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Welcome to my homepage about the largest and probably the most beautiful of all Greek islands: Crete. I came here for the first time in 1974 with my parents and have since visited the island many times and seen a lot. Long and mountainous the island of Crete marks the southern boundaries of the Aegean Sea, holding back the contents of the rain-clouds that might have otherwise attempted to venture further north (or south), as well as acting as a giant break-water for the southern Aegean as a whole. Crete is also an island of great strategic importance, and as a result the island is littered with the remains of all the great powers from the region, and it appears to have been the power-base of the earliest of them all, the bronze age Minoan civillization. You will find remains of ancient cities and palaces, Byzantyne and Venetian castles and churches, and Turkish forts and mosques everywhere on the island. Also in every city and in lots of villages a museum can be found where excavations are exhibited. . Moreover, during the largest period of the year, the island normally has a pleasant temperature. In the south of Crete it is more likely to be sunny when the wind comes from the north and the clouds are stopped by the high mountains that divide the island into two parts. The southernmost city, Ierapetra, is therefore the sunniest city in Europe.

Roughly you can divide Crete into three parts: the east, the west and the middle. The east is more dry but with many flowers and lots of beautiful nature, the middle underneath Heraklion is like a patchwork blanket with vegetable fields and olive trees, and the west is the most green part with pine trees and forests. Also in the southeast you will find many greenhouses that provide large parts of Greece with vegetables. Most of the inhabitants and almost all the bigger cities and villages, with the exception of Ierapetra lay in the north of the island, making the south of the island the most quiet part.

Crete has got everything that you could want from a holiday island. The lovers of peace and quiet, and beautiful, quiet beaches find their place in the southeast of the island, where there are also many naturist beaches. There are cosy villages like Mirtos, Kato Zakros and Makrigialos where you find restaurants, shops and nice beaches, or even more quiet spots like the villages of Ferma and Xerokampos where you can also dive into the sea without your bathing suit. The people that love nature, old Byzantine churches with fresco's, beautiful mountains and great walks find a place in the south and the east of Crete, but actually everywhere on the island.

For cosiness, the friendliest of people and a bit of life places like Agia Pelagia in the north of the island, not far from the capital Heraklion, are a good choice. From here it is also easy to make day trips to other parts of Crete. The lovers of disco's, bars, booze and noise can head for the not so authentic concrete villages of Chersonissos or Malia. About places like these last two you will not find much information on my website. Personally I like the more quiet places and the authentic Crete. Most of the hotels, studios and apartments where I would normally stay are not too expensive but attractive, and every now and then I spoil myself with a couple of days pure luxury, although I have to admit that the latter happens more often nowadays and we have left the small rooms with old furniture in the past.

When you visit Crete you MUST rent a bike or a car, because if you don't you are missing out on a lot. The island is so beautiful and large that you just have to explore it. Compare prices - click here.

I also want to thank all my friends in Greece, like Lilian from Mike's Place in Antiparos, Arianne Geervliet from the Kastania Lodge in Crete, Anna from Ikia Studios in Paros, Anastasia and Mrs Soultana in Milos, Vivi from Kiklos Car Rental in Samos and many, many more. A very special thanks goes to the fabulous Frankie Miles in Almyrida on Crete, who has inspired us with her books about the island and who has always made sure our stay in Crete was unforgettable. Frankie is one of the sweetest people that I know. Besides writing wonderful books Frankie runs the travel agency Villas Crete Holidays that rents out a vast number of beautiful villas and some select beach front apartments. Frankie has set us up for many years and you can see quite a few of her villas on my pages of Crete.

Like me many people dream of some day buying a house in Crete. Crete4me is a real estate agent based in the nice village of Agia Galini. It lies in the south of Crete in one of the bays where you have the most chance of good weather. We stayed here in a beautiful villa with a private pool, which was also offered for sale for 210,000 euros. There were similar villas for sale and also simpler houses for less money. The real estate agency was run by Linda Butterworth, who has lived on the island for a long time and has a lot of experience. For anyone who thinks about buying a house on the island of Crete I would say: "take a look at their website".
These villas are sold now but you can go to the website to see what else is on offer - click here.

Below are a couple of examples of villages on the coast, where there is a bit of life, but it is not overcrowded. They all have their own identity, they are not ugly concrete villages especially made for the tourist, and they still have a bit of a traditional feeling. They also have plenty of restaurants, some night life and all amenities, but not all the noise that you would find in villages such as Malia or Chersonissos. The beaches are shallow and the places are also family orientated. These are just a few suggestions and not all! If you want to really make your mind up than have a look around on my site. There is so much to choose from and it is hard for me to tell you where you should go to, since everybody is different.

Agia Pelagia is a cosy little village that has still got that feeling of authentic Greece, even though it is only 22 kilometers away from the capitol Heraklion. It's the perfect spot to have your holidays, away from all the noise and convieniantly situated to make trips and excursions to the sights of Crete. It's not far away from the airport, so also a good place to start or end your holiday if you want to travel around the island. Agia Pelagia has a couple of very nice beaches, plenty of taverns and all amenities. The beaches are shallow and sandy, so they are perfect for families with small children as well. If you like it even more quiet than this than you can try it in the village next to Agia Pelagia, which is called Lygaria Beach. Here there are just a couple of restaurants around a quiet beach. In Lygaria there are also some attractive accommodations.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Agia Pelagia - click here.

Almirida (sometimes spelled as Almyrida) is a small village on the Apokoronos with 3 shallow beaches (two small ones, one a little bit bigger, but nice, and there are more beaches within walking distance) located in the bay of Souda, about 25 km west of Chania. The village looks out over the sea and the Akrotiri peninsula. It's still sort of quiet, with some waterside taverns, a few bars and a couple of hotels. Some of the houses are standing in the water of the sea, making it look like a tiny Venice. I thought this village was very relaxed and looks really good in it's pretty bay surrounded by a steep hill on one side. There is plenty of choice for taverns, super markets, and hotels and apartments (most of them small accommodations) and most of the visitors seem to be English (often with small children, because the beaches are perfect for them). Almirida is located in one of my favourite areas: the Apokoronas. It lies just east of Chania. Here you will find many traditional villages and it is beautifully green. This is also a good place to rent a villa, which are actually quite cheap here (often cheaper than a hotel). Highly recommended!

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Almirida - click here.

Bali is sort of a quiet cluster of small villages, beaches and high rising rocks set off the mainroad between Heraklion (45 km) and Rethimnon (28 km). The village is situated at the head of a little bay, on the site of ancient Astale. Bali is set around three small coves. The first has a very small pebble beach with several tavernas and a luxury hotel. The original (and cosy) village is in the second cove where you will find most of the shops, hotels and taverns, another beach and a harbour with some modern boats and some kaiks. It's possible to rent a water bike (which cover about 30% of the space of the small beach there if no one wants to peddle) and explore the bay. Here you can book a day trip by boat to Rethimnon, Santorini or the "pirate island" of Gramvousa in the northwest of Crete. The third cove, known as Paradise Beach, is the best for swimming.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Bali - click here.

Georgioupoli lies on the northern coast of Crete, about 35km away from Chania and 20 km from Rethimnon. It is a coastal village with a very large beach. There are several roads leading from the coastal highway to Georgioupoli and one of them is over a 4 kilometers long road leading through some very pretty scenery to the bay of Almiros. You drive through a green landscape with lots of trees and some houses, and there are nice views of the mountains. A part of the drive is graced with large eucalyptus trees on both sides of the road.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Georgoupoli - click here.

Kalives remains relatively quiet compared to some of the other seaside resorts on the north coast of the island of Crete. The village has all facilities you can ask for in a holiday resort, like good supermarkets and plenty of tavernas to choose from. There is a large village square next to the church where you can have a drink or something to eat in the shade of some very large and old trees. Here you find also the remains of some buildings from the Venetian times. The beaches in the village are quite large and sandy, with some parts where you can rent a parasol and sunbeds. Next to the beach is a large parking area where you will most certainly find a space for your car. The village is lively in a pleasant way. From Kalives it is only a short drive to Chania or to the next door village Almyrida, but there are more exits in the village that will for instance set you down south of the island. In between Kalives and Almyrida lay the pleasantly unspoilt and quiet sand / pebble beaches of Kera where you will find no facilities at all.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Kalives - click here.

Panormos is a small fishing village and beach resort on the north coast of Crete some 22 kilometers east of Rethimnon. In Roman times Panormos was a port and had the name of Axos. Still little developed it is slowly becoming a tourist resort of its own in, but it still retains some of its old village character and it is a nice place to wander around for a bit and spend some time on the beach or in one of the many fish taverns.

Panormos is cosy though with plenty of shops for your daily needs, mini-markets and a bakery. Behind the village are the remains of the the Agia Sophia Basilica which dates from the 6th century. Overlooking the beach and close to the beautiful Panormos church with its wall paintings are the remains of the Milopotamos Castle (from the times of Genova) of which not much is left. In the small and quiet cobbled streets the old houses blend in with the new. There are flowers in pots in front of the houses and because Panormos is set away a little bit from the national road there is no passing traffic and you will not see so many cars in the village. Along the beach and in the streets you have a good choice for tavernas and small cafés.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Panormos - click here.

A lot of people have asked me where they could go to if they are looking for a village with some amenities in it, yet with a good naturist beach within walking distance. Below I have made a selection of a couple of villages where you can dive into the sea without wearing a bathing suit.

Mirtos is a charming and popular small tourist center in the south of Crete, just a little west (14 kilometer) of Ierapetra. It has got narrow streets, one leading into the village, others running steeply down from that street to the promenade and the beach. In the village there is a wide choice for tavernss, restaurants, hotels, small pensions and shops. Most of the tavernss are at the seafront, and most of the hotels in the back streets. It is a lively place but in a good way, and it is cosy with lots of flowers in pots in front of the houses, and trees that are painted white at the bottom. Mirtos has got a lovely sandy beach with umbrellas and sunbeds. Just outside the village towards Vatos there are more beaches, which are more quiet than the beach of Mirtos itself. At walking distance you can also find the beautiful sandy beaches of Tertsa, where there is also place for naturism.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Mirtos - click here.

The village of Rodakino is situated in the south of Crete on the road between Frangokastelo and Plakias. Frangokastelo is 13 kilometers away and Plakias 15 kilometers. There is a bus connection with Rethymnon twice a day. The village is divided into Ano (high) Rodakino and Kato (lower) Rodakino. Both of the villages are quiet and traditional and seem to sleep in their green surroundings. There are a couple of Kafenions here, but not much more. From Kato Rodakino there is a road, about 2 kilometer long, to the beaches of Rodakino that lie in the Bay of Korakas. There are several beaches with names like Sunrise Beach, Polirizio Beach and Korakas Beach. The beaches of Rodakino / Korakas / Koraka are one of the last hidden - undiscovered - treasures in the south of Crete. There are some accommodations offering rooms and there are a couple of tavernas but it remains very quiet.

A further walk of about ten minutes over the headland will bring you to the next beach which are pristine and practically undiscovered. Behind that there are two more beautiful beaches that are usually empty. These beaches are situated behind a low hill at the west side of the accommodations and there are no facilities here. For this reason and because it is more difficult to get to it these are good beaches for nudists.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Rodakino - click here.

The beautiful and large, stretched out bay of Plakias, that is surrounded by steep hilltops, is an attractive looking village in the south of Crete. The original village with its harbour is on the west side of a very large beach that is sheltered by tamarisk trees. Around the harbour the beach is often pebbly, but if you walk further the beach becomes better and less crowded. Plakias beach has also places that are used as naturist beaches.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Plakias - click here.

The southern Kalamaki Beach has a beautiful 2.5 km long sandy beach where sun beds and umbrellas are for rent. Often sunbeds and umbrellas are free if you order a drink at the tavern where they belong to. In the village are several small shops, mini markets, a bakery and a large number of taverns, mainly on the lively promenade that is located along the beach (no cars). There are quite a number of accommodations for rent in Kalamaki Beach. Because the beach is so long you will always find a quiet spot for yourself. If you walk south for about ten minutes you'll come to a stretch of beach where there are some tamarisk trees, where there is also room for naturists.

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Kalamaki - click here.

Another nice village with a (partly) naturist beach is Sougia.

The village of Chora Sfakion is situated in the south of Crete at a distance of 60 kilometer from Chania. The village has about 400 to 500 inhabitants but it used to be much larger. There is a village beach and there is another sandy beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds not too far away. On the west side of the village you can also reach more quiet beaches after a 30 to 60 minutes walk. The road after Chora Sfakion becomes very steep and winding. After 2 kilometer there is a small cove with a beach and a taverna (Illingas).

There are also taxi boats to the beautiful naturist beach Sweet Water Beach, Marmara Beach, Loutro, Agia Roumeli or even to the island of Gavdos. To Sweet Water Beach you can go on foot as well. You walk over the main road to the west and then via a path along the coast (in my opinion not a good plan for people like me that are afraid of heights). By the way: on the other side of Chora Sfakion is the only really official nudist beach on the island of Crete (Filaki Beach).

For more information about the village, the accommodations and pictures of Chora Sfakion - click here.

Below are a few of my favourite accommodations on the island of Crete. It is just a small selection because I have seen so many. If you want to see more nice accommodations than you have to take a look at my hotel page.

Maybe this is our favourite villa where we have stayed so far. Not because of its size or its flashy interior, but because of its tranquility, its fantastic views, the outdoor spaces and the privacy that the villa offers. Villa Maria has three bedrooms and it is on quite a large territory which is fenced and not overlooked by other houses. The distance to the village square with all the restaurants and the supermarkets is around one kilometer.

Send an e-mail to Villa Maria in Plaka. - Tel: Frankie Miles 0030 6945 785673
More information and pictures you can find on this page.

In this villa we had an enjoyable one week stay in October 2017. Villa Nisi, along with 5 other villas, is situated on a hill above the village of Agia Galini in the south of the island of Crete. Villa Nisi offers a lot of privacy, is surrounded by a large 2000 m2 plot of land and has a private swimming pool. There is a roof terrace and there are a number of terraces downstairs (one of which is covered) where you can sit in the shade or just sit in the sun. Around the pool there are beds for relaxing and enjoying the sun. From the plot there is a beautiful view of the surroundings and the sea, where you can see the Paximadia islands which are situated in front of the coast. It is very quiet and there is no traffic noise. You only hear the birds and bells of the sheep, and the view of the sea and the Paximadia islands is different every time, and changes from day to day and from morning, afternoon and evening. The villas are for rent but also for sale.

If you want to rent one of these villas - click here.
If you want to buy Villa Nisi or one of the other villas look on the site of Crete4me - click here.

Send an e-mail to Vista Villas in Agia Galini. - Tel Vista Villas (Linda Butterworth): 0030 6976702364

For more information - click here.

The "Villas - Fournou Lago" complex in Triopetra consists of the 2 luxurious villas Nikos and Stefania. Designed exquisitely, both villas have been built to a very high standard and the quality furnishings and facilities provide for a luxurious vacation in this unspoilt area of Southern Crete that can only be described as paradise. Built in approximately 4000 metres of land and only 2km from the marvelous beach of Triopetra. Each villa has over one hundred metres of dwelling space over 2 floors and can accommodate 5 people in luxury with all modern facilities included.

Telephone 0030 6936610233, 0030 6943488013, 0030 2831026633, fax 0030 2831026661
- Send an e-mail to Triopetra Villas For more information and pictures - click here.

In early October 2011 we stayed in one of these beautiful villas for a number of days. We returned again in 2014 and in 2015 for another visit. The Elounda Solfez villas are brand new and they are situated on a hill. The view is truly spectacular. From any of your terraces or from your pool you look out over the Bay of Elounda and the Spinalonga peninsula. On a clear day you can also see several small islands in the distance and even the high cliffs of the peninsula all the way back behind Sitia in the extreme east of the island.

Tel: +30 210 99 39 403, Mobile: +30 6944 35 72 75 - Send an e-mail to Elounda Solfez Villas.
More information and pictures of Elounda Solfez Villas you can find on - this page.

We stayed here for four days in September 2015. We were very kindly received by the owner Maria who led us through the villa and gave some explanation about, among other things, the devices that were in the villa. While doing this we found out that the DVD player did not work. An hour later she came back with her husband and a new DVD player was installed, which worked perfectly, and the "problem" was solved.

The villa is quite large (about 200m2). The three bedrooms and the bathroom (with bath and shower) are located on the ground floor. Two of the bedrooms open onto a terrace. On this floor the wifi is connected and also the internet is the best received.

Check availabilities and prices & book The Green villa in Katalagori on Crete - click here.
More information and pictures of The Green Villa click here.

Villa Giorgos is set in a very secluded spot in the middle of a pine tree forest. The villa is situated on the outskirts of Gavalochori and close to the coastal resort of Almyrida. In both villages you can find good taverns, super markets and a bakery. Especially the pastries of the bakery in Almyrida are worth a detour! Villa Giorgos is situated on a hill at the end of short dirt track. The villa has several verandas with a splendid view of the forest that surrounds it and there are distant views of the sea in front of Almyrida (Souda Bay). It's very, very quiet. Behind the villa is the private pool with the sunbeds and the parasols, chairs and tables, a swing and a barbecue. The pool is surrounded by a low wall and pine trees and is not overlooked, so we skinny dipped.

Send an e-mail to Villa Giorgos in Gavolochori on Crete - click here.
More information and pictures you can find on - this page.

This beautiful large stone villa with private pool is located on a hill just above the village of Gavalochori, in a region called the Apokoronas. It is about half an hour to forty five minutes away from the city of Chania and the trip from the airport is approximately one hour. The villa has three bedrooms and a separate studio that can accommodate four people. The maximum number of people that can stay in the villa is ten. Prinolithos villa is in a very quiet and very private position, so ideal for those who seek tranquillity and and want the possibility to to sunbathe and swim without swimwear. The views from Villa Prinolithos and from the infinity pool are extremely pretty. You look out over several villages, including Gavalochori with its four churches, the villages of Aspro and Plaka, the green nature, the Souda Bay and the Akrotiri peninsula. In the woods around the villa are many birds and especially in the mornings it is a cheerful twittering and whistling.

Send ane-mail to Villa Prinolithos in Gavalochori.
More information and pictures you can find on - this page.

If you are looking for a very spacious and modern villa with breathtaking views than Luxury Villa Provarma Hills may be for you. This villa offers you basically everything you'd expect from a superior villa. The only thing lacking is a big round dot for a helicopter to land on. Villa Provarma Hills is quietly situated on a hill in the north of the island of Crete, just outside the villages of Gerani and Modi in the area between Chania and Kolymbari. The distance to the popular tourist resort of Platanias is about ten minutes by car. Recently a large new Lidl supermarket was opened here, which is easy to find. We though it was very convenient to just buy lots of food here and fill up the trunk of our car, because once you're inside the grounds of the villa you will not feel much need for leaving it again. The area around the villa is also suitable for making nice walks. There are quiet roads and hiking paths that go into the hills.

Send an e-mail to Villa Provarma Hills.
More information and pictures you can find on - this page.

Villa Azure can accommodate up to 10 people and it is probably one of the most private villas in the whole of the Apokoronas area. You have no immediate neighbours and it is very quiet: no people, no dogs barking and no traffic. Because of its location on the hill and the trees that are in front of the villa there is a lot of privacy, so it is also suitable for people who prefer to go into the pool without swimwear. Villa Azure is a beautiful large villa of approximately 250m2 where you can relax, listen to the birds, watch the passing boats in Souda Bay and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine in your hand.

Send an e-mail to Villa Azure in Kera Beach.
More information and pictures you can find on - this page

In 2015 we spent a few days in this villa. It is near the small quiet sandy beaches of Kera and within walking distance of the village of Almirida with all its shops, mini-markets and many taverns. The villa has a lovely pool, which is pretty private. Behind Villa Nina is another villa, but this one has the pool on the other side so there is a lot privacy. We took our dips without swimwear. From the street side the villa is not overlooked at all. There are lovely terraces and places where you can sit down to read a book or stare out over the sea. THE WIFI was absolutely great worked everywhere.

Send an e-mail to Villa Nina in Kera Beach. - Tel: Frankie Miles 0030 6945 785673
More information and pictures you can find on - this page

Ariana's Place is a small complex consisting of one villa, one apartment and one studio. It is are situated just above the town of Kastelli Kissamos, in the north west of Crete. It is situated on a very quiet spot in the country side and it looks out over the town of Kissamos and the sea on one side and on the other side the mountains and the olive groves. The small and intimate complex comes with a 50 m2 pool and a small bar.

Tel. 0030 6973370957 - Send an e-mail to Ariana's Place.
More information and pictures of each room you can find on - this page.

Villa Athina is situated on a hilltop in Kokkino Chorio, a village just east of the city of Chania, in the area called the Apokoronas. In October 2012 we were one of the first visitors in this new house which is built in traditional style, with stone and round arches between the rooms and the terraces. The villa has a private pool and is set in a very private location (not overlooked). The view from the grounds of the villa and the various verandas is phenomenal. You look out over the sea, three peninsulas (Apokoronas, Akrotiri and Rodopos) and three islands, including Souda Island with its fortress and the island of Karga, that lies in front of the village of Almyrida. There are views over the bay of Souda,the naval base, the fort Izzedine and you see the cruise boats and ferries sailing in on their way to the harbour of Souda. On the west side you look out over the village of Kokkino Chorio with its church and behind it you can see the White Mountains.

Send an e-mail to Villa Athina in Kokkino Chorio.
More information and pictures you can find on - this page.

This "budget" villa is situated on a hill in the village of Kokkino Chorio in the Apokoronas in Crete. It is not far from the village center and within walking distance of a good taverna (400 meters). The views from the villa are wonderful: you look out over the sea, the villages on the coast and the Akrotiri peninsula. Outside there is a nice terrace with a table and chairs to enjoy the view or to have something to eat. There is also a very nice swimming pool with sunbeds, umbrellas and chairs around it. The villa offers a lot of privacy and is not directly over looked.

Send an e-mail to Villa Nina in Kera Beach. - Tel: Frankie Miles 0030 6945 785673
For more information and pictures - click here.

These new bungalows have an area of 88 m2 and are situated around a lovely large communal pool with sun beds. The decor is sleek and modern, yet very cosy. We felt immediately at home upon arrival, even so we only went out for dinner in the evening one time and the rest of the days we stayed in the bungalow and I cooked something myself ;). We stayed here on several occasions and returned again in 2014 and 2015. There is a lovely large and quiet beach in front of the property and the swimming pools are large and wonderful. All amenities are close by.

Telephone"+30 28430 52331 - Send an e-mail to the Bayview Bungalows in Makrigialos on Crete.
For more information and pictures - click here.

On my website you will not find a lot of information about tourist packed villages like Malia or Chersonissos because I intend to avoid those places as much as I can. I always try to find quiet places and beautiful nature and I don't feel the need to share the scenery with hundreds of people. I prefer uncultivated beaches with no beach chairs, and I prefer nude / naturist beaches above "normal" ones. Having said this it doesn't mean I sit alone all the time everywhere, because I also enjoy the cosyness of places like Agia Pelagia and Sougia.