If you're looking for a quiet place in eastern Crete away from the crowds and more touristic locales, this is it. The cottage is tucked away in a lovely olive grove, but only just off the main road (you can't see it from the house), which makes it a perfect location for exploring the east end of the island. There are villages in both directions mere minutes away by car (a car is a must), and several bigger towns and cities within a half hour's drive. A variety of Crete's best beaches are within easy driving distance as well. The beach of Bai (Vai) is an hour and a half away but worth the trip if you go early to claim a spot and avoid the crowd (the scenery on the way is lovely too). The quieter beach of Tholos is very close, and you can easily find a secluded spot to enjoy the unique water there. Voulisma isn't far either, but it gets pretty busy, so getting there early is a good idea too. We ate at fine restaurants and tavernas in the nearby towns of Agios Nikolaus, Ierapetra, and Mochlos, as well as Pacchia Ammos, which is a mere two-minute drive away. Mochlos, in particular, was a very charming village to visit on a night out.
The cottage was immaculately clean. All the fixtures and amenities listed were like new. The air conditioning was a life saver in the hot Cretan summer, and the washing machine was particularly useful during our stay. The house is simply decorated, but with cozy charm. It felt like it could be home.
Giorgos was the perfect host. He greeted us at the house with a smile and samples of fruit, water, wine, and raki (the local liquor of choice), as well as olive oil from the very grove we were staying in. He was quick to answer questions and offered several suggestions for beaches and towns to visit that were very helpful. It's clear that he takes great pride in welcoming guests to his property, and he should. We had a wonderful stay here.