This was my first airbnb experience and it was fantastic. Stavroula’s house is a little gem. I stayed for one week with my partner and we both loved it. We didn’t actually get a chance to meet our host Stavroula as our flight was delayed on the way in but she explained what we needed to do and was always available via phone for any queries and gave some helpful advice.
The house itself is just as shown in the pictures. It is cool during the hot (when we were there) days and has the roof terrace which really came into its own in the evenings. I honestly could not fault the accommodation at all. It is well stocked with anything you might need including a sewing kit which came in really useful when the elastic on my skirt went! Everything has been really well thought out and there is plenty of space. The area itself is quiet and peaceful and not overrun with tourists. I hope this doesn’t change.
The location of the house is excellent. Anywhere you might want to visit in the Old Town is in walking distance and the bus station is close by for longer trips. There is a small ‘mini-market’ a couple of minutes walk in one direction and a larger supermarket next to the municipal market if you head the other way. There was also a Saturday morning market just down the street selling fruit, vegetables, fish and even second hand clothes at very reasonable prices.
At Splanzia Square there are lots of cafes and bars and a great bakery. We visited the bar just by the church of St Nikolaos every evening for a beer and the waiters were so friendly and welcoming. We even got a beer on the house on our last evening which was unexpected but very appreciated. They also serve bar snacks and salads – just ask for a menu. There is a restaurant in the courtyard next to the church where we ate a couple of times. The food is great and very reasonably priced. Loads of veggie options if you are vegetarian. Be careful not to over order as we did a couple of times! Again the waitress was so helpful and patient with us. You will be given free raki and cinnamon cake after your meal so save some space.
There are beaches in walking distance. If you go to the far end of the sandy beach near the house you can walk around to a couple of small coves that have shaded areas to sit in. You can also go up the stairs, past the Icarus (I think..?) statue and there is another beach.
I definitely recommend this house to anyone thinking of staying there and we are already planning a return visit to Chania as we enjoyed it all so much.