Activities
- Swim. At the sandy, shallow-watered beach of Agios Onoufrios. There is a small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to St. Onoufrios and celebrated on June 12. The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and is hidden in a well-protected bay. It is pebbly and not very well organized. It is mainly preferred by the residents of the wider area. The picturesque landscape, with the traditional taverns and the peaceful sea, is a good reason to visit Agios Onoufrios.
- Also, there is easy access to the numerous beaches around Akrotiri (Kalathas, Stavros, Marathi, Loutraki).
- The nearby Kalathas Beach is beautiful, with fine sand and shallow crystal clear water. Opposite Kalathas, there is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming. Next to the beach, several palm trees give an exotic tone to the landscape. Moreover, the beach is very well organized with umbrellas, water sports, restaurants, hotels, mini markets, etc. West of the main bay, beyond the rocky end, there is a secluded sandy bay. This is not organized and is ideal for those who do not like crowded places.
- Stavros beach is located east of the village, at the foot of the mountain, and next to the picturesque harbor. The lagoon-like bay with white sand and shallow waters is fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The contrast of the wild mountain with the peaceful beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. The beach is very well organized. The second beach of Stavros is located north of the village, 200m northwest of the main beach. It has sand and rocks in places and is less organized than the first, but cleaner. The main drawback of this is that it is unprotected and the sea is usually wavy. At the peninsula dividing the two beaches of Stavros, you can see the remains of the ancient quarry, used for extracting limestone for building the Walls of Chania during the Venetian Era (13rd- 17th century). In Stavros, you will find many options restaurants, such as mini markets, shops, cafes, etc.
- Marathi Beach has two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm waters and is ideal for families with children. Both beaches are very well protected from the wind, as they look to the south and have a nice view of Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which serves as a harbor. It is well organized with all the necessary amenities nearby.
- Loutraki Beach is a great beach with sand and crystal clear shallow waters, especially suitable for children. It is very well organized and provides all the common touristic amenities, under the deep shade of the very high trees on the beach. You can rent umbrellas, have lunch at one of the tavernas and enjoy various water sports.
- The tiny beach of Macherida hidden in a rocky bay is located 14km northeast of Chania. It is not an organized beach with white sand and turquoise clear water surrounded by amazing rocks. To access it you have to walk for 2-5 minutes on a rocky easy trail. The last thing to note is that this secluded beach attracts mainly nudists.
- Cretan cuisine. Visit the small village of Douliana at Apokoronas a small old village with particularly interesting and well-preserved folk architecture. In this officially protected, traditional village a lot of interesting buildings can be found.
- Visit the old town of Chania and explore the whole city with the narrow streets and admire the old buildings with different architectural styles. Visit the maritime-naval museum on the west side of the port and walk along with the port till Arsenali where is situated the Arsenali Centre of Mediterranean Architecture that organizes exhibitions and has a primary goal to promote the Meditteranean arts.
- Explore the nearby region of Apokoronas, one of the greenest districts of Crete, with lush olive, fig, citrus, and avocado orchards. Swim in its freshwater lake of Kournas or head to the sandy beach at Kalives or Almirida.
- Rethymno Town is just 38 km away and is another Venetian town worth a visit for its cobbled streets, Ottoman minarets, colorful harbor, and an imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress.
- Nearby Almirida's twin beaches are sandy and good sheltered, but they can get a bit crowded during Summer; bars and restaurants line the waterfront between them, and there is a diving center. Kalyves (10km) is a larger village with a small bay at its heart and a long beach stretching west.
- If you are looking for more quiet beaches, head west to Falassarna Beach, on the west edge of the island (49km) one of the best beaches in Crete. Or maybe you have heard about the lagoon of Ballos with the turquoise water. You can visit it either by ferry from Kasteli or by car. If you decide to come here by car, just have in mind that you can drive to a specific point, and then you must walk to the lagoon.
- Explore the Akrotiri peninsula: Monastery of Agia Triada - Gouverneto Monastery - Eleftherios Venizelos Tombs (historical site) Drive towards the airport. Visit the Monastery of Agia Triada and then the Gouverneto Monastery. On your way back towards Chania stop at the Eleftherios Venizelos Tombs - a historical site with wonderful views of the old Venetian harbor of Chania. There you also will find a choice of 3 coffee shops for you to enjoy. The Akrotiri peninsula also has good beaches (Stavros, Kalathas, Marathi, and Loutraki).
- Trek through the world-famous Samaria Gorge along (quite crowded) open May-Oct depending on weather conditions) or the Agia Irini gorge (fewer crowds and open all year), a full day’s hike catching a boat and a bus back. Imbros Gorge, next to Samaria gorge, is just 8 km long and you need just 2 hours to pass it. Aradena Gorge is also in that area, and maybe you would like to try the jump of your life ... buggy jumping.
- Visit the Aptera archaeological Site. The small archaeological site of Aptera (the ancient town of the Minoan era) is well worth a visit. From here there are wonderful sea views to the port of Chania (Souda) and the Akrotiri peninsula. Continue to visit Itzedin Castle - a Turkish castle, built in the 19th Century (also known as the Kalami fort). Visit the nearby Stilos Village to hike through the classic Cretan countryside: oleander-lined paths lead into a narrow rocky defile.
- The horse riding lovers have the opportunity for exciting galloping along the Cretan sea in Georgioupoli and the countryside as well. A horse riding Centre organizes, early morning and evening ride at 3 different levels. You just need to make a reservation.
- Village “Verekinthos” is an arts and crafts village that stands between Souda & Tsikaland at the eastern gate of Chania and it aims to revive and sustain the arts which have been always an integral part of Cretan life and culture. At this same place there were many workshops producing pots (tsikalia), giving thus the name to the town and in the very same place nowadays is run silversmith’s and goldsmith’s as well workshops for ceramics, sculpture, glass making, hagiography, painting, masks, mosaic, leather, decorative objects, and traditional Cretan knives. Visiting hours 10.00-14.00 and 19.00-21.00 except Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
- Find more uplifting activities in Chania area.
House Rules
- Check-in: 16:00 -24.00 am
- Check out: 06.00 - 10.00 am
- Minimum Stay: 5-7 nights, depending on the season
- Early arrival and late departure will depend upon the availability of the villa at the time of arrival or departure. An additional fee may be applicable.
- Rates are for 14 persons and include all taxes, daily maid service (except for Sundays), towel & linen change twice per week, 24h concierge services, energy costs, central individually controlled air-conditioning, garden maintenance, swimming pool maintenance, wifi in all the interiors and in the swimming pool area, welcome basket.
- There is also 300 Euros surcharge (non-commissionable) for the pool heating (weekly rate) during the months that it cannot be heated from the sun. For reservations in April or October, the cost might be 400 Euros for weekly heating.
- Payment Policy:-
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required upon confirmation.
The balance will be paid 6 weeks prior to your arrival.
- Cancellation Policy:
For all cancellations, the 30% deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations received less than 45 days prior to arrival will be charged 50% of the cost of the entire stay.
Cancellations received between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival will incur a cost of 75% of the total stay.
Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to arrival incur 100% cost of the stay.
In case of a Non-show, or early departure, the cost of the entire stay, as originally booked and confirmed, will be charged.
If the dates of the booking require to be changed or amended, this may be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and cancellation charges may apply.
The villa owner will not accept any responsibility for any missed travel flights or connections.
MHTE: 1042Κ10003157501
How To Get There
Villa Oleander is located in Agios Onoufrios, in the Akrotiri peninsula, only 20 minutes far from the town of Chania in lovely Crete.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (9km) or Heraklion (151km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights from our partner website.
- By Sea
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 Port (18km). 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: Fully equipped kitchen to prepare your meals and enjoy them at large outside dining spaces with spectacular views.
- Internet Access: Free WiFi throughout all indoors areas and around the swimming pool
- Swimming Pool: Amazing large swimming pool (14,40 m x 4,10 m and 1.60 m depth) with a saltwater system and heated shower next to the swimming pool. There is also a 300 Euros surcharge for the pool heating (weekly rate) during the months that it cannot be heated from the sun. No children's pool.
- Spa Treatments: Massage & Spa Services on request
- Disabled Access: Not suitable
- Pets: Not allowed
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English
- Parking: Covered & uncovered parking space for more than 4 cars
- Maid service: Daily Maid Service (except for Sundays)
- Services upon request (extra charge): Airport transfers, Car rental, Dry cleaning-laundry, Grocery shopping delivered, Daily Change of linen, Fully catered Meals, Butler service, The services of a local cook preparing all meals delivered to the villa, Cooking Lessons, Massage & Spa services, Additional Maid Service or villa staffing, Babysitting, Doctor on call, Personal Trainers, Tennis Lessons/ Court time, Scuba diving & Snorkeling, Yacht Charters/ Sailing Charters. Horseback riding Excursions, historic tours, tailor-made visits, trekking tours, etc., Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting
