Tucked away in the rural Cretan village of Apostolei (Heraklion NOT Rethymno!!) , this traditional but beautifully renovated Cretan stone cottage is an absolute gem to find and a delight to stay in. We'd initially chosen it to for easy access to Knossos and the Archeological museum at Heraklion (it's also near a good water park too) but it turned out to be the icing on the beautiful cake of our first visit to Crete. If we could give Giwrgos a TEN star rating rather than the traditional five, we absolutely would; he takes his duties as host so seriously we were treated to a welcome fridge laden with home grown produce covering every eventuality from apple jam and olives through to luscious figs, homemade wine and the most delactable Raki and instructed in no uncertain terms to USE IT! Fresh bread was delivered daily simply by hanging a basket outside the front door and, eating simple Cretan organic produce either in one of the two delightfully secluded outdoor spaces at the cottage, or at the one equally welcoming village Taverna was a joy.
The double bed was incredibly comfortable and our 13 year old son had the choice of two single sleeping spaces when we'd only been expecting one! (He was also chuffed with the excellent secured wi-fi ...guess that's a 13 year old for you!?!)
From Apostolei we travelled further into the mountains and explored the tableland of Lasithi as well as easily making it down to the south coast for a swim. We left early to catch our flight back from Chania ...three hours easy drive...very do-able.
All in all if you want a simply beautiful, rustic, quiet place to chill out in, well appointed to explore a number of places on either side of the island but hidden away from the tourists
and their less traditional trappings in favour of real Crete and real Cretans with a host who is absolutely humbling in his attention to details that will make you feel welcome...then this is the place for you.
We LOVED it ..... Go Giwrgos!!!!!! We can't wait to come back!