Villa Elvina

Eleftheria and her team made us feel incredibly welcome, and she was always available when we needed anything. The villa itself was beautifully furnished, with plenty of room for the five of us, and the outdoor dining spots, BBQ and pizza oven got plenty of use. We also made good use of the pool and jacuzzi. The beach and sea are close enough that I could bring a cocktail over to my wife on her sunbed while everyone else enjoyed theirs by the pool. Nearby, the Mythimna camping bar serves great food right by the beach. There are other good places to eat around too, and Eleftheria was happy to suggest some. We had a fantastic family week at Villa Elvina, probably our best family holiday yet, and would highly recommend it for a week or more of seaside luxury.

A highlight for us was having the whole family together outside. There was loads of comfortable seating and sun loungers, a large oddly shaped pool with broad entry steps and plenty of water toys. Our daily 5pm cocktail hour became a ritual, and the BBQ and pizza oven gave us some lovely family moments. We were even lucky enough to see the Super Blue Moon there. It was a great spot for celebrating two special birthdays. The villa was stunning inside and out, and easily fit six adults and two children. It had everything we needed, from coffee pods and an ice maker to pool towels, washing powder, tissues and plenty of toilet paper. We’d just come back from two fabulous weeks at Villa Elvina, and the location and quality both made a big impression. Eleftheria was a wonderful host throughout. She couldn’t do enough for us, brought gifts especially for the children, and recommended tavernas we really enjoyed. The village tavernas in the hills above Kissamos are well worth visiting. We also loved the Cretan dish and Greek salad made by Eleftheria’s mother, followed by the little ice creams Eleftheria had left for everyone. For a day out on the water, we recommend hiring a boat from Natos Mare in Kolymbari. We visited Balos, swam from the boat and explored nearby bays, then enjoyed it so much we went again. Drapanais beach is rustic but has an authentic Greek feel. Local people came each morning to swim or sit and take in the quiet and the view. When the sea was calm, we’d cross the road for an early dip, then wander two minutes down to Mithimna Taverna at the Camping Site for a Freddo Cappuccino. It was also a fun place for breakfast, food and drinks. In the evenings, we watched beautiful sunsets from the balcony over the pool. We couldn’t fault the villa or Eleftheria, who worked incredibly hard and was friendly and helpful the whole time. She made our holiday such a joy.

Before we arrived, Elfetheria was already helping us plan, offering recommendations, shopping for us and stocking the fridge with what we’d asked for. We were four adults and two small children, staying for a week in October 2019, and found a welcoming, spacious house just like the photos, with bright rooms and grounds full of grass and trees. The kitchen had everything for cooking, including dishes for the children. The bedrooms were very comfortable, and there were pool toys, extra towels and toiletries. Really, all we needed to bring was our clothes and a good book for the poolside beds. Elfetheria also brought us a home-cooked meal and kept in touch throughout the week in case we needed anything. The villa is outside town, so it’s peaceful, with restaurants and a beach just a minute away. It’s also well placed for exploring the beaches of western Crete, which we found to be the island’s most beautiful. From the booking process onward, we could tell we were headed somewhere special. We’d recommend Villa Elvina to anyone wanting a mix of comfort and adventure, and hope to return as soon as we can.

We had a great week at Villa Elvina as a family with three kids. The villa is ideally located and has everything we needed. We’d happily recommend it!