Our Greek Villa

Villa Kalithea

• Plaka

  Plaka has a delightful square where you can sit under the shade of the eucalyptus trees and watch the world go by. There is a friendly and well stocked mini-market and a variety of small cafe-bars and lovely tavernas. Elpis serves everyone's favourite dish (chicken with metaxa and cream). For small lunch-time / evening snacks (and sometimes dancing) go to Bicorna - they are so Greek and so friendly and have a beautiful garden to sit in. Also, go to 'Theasi' (Poppy and Nektarios) for cocktails, snack meals, beer etc. - on the road up from Plaka towards Cambia on the right-hand side next to the new Petrol Station.

• Almirida

  In Almirida you can sit by the water's edge and enjoy a meal or cocktail. Try Psaros restaurant (blue and white tablecloths at east end of Almirida) and also Lagos (the hare) restaurant at the other end of Almirida as you're going out of the village on the left. Also, Thalami in the middle and Erotikritikos (next to taxi rank) - great food. Atlantis bar is lively later in the evening. Also - try Francoise's for breakfast to die for!!!! (Cheese and chocolate and English breakfast).

• Chania

  The beautiful Venetian town of Chania with its narrow winding streets leading to the harbour is only about 35 minutes' drive away and is a 'must-see'; it has a wonderful atmosphere with a wide range of shops and restaurants to explore. Visit the water-side cafes for a relaxing breakfast or snack throughout the day.

• The White Mountains

  Wonderfully scenic and ideal for a day out - either to the south coast of Crete or up amongst the peaks near Omalos. There are delightful and friendly little inland restaurants up in the mountains which are well worth a visit.

• Koumos

  Turn left (heading east) next to the Inka supermarket on the Kalives coast road and follow the signs - Koumos is on the left after about 1/4 mile - fascinating place to see and have a drink / snack. Very much worth visiting (and free if you buy a drink) and loads to take pictures of.

• Aptera

  Ancient Roman ruins / town between Kalives and Souda on the left as you go west along the main road - fantastic views and a nice old fort to explore.

• Lake Kournas (near Georgioupoli)

  Large freshwater lake with waterside restaurants - free parking and lots of interesting pottery etc. as well as the lake itself which is delightful. Pedalos are available to hire and you can see baby turtles, brightly coloured dragonflies and friendly ducks.

• Chora Sfakion (south coast) / Boat trip to Loutro

  Full day trip but interesting - you can catch a small boat back from Loutro for about 20-30 euros rather than the bigger ferry if you want to be adventurous and see caves and things that you otherwise wouldn't.

• Gramvousa / Balos

  From Kolymbari (all day boat trip - take sandwiches and drinks in a cool bag and also suntan lotion and hats and swimming things as there is little shade other than on the boat) - stunning turquoise sea and places to visit (sometimes via inflatable boat). Get details from boat owner in Chania boat harbour one evening or look for information in villa. Kolymbari boat is a converted Dutch frigate and tends to be less busy than more touristy boats from Kasteli / Kissamos. Leaves Kolymbari about 10:00am and returns about 18:00.

• Rethymno

  A bit like Chania - beautiful harbour / galleons and shops. Also a nice market. It's about 45 minutes' drive from the villa.

• Marathi beach

  Directly opposite our villa on the Akrotiri side - go back towards the airport but instead of turning left to the airport carry straight on and follow signs. Good waterside restaurants with toilets. Small and pretty boat-harbour. Quite sheltered and nice sandy beach for swimming.

• Platanias

  A nice touristy place to visit for presents / gifts - better maybe even than Chania. Long, sandy beach with fun water sports. Visit upper Platanias for restaurants with fantastic views and good prices.

• Kalives

  Great restaurants and beaches. Try Mythos (in high street but park round the back ie next to sea). Medusa (near boat harbour at eastern end of Kalives - park in big open space by the beach; good for steaks). Il Forno (Italian next door) - wonderful pizzas. Restaurant just east of the Kalives Beach hotel on the sea-shore - out of this world Moussaka! and loads of other good food - don't order too much as portions are massive! It's common to share a dish so don't feel you have to order a dish each - vary it with say a salad, and other starters eg mushrooms, zuchini flowers or balls etc. Be adventurous! Or just sit up at the round bar outside of the Kalives Beach Hotel and have a cool drink and watch the world go by - yes you can drink there even though you're not staying in the hotel. By the way there's a good internet cafe in Kalives if you feel the need to send greetings back to the UK.

• Souda War Cemetary

  The English War Cemetary near Souda (remembering many of those that lost their lives in the Battle of Crete).

© Dianne Selwood 2004-2007 Our Greek Villa - for your Crete Villa Holiday