Achlada - Mourtzanakis Residence

The villa is located in the mountains, about 20 minutes drive to a beach at Agia Pelagia, which is also where we shopped and ate, there being no amenities in the local village. The views from the balcony were stunning - the sea and the mountains. On a clear day you can see many many miles along the mountains to the west. We saw eagles a few times. Our appartment (Delta) had a lounge area, kitchenette, bathroom and two single beds on the ground floor. The double bed was on a mezzanine. The single air conditioning unit kept the whole appartment cool. All that we would change is that the kitchen facilities were not really adequate to prepare a meal. The two ring hob/oven could have done with a thorough clean or, preferably, replacement. There was only one sharp knife (a bread knife) and no coffee maker of any sort. Overall though, since we ate out every day for our main meal, and because of the peacefulness and views, we would be happy to go again.

Marcos has built an elegantly simple compound of residential spaces that are a great pleasure to share in. Five minutes from the highway and you're in s world of ancient olive groves, herds of goats and mountain winds. Marcos, the innkeeper, is warm and very good-humiored, with lots of knowledge of the area and how his village can be made viable for the 21st century. Try his Residence: I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable experience.

We arrived at Moutzanakis quite late at night, after a late flight, and couldn't have felt more welcome. Our villa was lovely. Simply but stylishly furnished, airy and light, and with two terraces on the ground floor, and one upstairs, leading out from our bedroom. Outside, the two pools looked very inviting, although they were a little chilly in early April. When we awoke on our first morning and saw the views of the surrounding hills and the sea, we realised just how picturesque the setting is. This was topped off with a delicous (and substantial!) breakfast - all locally sourced - provided in the communal eating area. Marco and his wife provide a wealth of information on the local area, and they speak excellent English and French. We made a couple of trips into Heraklion, which we thought was a wonderful and vibrant town (contrary perhaps to popular belief) and we thoroughly enjoyed a visit to a nearby convent, as recommended by Marco, to see the beautiful gardens . There were many other things we could have done, but didn't have chance during our four day stay. The area surrounding Achlada and the nearby coastline definitely seems less touristy than the Chania end of the island, where we went after our stay at Moutzanakis. It's an excellent place to get away from it all and the sort of location that would suit couples or families who like to be away from the main tourist areas, and who enjoy walking or driving around to explore.

Marcos has built an elegantly simple compound of residential spaces that are a great pleasure to share in. Five minutes from the highway and youre in s world of ancient olive groves, herds of goats and mountain winds. Marcos, the innkeeper, is warm and very good-humiored, with lots of knowledge of the area and how his village can be made viable for the 21st century. Try his Residence: I guarantee youll have an unforgettable experience.