availability)

OUTINGS NEARBY
You can easily get around Tzitzifes on foot and of course stop at the local traditional kafeneion which serves Greek coffee, raki and soft drinks in the shade of a vine. You can visit the tavernas in the village to savour traditional, Cretan dishes, such as moussaka, tzatziki and pies, all made from the purest ingredients. A short distance from the village at a place called “Kremastos”, there is a big cave named “Marmarospilio” with stalactites and stalagmites. The village of Tzitzifes gets its name from the Tzitzifia tree which flourishes in the area. Right in the centre of the village is a spring, the stonework around it was built in 1871. It’s cold, crystal clear water which descends from the White Mountains is particularly good for digestion. At the same spot there are two huge plane trees that are over 600 years old.

Among the festivities that take place in the village are “The Festival of Christ” at the old Byzantine church on the 5th and 6th August and celebrations for “The Birth of The Virgin Mary” on 7th and 8th September.

A car is recommended to enable you to explore not only the surrounding area but also the rest of the wonderful island of Crete.

In Apokoronas, which is the name of the wider district, there are many quaint, well-maintained villages including Tzitzifes, as well as fertile stretches of land, caves, sights of ecological interest, delightful countryside, and both daytime and evening traditional entertainment.

The village of Vrysses (6 km from Tzitzifes) provides all the basic amenities, from a supermarket, pharmacy, post office and bakery, to ATMs and a petrol station.

At the small seaside town of Georgioupolis (12 km from Tzitzifes) there is a wonderful, long, sandy beach with crystal clear water, and a separate shallow part particularly suitable for children to swim in. This beach has earned a Blue Flag and offers sunbeds, umbrellas and a variety of water sports.

In the picturesque town of Chania (32 km from Tzitzifes) there is a wide range of shopping options, nightlife and places to wine and dine, mostly around the old Venetian harbour. There are dozens of interesting sights to visit in Chania including the Public Market building, the Venetian walls, the Egyptian lighthouse, the Synagogue, the Firkas Fortress, the Gyali Tzamisi Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral. The Archaeological and Maritime museums, among others, are also well worth a visit.

In the aristocratic town of Rethymno (34 km from Tzitzifes) you can stroll around the cobbled streets of the old town, see the Fortezza –the Venetian fort, the Venetian Loggia and the lion-headed Rimondi fountain, go shopping, or simply enjoy a long walk along the beachfront.