Pella Apartments

The rooms are pretty basic, and the layout of the complex feels odd. There are two pools, but you have to shift around if you want to catch the sun. Maybe that’s part of being on holiday, though.

The location made the holiday for us, with beaches and everything we needed within walking distance. We loved the sunsets and sitting by the water with a drink while the waves splashed us. Kato Gouves, Pella Apartments, and the people of Crete have really won us over, and we’re already missing it. We’ve just had a fabulous 10 nights and plan to return, hopefully for two weeks. The beds were probably the most comfortable we’ve had on holiday. We also loved being able to head out for the day and still find a sun lounger later, with a choice of sun or shade around the two pool areas. The apartments are family run, though the cleaning could be better, and there was an off-putting smell from the drains. The kitchen setup is limited for cooking or meal prep, but since we ate out all the time, it didn’t bother us much. A microwave and toaster in the rooms might help. I also wasn’t keen on paying extra for aircon when we arrived, on top of the tourist tax. It would be easier if it were included in the holiday price. Even with those observations, we really loved our stay.

We came for a quiet, relaxing break and got just that. It’s a family run place right on the Kato Gouves seafront, with beaches and other bars and restaurants nearby. There are two pools, plenty of sunbeds, and a poolside bar. The rooms are lovely, with a very comfy bed, good aircon, and excellent free WiFi. The self catering equipment is basic, and the adjoining restaurant is handy. Great for a calm, friendly holiday with good food and relaxed places to have a drink, though not for anyone after lots of nightlife. Thanks to Pella and the staff.

Our one bedroom bungalow plus was in the older part of the apartments. The bedroom had good storage and a decent sized wardrobe, but it was small and tight around the bed. In the living dining kitchen area, the settee was a single bed and uncomfortable to sit on. The apartment was next to the restaurant kitchen and dining tables, so there was some noise at mealtimes. One evening, children were playing football in the walkway between our apartment and the pool, which felt like poor parenting. The apartments sit behind the Pella restaurant and Pella supermarket. The pool caught the sun and got very hot during the day. Since we visited in October, it was fairly quiet and the pool bar was closed. The kitchen was very basic, with mismatched cutlery and crockery. We were given just one toilet roll at the start, so you may want to bring more.