Villa Limani

Rooms

The villa spans two floors. The styling is effortlessly cool, with floor-to-ceiling windows, neutral decor and pops of colour from paintings and fabrics. The ground floor comprises a double bedroom with an ensuite shower room (note: the wall is all-glass so not so good for the body conscious!), a smart kitchen, and a contemporary living room with a sound system and Chromecast for streaming Netflix.

From the living room, an open, glass-panelled staircase leads up to two further bedrooms. One is a double with a kingsize bed, the other can be a double or a twin. They share a good-sized family bathroom with a bath and rainshower, and they each have direct access to the upper terrace, which overlooks Souda Bay.

Yet despite all this, you're more likely to be spending your time outdoors here. And what an outdoors it is! Sliding doors from the kitchen and living room lead directly onto a vast shaded terrace with lounge seats and a swimming pool. There’s a separate outdoor kitchen with a fireplace, plus endless gardens planted with fruit trees, herbs and olive groves to explore.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Microwave
• WiFi

Eating

The kitchen has smart, white/grey units, a big picture window overlooking the back garden, and Siemens appliances. It’s well equipped with a ceramic cooking plate, built-in oven, fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher, and dining table seating six. Sliding doors lead to the outdoor kitchen with further seating, a sink and a gas barbecue. A welcome hamper with local produce and breakfast items is provided. For stocking up on more supplies, the nearest supermarket is in Vamos (1.2km).

For eating out, there are some lovely, rustic tavernas in the area. Rudi and Nancy recommend Resto’s, which serves typical Cretan dishes using produce from their garden, along with homemade olive oil, wine and raki. For live music (on selected days), try Parasia in Vamos (pre-booking advised).

If you’re in the market for fresh seafood, head to the waterfront tavernas on the coast. If you’re after excellent homecooking and classic Greek hospitality, avoid the coast and try inland villages instead - speak to the owners for their recommendations (they’re big foodies!).

Features include:

• Microwave

Activities

• Hit the beach. Kalyves and Almyrida (good for sailing) are the closest (10-15 mins). If you’re heading in the opposite direction, Georgioupolis (20 mins) is great for windsurfing.
  
• Or for even better beaches, drive to Akrotiri (the north section of Chania). Seitan Limania beach is difficult to access but has stunning blue waters, Stavros beach is where Zorba the Greek was filmed, and Marathi beach has a small fishing harbour and several nice seafood restaurants. Take your snorkels or go diving.
  
• Explore the landscape around Villa Limani on foot or by bicycle. Rudi and Nancy provide details for 10 walking trails from your door that weave through the area’s impressive gorges. Guides can also be arranged.
  
• Or head into the White Mountains to hike the legendary Samaria Gorge (May-October).
  
• Go wine tasting in Sellia (2km) or olive oil tasting in Tzivaras (5 mins' drive).
  
• Learn how to make local dishes at a cookery class in Vamos.
  
• Visit Saint George Monastery, located just outside of Vamos. The building was originally a Venetian olive oil factory before being transformed into an Islamic monastery by the Ottomans when they invaded Crete.
  
• Don't miss Chania's gorgeous old town (30 mins' drive): set around a Venetian harbour, its pedestrian alleys are lined with boutiques and bars; the covered market is a cornucopia of health-giving herbs and cheeses, and its Archaeological Museum is the area's best.

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Surfing
• Windsurfing

Kids

Families are very welcome at Villa Limani. There's plenty of space for little ones to roam, though not so much in the way of facilities. Youngsters will love the large swimming pool, pétanque pitch and spacious gardens for playing in, and there's satellite TV with streaming services indoors.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The two bedrooms on the upper floor can be interconnected. They share a bathroom and a terrace with spectacular views. One of these rooms can be setup as a twin. Baby cots are available on request.

Cots Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 45 mins
• Hospital: 40 mins
• Supermarket: 5 mins

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Villa Limani is located in the Apokoronas area on Crete's northwest coast. It's near the village of Vamos, around half an hour from Chania.

By Air:
Chania (34km away) is the closest airport. It's served by daily flights from Athens year-round, and by charter flights from across Europe in summer. There's also an airport at Heraklion, 111km to the east.

From the Airport
You'll need to hire a car to reach the villa and to make the most of the area.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.