Apirathes

The owner was so welcoming, thank you! This is one of the island’s prettiest spots. I’d suggest bringing a small car or a 4×4.

We couldn’t figure out what all the glowing reviews were about. It’s very remote in the middle of Crete, and the drive up the winding roads takes ages. The house is also set among other houses, rather than standing on its own. There’s nothing close by, so bring supplies before you arrive. Taverns nearby shut at 8 pm, and if you’re unlucky you may have no dinner or breakfast, since you’d need to bring your own. We paid €149 a night, which felt incredibly expensive for two people in Greece. The grounds seemed poorly maintained, and the place looked quite different from the online photos. It felt deserted, dark, and musty. The windows were all open when we arrived, but there was still a musty smell, and we eventually traced some of it to the coffee machine. The air conditioning didn’t really work. No one showed us how to use it, and the bedroom units had central controls in the kitchen. There was also a loud humming sound now and then that carried through the whole apartment before stopping again. For hiking in the Samaria Gorge, this is a long way out. The drive takes an hour, so starting from Chania makes more sense. And just to be clear, this is a holiday apartment with no food provided. Some reviews mention “good food,” which makes me wonder if they’re all genuine. Beware!

Nikos, thanks for everything. The rooms were spotless, and the owner was kind, helpful, and always willing to lend a hand. We had a lovely stay in a peaceful, picturesque setting, and highly recommend it.

The villa sits in a mountain village with gorgeous views, and there’s plenty nearby for walks and enjoying nature. It has everything you need for a pleasant stay. Two taverns are close by, including “Mariya,” which is within walking distance and one I really recommend. Nikolas is a thoughtful, warm-hearted host. We’ll definitely come back. If you love beautiful places and quiet, this is the spot for you.