Activities
- Altera Cave Villas. is located in a remote part of south Crete ideal for walkers and those who like to get away from it all. People who enjoy small uncrowded, secluded, quiet, unspoiled superb beaches.
- Finikidia beach, the secluded beachfront of the Altera Cave Villas – is a quite unknown bay of thick sand, pebble, and stone with blue waters, next to the impressive rock formations reminiscent of a ‘dragon-protector’, eerie, unfrequented but as well as seductive, mystic, strongly combined of the elements of nature. This is a place to greet the day with a sun salutation, dive into the blue clear waters and feel the unique energy of the wild Cretan landscape.
- Agios Pavlos is just 1km west of Finikidia hillsides, also situated on a seaside slope leading to a lovely small beach surrounded by rocky capes – a partially organized beach of rough sand and beautiful green waters with rocky seabed. Travelers and nature lovers prefer this pretty location as a few meters further there’s another wild but enchanting beach, known as the Akoumiani Gialia, where the sand dunes of Cape Melissa are considered an amazing landmark of the area, as nothing compares to the stunning sunset over these sandy hills, let alone when the rays reflect on the magic rocks… a truly unforgettable experience! This gorgeous beach with crystal waters features a deep rocky bottom ideal for diving and snorkeling lovers.
- The famous Preveli beach, with its turquoise waters and lush vegetation full of luscious palm trees, can simply be described as a perfect exotic setting with a stunning natural beauty tucked into the delta of the river Kourtaliotis. Walking along the river, under the shade of palm trees, it is quite exciting and challenging to start hiking in the magnificent Gorge of Kourtaliotis which leads near the town of Spili where the gorge begins.-
- Τhe closest town to Preveli is Plakias with its long captivating sandy – well organized – beach, quite a popular tourist attraction well chosen for tranquil sunsets. Nearby, there are many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops with local products, as well as a diving center for water sports enthusiasts.
- In addition, between Preveli and Plakias – there are also the remote astonishing small beaches of Ammoudi, Damnoni, Klisidi and Schinaria, all beautiful coves with clear turquoise waters, thick white sand, rocky seabed ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and diving. Most amenities such as hotels, taverns, etc. are available in the area.
- To the east, at about 20 km from Agios Pavlos, is Agia Galini, a small traditional cosmopolitan fishing village with two impressive well-organized beaches, a small harbor, and picturesque alleys full of taverns serving exquisite and delicious flavors, bars and tourist shops that make it a tempting attraction for travelers.
- Further along, the quiet and undisturbed Ligres is a stupendous beach of the South and well known for the serene vibes of the area. This long beach with thick sand and wonderful blue waters is secluded and not organized with a few accommodation options and taverns. Nearby is also the village of Kerames, a traditional settlement of the district.
- Following this amazing coastline there are other splendid beaches, such as Katsouni, Agia Fotini (known as Agia Fotia), Gialopotamos and the exquisite Preveli beach, with its river flowing into the sea surrounded by palm trees, also emphasizing the indisputable worth visiting attraction of the Monastery of Preveli which consists of two separate monasteries, the Lower (Kato) Monastery of the Baptist, and the Rear (Piso) Monastery of Theologos.
- Discover the small, authentic small villages around and just feel another way of life
- A short walk to the east brings you to the long sandy beach of Ligres and Triopetra, or three rocks, while to the west you can reach the palm beach of Moni Preveli and the ancient monastery of Preveli within a couple of hours on foot – or less than 20 minutes by car and of course the beach of Agios Pavlos to the east.
- Visit the famous springs of Spili, just 30 minutes away, and the fishing harbor of Agia Galini (34 km).
- Hike the little-known but impressive gorge of Agios Antonios.
- The Minoan sites of Phaistos (52 km) and its recently discovered port at Komos, and the Roman city of Gortys are also within easy reach.
- A short drive away, the Amari Valley is a wonderful place to visit in the heat of the summer, where the traditional mountain villages with their plane trees, cool springs and kafenions are still untouched by tourism.
- In spring the whole area is rich in wildflowers and there are marvelous walks in the mountains and along the sea from Agia Fotini to Moni Preveli and Agios Pavlos and through traditional villages.
- On the hill near the tavern of Agia Fotini, you can still see the ruins of the ancient town Kionia, which flourished in the pro-Minoan years. Today, the ruins of the town cover an area of more than 150 meters (from east to west) and 100 meters (from north to south), while the other half of town is situated below the sea surface, in front of the tavern.
- If you do start observing the surrounding area, you will notice traces of buildings and terraces that indicate the existence of Kionia. It is believed that when the town began to sink in water, inhabitants were forced to abandon it and move on higher areas, where the villages Kerames and Agallianos are now located.
- More activities in the Rethimno Area here!
House Rules
- Check-in: 16.00 pm
- Check out: 11.00 am
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy: Please check here
- Cancellation Policy: Please check here
MHTE: 1203623
How To Get There
Altera Cave Villas. located nearby Agios Pavlos Village, in the prefecture of Rethymno in South Crete.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (115km) and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion (89 km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
- By Boat
"The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (90km from the village)or Heraklion Port (119km). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our partner website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: Complete kitchens invite preparation of culinary delights.
- Swimming Pool: Private
- Maid Service: Daily maid service, towels, and linen changed every 3 days
- Disabled Access: Not suitable
- Pets: Are not allowed
- Air conditioning: Free for the Studios but there is a cost, payable locally of 6€ per day for the use of 2 a/c units at Apartments
- Internet Access: Free Wifi
- Languages Spoken: English, Greek
- Parking : Free - outdoors on site