Phaistos Villas - Villa Erato Poolside Luxury Gem

We were a group of nine adults and two children, aged 5 and 2, and all of us were happy with the three villas. They had plenty of room, great showers, well-equipped kitchens, smart TVs for Netflix and YouTube, and strong air conditioning, which was a real must in August. The pool and sunbathing area were lovely, and there was enough outdoor space for meals and a barbecue. The people made the holiday especially welcoming. George, the owner, communicated well before our visit, and Panos, who looks after the villas, was easy to reach. The cleaning and pool staff were fantastic, friendly and helpful. Dimitri, a local taxi driver, was dependable too. Sivas is a four-minute walk away, with a small square, several tavernas serving local food and wine, grocery shops, a butcher and a pharmacy. We found the people there genuinely friendly. Komos Beach is a short drive, and Matala takes about 20 minutes. It was easy to walk around Matala, with plenty of nice places to eat and drink and a relaxed feel throughout the village. We'd just come back from a 14-day August holiday at Phaistos Villas. If you're after a local Crete feel in a small village near good beaches and a busy town within a 15-minute drive, and you're travelling with a larger group, these three villas won't disappoint. One of our best family holidays. George and the local team made us feel at home, and we'd happily return and recommend the place to anyone who likes a genuinely friendly village that hasn't been spoiled by mass tourism. Having a car gives you the option to explore, including the livelier parts of the area. From Heraklion airport, we took taxis recommended by the owner. The trip took about 55-60 minutes, but we felt it was well worth it.