Aptera Hotel

My sunset walks to the ancient Aptera ruins were a highlight. It's only a 10 minute walk up from the hotel, and the place was quiet apart from the deafening, blissful cicadas. The sea views are breathtaking, and there were hardly any tourists or other people around. It made for a peaceful evening walk, best taken out of the midday sun. I was staying nearby for a workshop, and this was my second visit to this lovely little gem in Aptera. Nectarios and his wife made it a quiet, comfortable place to come back to. Nectarios was an impeccable, gracious host, always responsive. The rooms were very clean and practical, with kitchenettes, bathrooms, comfortable beds, and Aircon. My room looked out toward the sunrise, so I got that precious morning sunlight to charge up my cells. Down the hill, the village has some of the area's loveliest restos. Cretan Corner is family-owned, and the lamb was succulent, local, and divine, as were the sea shrimp. There's also a little grill place across the street. A tiny convenience store sells fruit, avocado, rice, eggs, and some frozen meat, which helped when I wanted to cook for myself. I didn't rent a car.