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Recent Reviews
Secluded villa with superb mountain views
Situated on a south facing hillside above the village, in a rural area surrounded by beautiful countryside. The villa is not overlooked and has private sunbathing areas either by the pool or on the terraces above. There is also wifi and an undercover barbecue area.
If your idea of a holiday is to lie on a beach all day and walk into town, you should look elsewhere, because you need a car to do anything. It took us about 1 hour to reach either the north or south coasts, exploring, and it is about 25 minutes to Spili which is a town of any size. There is a good taverna in Meronas village about 10 minutes away. The distances are not great but the roads are mountainous. We normally go cheap and cheerful with a hire car on holiday and were quite lucky to be given by chance an automatic. A bigger engine or diesel would also be beneficial as nothing will prepare you for the steepness of the drive from village to villa. Initially it is daunting, especially fully laden with suitcases and shopping, but subsequent ascents were easier and we no longer felt the need to burst into spontaneous applause on reaching the top. Just keep the car moving in a low gear.
The villa is well built and well equipped, and stayed cool in the hot weather, we did not need the air conditioning. There are insect screens over some windows and doors, but no mosquito nets over beds so take a plug in repellent.
We stayed the first night in Heraklion (lato boutique hotel, harbour view and handy restaurant) so that we could explore the town and visit Knossos, thereby avoiding a 2 hour drive back once at the villa. We also picked up a big supermarket shop (Lydl) on the way, the nearest being in an urban area one junction east of Rethimno. It is then easy to continue to Rethimno and take the main road to Spili and then over the mountain. Sat navs will offer other routes but they are very twisty, and do not be tempted to leave the tarmac, there is always a proper road. The locals drive 4x4 utes/pickup trucks and you can see why.
This is very much a get away from it all location, and whilst remote, you are not alone, as the family who look after the villa are in the village and just a text message away. For us the main attractions were the privacy and mountain scenery, and the villa ticked all our boxes.
spacious and private village house
Welcomed late at night with a homecooked meal which was delicious .
The villa is spacious and made private by high stone walls and wooden gates .
The pool is a good size but very cold brrrr .Outside space is great for alfresco
dining and bbqing Sunbathing around midday around pool area and afternoon sun can be found by bbq area.
The kitchen is well equipped with masses of crockery , cutlery and glassware .
Athough lack of a tin opener did present a challenge one evening !
Bedrooms are clean and again spacious . Bedlinen and towels were changed twice during our two week stay , along with a clean up in the bathrooms kitchen and pool area .
Plumbing problems in 2 out of 4 bathrooms irritating . Dripping taps , toilets not flushing,
shower curtain rails insecure , shower head holders not working . Aircon unit in one bedroom did not work . Others were absolutely fine and quiet too .
Remote location demands carhire . Never found taverna serving any food in village ??
.
Must visit Preveli beach ,Evita bay ( in Bali), lake Kournas , Rethymno .Melidoni Caves.
Don't bother with Knossos not worth 15 Euros , seems to be a tribute to Stanley somebody who excavated the site .
Overall we had a fabulous holiday in Crete and the villa was a welcome evening venue .The
people here are so welcoming , friendly and keen to help .