The main taverna in Kokkino Horio and the mini market are 1.5km from Villa Chrisi. The family-run taverna is shaded by weeping willow trees and has delicious food. During the summer months there are occasional live Cretan music nights at the taverna, which are a lot of fun. Kokkino Horio (“red village” in Greek) was the main village set for the film “Zorba the Greek”. There are little whitewashed houses and narrow streets that wind around the village centre. At the village kafenion you can find older locals who were used as extras in the film, and who will happily show you photos of themselves with Anthony Quinn. Also in Kokkino Horio is the famous glass blowing workshop and excellent organic taverna. Here you can watch recycled glass being blown in the traditional manner into amazingly beautiful products including lampshades, ornaments, decanters, plates and bowls. On the upper outskirts of the village is The Retreat Taverna which has beautiful views and is only 800m from Villa Chrisi. The coastline below Villa Chrisi is famous for its sea caves, and it has Koutalas cove, which is a rocky inlet with a small stony/sandy beach. Plaka Square is just 2.5km away and has 7 tavernas, 2 well stocked mini markets, a shop with local products, a an Italian restaurant, and 6 cafes. 7 minutes away by car is the lovely village of Almyrida which is built around a crescent shaped sandy beach. The beach is very shallow and safe, which is good news if you have children or are not a strong swimmer. Lining the beach are many excellent tavernas, cafes and shops. Also in Almyrida there is a space with pool tables and a variety of games machines, a scuba diving centre, pedalo and paddle board rentals, a children's play centre with babysitting, a water sports centre which rents out kayaks, windsurfers and catamarans and Villa Crete Holidays for tourist information, private boat hire, boat trips, big game fishing, water-skiing, horse riding, private sightseeing flights in a light aircraft,guided walking, and coach tours.

A few minutes by car from the villa, there are a huge variety of archaeological sites and traditional villages with wonderful tavernas. There is also an interesting selection of small craft centres and museums, including glass blowing in Kokkino Horio, and lace making in Gavalohori.

For those of you who like more activity, the beautiful Venetian town of Chania is only 45 minutes away by car.

Cooking classes and wine tasting set at a local wineries can be taken by those of you who are interested. Guided walks led by experts in mountaineering and/or flora and fauna can also be arranged.

For those of you who prefer to venture out on your own, a copy of the guide book 'Crete on the Road' by Frankie Miles comes with every villa. The book contains detailed directions to many well known and hidden sites, opening times and prices for all attractions, taverna recommendations, and the only existing map of the National Highway showing the exits and entrances.

Crete has everything you that could possibly want from a holiday: soaring mountains that are snow capped from November to June, many great walking trails including Europe's deepest gorge, ancient archaeological sites and Minoan palaces, quaint villages, sparkling clear blue seas with tavernas serving freshly caught fish, golden beaches, glorious wild flowers in the Spring, and a variety of delicious foods which are all made from healthy home grown produce.

As incredible as the island is, it is the Cretan people who will make your holiday truly memorable. Descendants of the Minoan's, one of Europe's earliest civilizations, and shaped by centuries of struggle against oppression, the Cretans are as rugged as the mountains, fiercely independent but passionately friendly.

Villa Chrisi is located in the heart of The Apokoronas Region just east of the beautiful town of Chania. With its stunning Venetian harbour, quayside bars and restaurants, what better place to relax and watch the world go by. In the narrow streets behind Chania's harbour you will find tavernas, bars, the famous covered market, and many local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and hand made ceramics. Visit 'Leather Lane' for outstanding hand made leather bargains.

The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean climate and the weather is characterized by long hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Spring can be warm and sunny during the day but still have cooler evenings and is perfect for walking, birdwatching and looking at the wild flowers. All in all Crete is absolutely perfect for your Villa holiday.