This place is spectacular! (once your heart-rate has dropped following the adventurous trip down the steep twisty-turny concrete road & you look all around you that is!).
Michalis (& his wife) are excellent hosts, who meet with you at the local village on arrival & lead you to your little slice of (mostly) secluded, natural Cretan heaven. The house, which is a little disjointed (the Main Bedroom & Shower Room/WC are located in separate rooms on the upper level, up some outside steps from the main lower level Living Area/Kitchen/2nd Bedroom) is more functional than beautiful but the outdoor spaces (of which there are many!) are filled with awe-inspiring views of the sea & snow-capped mountains beyond, the bay across to Rethymno and it’s twinkling lights, local Octopus Bay and it’s bouldering opportunities, the gorges all around you and of course, the goats! (your companions throughout your stay).
The most alluring outdoor space at the house was the swimming pool area, lined with palms, and sat atop the rocks/edge of the sea, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a luxurious sensory-filled breakfast. There was also an outdoor cooking/BBQ area nearby which happily completed the full al fresco dining experience, and roof-top concrete deck for a spot of star-gazing at night time. Away from the house, there are steps which lead down to a small pebbly/concrete platform next to the beautiful clear blue waters, a perfect entrance point for a spot of sun-bathing, swimming, snorkelling, rock-pooling or whatever else takes your fancy sea-adventure wise.
Michalis & his wife were very friendly & helpful throughout our stay, we really felt like we were in safe hands at all times. Michalis was quick to respond to any queries/issues we may have had, arriving back at the house to sort anything if necessary (for instance, we had a power cut one morning). He was also full of local recommendations where possible for just about anything & everything.
Overall, a fantastic holiday experience particularly should you wish to rest and relax in a quiet, less-travelled, natural setting for the most part of your stay (like we did). Just make sure you do a big shop before you arrive as you won’t want to be leaving for a few days!! It will also give you the chance to take time out ready to prepare you for the trip back up to the main road (the journey up ‘the driveway’ is much easier btw!!).
Footnote - we were with our wonderful 6 year-old boy, Indy, who loved the house/pool/sea/area as much as us (particularly the visit from the house tortoise on the last day!) however there are a few rough edges/low walls with big falls around the place which you’d be good to check out & de-brief on prior to starting your relaxing, holiday proper!!