This was our second stay at Sia's apartment and we were very happy to return - for a longer holiday than first time around. Sia met us and gave us a guided tour, we toasted our arrival with some local raki, and we were invited for breakfast with her and her husband Manos the next day: this is a sumptuous affair and sets you up for the whole day!

The apartment is very spacious, and comfortably furnished. It is on the top floor of a small block which is set on a rise, and so you get extraordinary views: the main living area has sliding doors on to a large balcony and inside or out you look out across Chania, with the Akrotiri penisula to one side and the White Mountains to the other. It is hard to imagine ever getting tired of this view: our two-week stay didn't begin to exhaust our pleasure in it. There are three smaller balconies, and you can chase the sun and the shade as suits you.

The apartment has a full kitchen (adjoining the main living space), a washing machine (so you should travel light: clothes dry almost instantaneously on an outdoor dryer in the summer sun), wifi, and two TVs if you do after all get tired of the view.

The Golden Beach area close to the apartment seems mostly to be private houses, but there is some other holiday accommodation nearby. However, the locality is very quiet, and you can enjoy your holiday in peace.

There are four separate beaches within walking distance, divided from one another by small headlands that separate shallow bays. Swimming seems very safe even quite a way from the beach, though we were not very adventurous ourselves. The beaches each have slightly different characters, but all have small cafes. We divided our time between two, that were popular with locals, couples and young families.

We didn't have a car, but walked to the beaches and got the local bus into Chania - a reliable service every 20 minutes, and only EUR 1.20 a trip. We also used the buses for some longer excursions.

Sia and Manos stay next door, in a separate block, so they are on hand for advice, suggestions - the breakfast mentioned above - and anything you may need. They are very friendly and engaging, with a passion for Crete and all it can offer visitors. However, whilst they are close at hand, you are left to do your own thing and the apartment is your private holiday home.