Giorgos home is not a home. It's a sanctuary. A temple of the lost gods-- it's a place of immense beauty with 360 degree views of the snowcapped White Mountains and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea/Chania Bay. If you need a break from the horrible modern dystopia of urban life, then Giorgos' retreat is for you. When you're on one of the many breathtaking balconies, you immediately feel PEACE, a connection to nature and a space for internal reflection and thought. I'm not lying. This place has been healing me. It's brought back some hope. The world isn't all sh*t. There's still Crete and Giorgos's house.
As for the host -- Giorgos is the greatest host I've encountered on Airbnb or any platform/landlord. No lie. Warm, hospitable, knowledgable, tough and honest. An incredible guide to all things Crete has to offer, willing to make suggestions, personally take you around and share a meal/drive/walk with his guests-- Giorgos spent his life honing his skills as the ultimate hospitality guide. No fake tourist manipulation/pandering bullsh*t. Just a real, generous human willing to share the glories of Crete with his guests.
As for the particulars of the house -- perfectly clean, newly built house. The windows and doors are incredible in this house. They frame every view of the mountains and the sea perfectly so light is always entering the house and you have a beautiful view around each corner. YOU ARE ALWAYS SEEING THE VIEW. Everything works perfectly. Fully equipped kitchen (of course, with some welcome gifts from Giorgos including his homemade delicious olive oil), bathrooms and showers great, laundry, sheets, towels, etc. Comfortable and nice deck furniture for the many balconies.
As for the location-- as noted, perfect views of both mountains and sea but also only 20min from city of Chania (most interesting city in Crete). Easy for driving or Giorgos will connect you with best taxi company/family that will drive/pick you at ANY TIME anywhere in Chania municipality region. If you want to eat close to the house, there are a couple nice taverna options down the hill from the house in town of Aptera and 10min car drive away (on a beautiful winding country road) in Stilos (try the lamb chops at Lavetzi - my goodness). For excursions, it is extremely close to the 40+ gorges the Chania area has to offer (including Samira/Agia Irini), only 1hr drive directly to the southern coastal towns of Sfakia, and close to the main roads to go east to Rethymno and Herkalion. In short, the best of Crete is nearby and you are central enough to easily access and explore the rest.
After experiencing most of the island of Crete, I have to say that I cannot imagine a better combination of factors than Giorgos' home. Nowhere on the island do you get the combination of snowcapped White Mountains with the Sea and so close to a great city. You want solitude and connection with nature? You got it. Want adventure mountain/gorge stuff? Done. Want to experience the charm and emerging nightlife of the venetian port city of Chania? Easy. Lol.
I write all this having experienced the home in the WINTER. The house is well-equipped to keep you warm. I cant imagine what it will be like when I come back this Summer.
I swear...Dont even know what I'm doing sitting here in my apartment. I should be back on the hill, having some local wine, laughing with close friends, staring aimlessly at the view, finding myself.
Efharisto para poli Giorgos, and see you very soon.