We have just returned from the most relaxing and beautiful weeks holiday in Xirosterni in Crete. We stayed in Asteri cottage owned by the most delightful couple Jude and Andreas. They were so welcoming and attentive with our stay it felt like we were middle of no where but were staying in 5 star luxury accommodation with exceptional hosts that any one could want to meet, attentive and super friendly, we have had the best weeks break.
The day after we arrived, Crete decided to have one of their biggest storms they have had in a long time, now I love a good storm so doesn’t stop us enjoying what Mother Nature does best, after the storm Jude very kindly delivered a bottle of fizz apologising for the rain, which was not necessary as not their fault but was greatly appreciated!!
The cottage itself is stunning, Jude and Andreas having designed and built this stylish home themselves they have made the most amazing guesthouse, with all basic food amenities in the kitchen on our arrival this really helped and gave us time to enjoy the property before venturing out! This is such a lovely touch as, everything you required was in the house/kitchen/bathroom from beach towels to a spare plug was all thought about.
We needed time to chill and spent the mornings relaxing in the house, round the pool and on the many different seating areas around the house depending on when and where the sun is and then went out in the car (which is required) in the afternoon and evenings for dinner. The roads are ‘interesting’ we loved it when google maps would take us up a dirt track and lets us go off road, with a couple of trips to Chania and Rethymno, we would definitely recommend both but go into the old towns and sit and eat and drink where the locals do, as the food is amazing. The Avil restaurant in Rethymno was superb and we ate their twice. The beaches and little towns on the coast were only 10mins drive away with great restaurants and bars along the front and supermarkets to help cook the huge shrimps we had bought to go on the bbq. There is also the most loveliest very basic local taverna in walking distance, no menu the food is just bought to you and it was amazing, the owner was lovely and bought me some different food when she new I was a veggie but then this place is all about the company and the food!
Having returned home I am now looking at dates to return, this was the most relaxing holiday to just chill or to have an adventure on this stunning island it has everything and the hosts are the kindest and most helpful!!
We would recommend the cottage at the drop of a hat and I loved the fact it was only for two, so the peace and quiet was perfect!