My recent trip to Crete took me to Chania the western side of the island, which is the second largest city in Crete. Chania has an international airport with scheduled flights from the UK, the main tourist season is from April to October. Ferries also sail to and from Athens (Pireas) daily - the port for ferries for Chania is at Souda, a few kilometres away. Getting around Crete is convenient if you have a car. Hiring a car from Rental Center Crete is simple and easy to do and will make exploring the island much more accessible.
In Chania, you will find the medieval architecture around the Venetian Harbour- the old port. The two most prominent sights are the Venetian light house and the Turkish quarters. Lining
the harbour are the waterfront restaurants and cafes, bars and tourist souvenir shops. As you venture away from the old port you will discover leading
off the old town, narrow alley ways leading to cobbled streets, old buildings, museums, churches and crafts
shops.
Venetian style town houses stand tall and
proud with age old shutters, pastel paint work and balconies. Houses are entwined between cafes, tavernas and shops where you can sit and enjoy a meal or a coffee and listen to the gypsy accordion players busking in the Greek sunshine.
Heading further away into the new town, you will find many larger department stores, designer shops, banks, supermarkets, hotels and many more restaurants. Another must visit in this part of the town is the undercover Municipal Market hall known as "Agora" that houses many stalls selling delicious Greek delicacies, olive oil and olives, fish, meat, herbs, spices, Raki, gifts, house ware and souvenirs.
Heading further away into the new town, you will find many larger department stores, designer shops, banks, supermarkets, hotels and many more restaurants. Another must visit in this part of the town is the undercover Municipal Market hall known as "Agora" that houses many stalls selling delicious Greek delicacies, olive oil and olives, fish, meat, herbs, spices, Raki, gifts, house ware and souvenirs.
Whilst in Crete, our home for seven days were the beautiful Olea Villas in Loutraki-Chania. Set in picturesque surroundings overlooking the hills with olive tress and the Loutraki Bay which is only 170 metres away, the villas are stylishly furnished in a modern decor with all the facilities you will need to make your stay comfortable and luxurious for a family holiday.
Contemporary and sleek in look, the two three bedroom villas are adjacent to each other, each accommodating 6 persons. Both villas are on three split levels, the
lower ground floor has two bedrooms one double and one twin room;
both rooms have sea facing balconies with a table and chairs.
Photo supplied by Olea Villas
On this level there is also has a media room with a 3D Home theatre, Satellite TV, a Blu-ray player and movie collection and Xbox 360 console and Nintendo DS. This will certainly keep the kids entertained.
The third bedroom is a double bedroom located on the first
floor. All three bedrooms have marble ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans, air
conditioning and tv’s.
Photo supplied by Olea Villas
The views from the terrace are breathtaking, making eating al fresco so enjoyable at any time of the day.
On the opposite side of the kitchen is a large sitting room that opens out to an outdoor sitting area, leading to a secluded private infinity-edged swimming pool, landscaped gardens with a children’s play area and hot tub where you can relax and soak up the sunshine in style
.There is full wifi access, a laundry room with a washer and dryer, a full security alarm system and remote controlled entrance gates to the property making it totally safe and secure.
The Olea villas are easily accessible from the airport, 16km
from Souda port and 17km from Chania Centre. Nearby the villas there is Marathi
Beach 1.3 km away, where there are a couple of beach front restaurants. The
nearest village is 2.9 km away and has a small supermarket and a pharmacy.
It is highly recommended to hire a car to get around the
island as the location is a little secluded and set away from the hustle and
bustle.Whilst we were in Chania, we used the services of two car
companies, Kappa Rentals and Joyriderentalcar.
The Olea villas also have another larger Villa sleeping 10 people approximately 10
mins walk away. The Villa Alexandros is set on cliff tops boasting panoramic
views of the hills and sea. Built on three levels the property has in total 5 bedrooms, sitting
rooms, fully fitted and equipped kitchen, a covered sun terrace and swimming pool.
Two of the bedrooms are on the lower ground floor and three are located on the first floor. The villa is beautifully furnished to the highest standard with all mod cons and come with a maid service.You can also arrange the services of a private chef to come and cook for you. I will feature this service in my next post. I went on the trip with Heidi Roberts from kitchentalkandtravels.com, you can read all about her account here.
Photo supplied by Olea Villas
Two of the bedrooms are on the lower ground floor and three are located on the first floor. The villa is beautifully furnished to the highest standard with all mod cons and come with a maid service.You can also arrange the services of a private chef to come and cook for you. I will feature this service in my next post. I went on the trip with Heidi Roberts from kitchentalkandtravels.com, you can read all about her account here.
The villa owners, Mr George Koletsos and his wife live at the Olea villas. They are very friendly and are always
at hand to ensure your stay is comfortable. They even spoils you by bringing
piping hot Greek treats straight from their oven for breakfast.
For more information you can visit the Olea Villas and Villa Alexandros websites to check out the availability and prices.
I was a guest at Olea Villas, all views and opinions shared are of my experience. In my next post I shall be sharing things to do in Crete.
NB- All the photos unless marked are taken by citrusspiceuk . The photos supplied by Olea villas are clearly marked.
In collaboration with Rental Center Crete.
To read about my Crete adventures you can check the below posts in the series:
A Greek Feast at Olea Villas.
Botanical Gardens at Fournes
Hand Picked Greece
A Greek Feast at Olea Villas.
Botanical Gardens at Fournes
Hand Picked Greece
I have wanted to go to this place for sometime now as it looks stunning.
ReplyDeleteIt was really beautiful, you must visit Crete.
DeleteIt's been many years since I have been to Chania, but I remember the beautiful old port really well! I would love to go back one day. That villa looks beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteThe port is really nice especially at night when it really becomes lively.
DeleteI love Olea Villas...such a nice place you chose to stay at. I love its decor- still beautiful and modern yet with a vintage touch! I also love the outdoor siting area; that view is beautiful. There is no doubt that your stay was so awesome,right?
ReplyDeleteThe Villas were amazing and the views were stunning.
DeleteLoved the detailed post on Crete and the lovely cosy villa.
ReplyDeleteThe place was so nice it was hard not to go into detail. :)
DeleteI've never been to Crete but it looks wonderful, your accommodation looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteCrete is beautiful , especially if you are a foodie like me and enjoy fresh produce.
DeleteWhat lovely places to stay - so clean and cool. Crete is an island I have always fancied visiting and I'd prefer a villa stay with the kids rather than a hotel.
ReplyDeleteThe Olea Villas were perfectly catered for kids they even had safety stair gate on the stairs.
DeleteThank-you so much for sharing this. The beautiful, old buildings are just amazing. What a special place to visit. I hope you enjoyed every second of your time there.
ReplyDeleteThe trip was amazing this is my first post in the series look out for all the others.
DeleteI have never been to Crete but would love to go. The Venetian style house are beautiful, I am a big fan of architecture. The villas are amazing too, I would love to stay there
ReplyDeleteThey were so well furnished we really enjoyed our stay.
DeleteThis place is beautiful looks like you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fabulous time.
DeleteWhat a beautiful villa and the views!!! Breathtaking.. Perfect little getaway with all the video games, kitchen for noushing, and wow, you had me with that pool!
ReplyDeleteIt would be ideal for a family holiday.
DeleteI visited Crete a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Definitely worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteI agree I will definitely go again.
DeleteSuch a beautiful place .. hope I get an opportunity to visit sometime. Thanks for sharing the info.
ReplyDeleteCrete is really picturesque .I loved it.
DeleteOh wow Crete is beautiful! Greece is one of my favourite places, that villa looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreece is one of my favorite places too.
DeleteThese are beautiful images and makes you want to travel there very soon
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was a beautiful place.
DeleteHow beautiful! Your pictures are amazing too.
ReplyDeleteThankyou.
DeleteIt looks like a beautiful place to visit! The house you stayed at was gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYes the villa was beautiful.
DeleteI love these places you find! Greece is on my bucket list for so long I may check this place out, looks perfect for family travel!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to this place before, it's really beautiful. I've always wanted to visit Greece and explore as much as I could.
ReplyDeleteYou should visit, its amazing.
DeleteWow, what an amazing villa it seems to be, the ambience is amazing and the location with olive trees and sea facing is just stunning. It seems so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThe views were gorgeous.
DeleteWoowww, that’s a lovely place. I think I should visit China soon. Thanks for the awesome post with awesome pics Nayna 😊
ReplyDeleteThankyou.
DeleteI love visiting Greece, such a beautiful place, great culture and cuisine. Villa you stayed in is amazing. Glad you enjoyed your trip.
ReplyDeleteI loved ot and hope to go again.
DeleteWhat a dream to have a private, infinity pool whilst on holiday! Crete looks absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was espevially as the views from it were spectacular.
DeleteThese villas sound fantastic. Crete is such a lovely picturesque place to visit I'd love to do a group holiday there with friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the things. Pictures are making sense. These are really amazing and making easy to understand the things.
ReplyDeleteRitik Sharma.
Crete looks like a beautiful place to visit. The villas look amazing. Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteI havent even nearly travelled enough. Thank you so much for introducing me to somewhere I didnt know!
ReplyDeleteWhat a amazing story and the pictures they look lovely thank you for sharingxxx
ReplyDeleteI am from Crete originally and I love this island with all my heart! I am so glad you liked it and had such a nice time!
ReplyDeleteI love Greece and have visited on several occasions but never been to Crete. It looks stunning
ReplyDeleteNever been there, but it looks great! The pictures are awesome! can´t wait til the next post about Crete!
ReplyDeleteAll the rooms look so small and cozy. The beautiful views also help really sell Crete. Can’t wait to go!
ReplyDelete
DeleteOn the contrary the rooms were actually really big and spacious and well furnished. I agree they were very comfortable and cosy and the decor was bright and airy.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful villa! I love that there is a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces with so much room. And it's a lovely place!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place! I would love to take a trip there with my family.
ReplyDeleteI believe you had a great experience at the hotel. All the pictures are amazing and the view from the hotel looks breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteNice to read about the place and also see some action via IG too. Hope you had a great vacation, a well deserved break and have come back rejuvenated with some great recipes in store.
ReplyDeleteNayna, love your new new logo...its very cute. A very informative write up about Chania and the villa you stayed in. Perhaps one day will be able to visit Cretes.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mayuri it needed an update since I am focusing on travel more on this blog.
Deletethat villa looks so cosy ! I had to look it up , maybe for a late summer vacation! Love visiting greece
ReplyDeleteBeautiful exploration! I love to see travel through the eyes of others!
ReplyDeletethis place looks stunning, and that villa looks so cosy! ! I'm glad you had such a nice time - a well deserved break ;)
ReplyDelete