Villa Ying is just a short walk from the tavernas and small shops of the village of Koutouloufari, a characteristic Cretan village which overlooks the vibrant port town of Hersonissos on the east side of Crete. It’s nestled in the tree-lined hillside and is renowned for its excellent traditional tavernas and stone architecture. Look out for Souvlaki and Moussaka dishes, as well as after-dinner cocktails and crepes. Choose an outdoor seat and watch the world go by. The setting provides a quiet and romantic atmosphere with the mountain-side view of Hersonissos town and coastline.
To quench your culture thirst, you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and old Cretan houses, stop for an iced coffee in one of the many cafes or browse the quaint gift and souvenir shops. The old church of Agios Vassilios (St Basil) is also worth a visit or you could go for a walk around the sleepy neighbouring villages of Piskopiano and Ano Hersonissos. Remember every evening finishes with raki.
Hersonissos, the livelier cosmopolitan town is a short drive away. There you’ll find a vibrant nightlife and a multitude of shops. It is also within a short drive of some of the loveliest beaches in Crete. There are three popular family-friendly beaches to choose from, plus a handful of smaller, sandy coves that hug the rockier parts of the coastline. Nearby beaches include Kokkini Hani, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. You could also jump on a boat trip to Dia or Dragon island, so called because it’s shaped like a sleeping dragon. Some boat tours stop for swimming and snorkelling and provide a barbecue-style lunch.
The Region
On the northern coast, the thriving city of Heraklion is the perfect destination for visitors wishing to learn all about Crete’s incredible history whilst soaking up the hospitality and vibrancy of the island’s impressive capital.
Heraklion is also a wonderful gateway to the charming coastal village of Agia Pelagia, the popular resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves, the nightlife of Malia as well as the stunning landscapes of the Psiloritis Natural Park.
The city’s heritage dates back thousands of years, as can be seen just south of Heraklion at the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Knossos, once the centre of Minoan civilisation. Keen historians should also visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and Historical Museum of Crete.
Meanwhile, back in Heraklion’s old town, admire stunning views as you stroll along the Venetian fortifications dating back to the time when the island was under Venetian rule, then look out for beautiful architecture from the Ottoman Empire.
Shopping in Heraklion is a delight. Pick up Cretan delicacies at the bustling Central Market, then explore the heart of the old town with narrow lanes and grand squares, coming across little shops, boutiques and historic churches as well as cafes, restaurants and bars. In the height of the summer, embrace the city’s wonderful ambience with café terraces, outdoor theatre and bars and clubs near the waterfront.
Enjoy the hearty cuisine of Heraklion where traditional dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as dakos salad made with Cretan tomatoes, feta and olive oil or slow-cooked stamnagathi with wild greens from the island. Grilled octopus, Cretan fish soup and other seafood specialities are served with pride in tavernas and restaurants across the region.
Head to the family-friendly shores of Ammoudara beach with its blue-flag, sun-beds and beachside bars, also a popular spot for kite-boarding. A little further west is the picturesque fishing village of Agia Pelagia with another gorgeous beach, turquoise coloured water and tavernas overlooking the sea.
Venturing east instead, the popular tourist resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves offer long sandy shores, summer sun-beds and a wealth of watersports as well as waterparks, boat trips, cafes, restaurants and bars. Nor forgetting the nightlife and beaches of Malia as well as the Minoan Palace of Malia, not far from the idyllic Potamos Beach.
