My brother and I chose this apartment as a base for our first visit to Crete in over 25 years to re-connect with our cousins. We picked it because the inviting photos and description showed a beautiful apartment with a view of the sea, and just two minutes walk from the harbour.

And we were absolutely delighted with our choice when we arrived.

Nikos contacted us as soon as we had booked, and we had all the information we needed to plan our trip. On arrival Nikos gave us a wonderfully warm welcome and helped us settle in. Fresh fruit, some groceries and even homemade cakes made us feel at home immediately. After a very kind drink to our health and a happy holiday, Nikos left us alone to unpack, but we knew we could call on him for any help or advice. Were it not for the fact we knew our way around the city and had relatives on hand to guide us, Nikos was ready to give us plenty of help to find the best places to visit and eat.

The location is perfect – set in the winding back streets of the old city, full of tavernas, shops and bars. And all of that with a balcony view of the sea to greet you each morning. A nice beach is a short walk away, and the harbour, market and city centre are all within a few minutes walk.

Our week went far too quickly, and we were very touched with a lovely parting gift from Nikos and his wife Maria.

We will be in Chania again next year, and hope to be a guest of Nikos once more. But if our cousins insist we stay with them instead, we will definitely take the time to come and see Nikos and Maria if only to say hello, and to thank them once again for their remarkable hospitality.