Me and my boyfriend stayed at Asteri Cottage for 3 weeks in June. First when we read all the positive recommendations, we almost thought this could not be right. Haha. Guess what, it was even better! The communication with Jude and Andreas before the arrival was excellent - prompt and very friendly. And it even got better when we arrived and met them, since they are really welcoming and just super nice people. We already felt like home.
Even though the Cottage does not have a “real” address, it was easy to find with their explanation, that we got in advance. From Chania airport we took a rental car (necessary!) and it took round about 40 minutes to get to the cottage. For anyone who wants to mix vacation and work (“workation”), Asteri Cottage is a great place for that. We were surprised how good the internet connection is. We did not have any problems at all, even video calls worked easily.
The cottage is as beautiful as it looks on the pictures. In my opinion the pool is even a bit bigger in real life. The interior is tasteful and the cottage is more than clean. The apartment is cleaned once a week and we got fresh towels every 3-4 days.
You also have a washing machine and a fully functioned kitchen plus a nice outdoor grill. Even though it is only a one room (+bathroom) apartment it doesn’t feel small at all. Also, you anyways spend the most of the time outside on the big Terrasse. The bed is comfy and they also changed it once a week for us. It really feels almost like a hotel because they thought about everything (beach towels, TV with Netflix, Olive oil, Body wash, Book with recommendations and important informations, candles....). Also, if we had any questions or needed information, they answered us directly. Amazing hosts.
Some of our recommendations: When you want to have a quick dinner nearby, we suggest the Taverna down the road (10 mins walk). It´s really good, authentic and affordable. The two Tavernas in Vamos (10 min drive), Bloumosifi and Marouvas are great as well. One of our favorite places for dinner is a small Taverna called Arismari in Gavalochori. It’s super romantic there. If you miss city life you can also drive to Chania (50 min drive). We tried Jude´s recommendation called “Ginger Concept” and had a nice breakfast there. If you like to have Italian food we suggest “Una faccia una razza” (20 mins drive).
For a day trip we really enjoyed our Boat Trip along the coast with swimming and snorkeling. It’s a 6 Person / 4 hours Trip and the captain Georgios is super kind. (He also speaks German). Just call him up or text him and ask for a reservation, you can find the number on their facebook: https://m.facebook.com/YachtAphrodite/
If you feel like the day trip to Samaria gorge is too much, we can recommend the Imbros gorge. Stunning nature and only a 2 1/2 hour walk.
We tried all the beaches that Jude and Andreas recommended and preferred the part east of Georgioupolis with miles of sandy beaches. An absolute amazing experience was Falassarna Beach - we were lucky to go there in June, as it is usually very crowded during the high season.
If the weather is bad (rarely happens) or you feel like a day off, we can recommend Zoe Massage in Kalyves. Best couple Massage and facial treatment! Also, just drive around, the nature, the mountains and the views are breathtaking.
All in all we had a unforgettable time in Xirosterni, fell in love with the villages, the people, the Cottage and the hosts :-)