Villa Aphaia
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Overview
Space, stunning views and lux living all come in lavish abundance at Villa Aphaia. This wonderful capsule of contemporary cool is the perfect abode for a spot to switch off and spend precious time with your multi-generational family or favourite friends.
Located in a quiet pocket of the Cretan countryside near the picturesque villages of Kokkino Chorio and Plaka and roughly twenty minutes from Chania, guests enjoy sensational views, not only of the crystal clear Cretan Sea but also of the dramatic White Mountains. The villa sits peacefully in the Apokoronas area. Close by are the charming seaside villages of Almyrida and Kalyves and the mountain villages of Vamos and Gavalochori. Kokkino Chorio sits on the Drapano Cape overlooking the magnificent Souda Bay. It is a very traditional Cretan village that was the setting for Zorba the Greek, the classic 1964 film. Plaka is nestled on the slopes of Mountain Drapanokefalas surrounded by lush greenery. A visit to Chania Old Town is a must! It is one of the most alluring, captivating towns of Crete boasting picturesque, narrow alleys draped with colourful bougainvillaea, a fabulous dining scene, atmospheric bars, the most amazing sunsets and gorgeous little boutiques lining its cobbled streets.
Villa Aphaia boasts light-flooded, laid-back chic interiors with ample living, dining and sleeping spaces. There are five gorgeous bedroom suites so it is the perfect choice to bring the generations together. This sprawling, dazzling property is enveloped by a vast terrace where you can enjoy a tipple or two as you bask in the golden hour sun, dine alfresco and swim or relax in the hot tub. The whole property is surrounded by smart landscaping and offers total seclusion and serenity. Overall, it is set in over 2000 sqm of landscaped terraces and gardens. Within, Villa Aphaia comes with clean lines and a cool vibe that encourages you to embrace the calm. It is chic, effortlessly stylish and oozes luxury. This villa offers a perfect blend of modern design and natural Cretan terrain, with the use of onyx, luxurious gold details, natural stone, Iroko decking and bespoke furniture and lighting throughout. The villa is built over three floors with every room offering spectacular sea views.
The open-plan living space enjoys wonderful contemporary furnishings, a 55-inch Smart TV and a chef’s dream of a kitchen with SMEG appliances, the perfect space to cook and dine with friends and family. For those who need to stay connected during their stay, the villa also features an office desk located in the cinema room which offers an even bigger Smart TV a Playstation 5. If you cannot find your youngsters in either of the pools or the hot tub, they are likely to be here!
Each of the five bedrooms features sumptuous beds, beautifully adorned with luxury linens, astonishing sea views, large balconies and private bathrooms. In two of the bedrooms, there is an option to have either a double or two single beds, making it ideal for families with children. The ensuite bathrooms are pristine, and beautiful and enjoy top-notch fittings.
Outside, the terrace boasts two heated swimming pools, one ideal for little ones, a jacuzzi where you can take a pampering dip with the most phenomenal views, a sunken lounge with a fire pit and an outdoor dining area with a barbecue where your barbecue masters can prepare a feast.
Villa Aphaia may well be the answer to your holiday dreams. This sensational, contemporary Cretan gem will send you home with magical holiday memories.
What you should know…
- The villa enjoys two pools, one of which is ideally suited to children
- Located in a quiet area just 20 minutes from Chania, the villa is easily accessible via a private road with a remote-controlled electric gate and offers parking space for at least seven cars
- Two of the bedrooms can be set up as double or with twin beds, ideal for children
Property Features
The Villa
Five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two of which can be set up as twins or doubles with private pool
Interior:
- 3 floors
- 3 Double bedrooms with en suites and large balconies
- 2 Double/or twin bedrooms with en suites and large balconies
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Living area
- Cinema room with desk
Exterior:
- Private Balcony or Terrace
- Outdoor Furniture
- Barbecue
- Sunbeds
- Umbrellas
- Jacuzzi
- Private Pool
- Outdoor pool
- Heated Pool
- Children's pool
Additional Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Microwave
- Oven
- Hob
- Kettle
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Smart TV’s
- Sound System
- Washing Machine
- Drying Machine
- Hair dryer
- Iron & Board
- Towels and linen
- Toiletries
- High Chair
- Baby Cot
- Car Park
- Safe
- Pool towels
- Midweek Cleaning
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Detectors
- Full air conditioning is independently controlled in every room
- Welcome pack
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa AphaiaVilla Aphaia enjoys a superb tranquil location with phenomenal sea views near the village of Kokkino Chorio. It is a small village situated in Apokoronas on the Drapano Cape, overlooking the magnificent Souda Bay. It got the name Red Village after the Ottoman Army massacred one hundred and fifty women and children there in 1821. Kokkino Chorio is a very traditional Cretan village with three churches, the main church being St Haralambos which is always in use and the churches of St George and St Catherine which are used on the Saints Days. If you think this beautiful village looks familiar that is because it is a film star! Kokkino Chorio was the setting for Zorba the Greek, the classic 1964 film (starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas and many locals) that laid the foundations for the tourist wave that swept onto Crete’s sun-soaked beaches.
The coastline northwest of the village is an extremely interesting place for a stroll due to the ground formation and the caves, such as the cave of Petsi. Another cave called Katalimata, located at the centre of the village is also an interesting site.
Plaka is a pretty traditional village which sits slightly closer to Chania. Along with its neighbouring villages Alymyrida and Kalyves, it belongs to the Vamos Municipality. It enjoys traditional character and charm with cafes and tavernas sprinkled over its beautiful main square. The local residents are busy with their farms and the production of olive oil, wine and raki. The nearest beach is Almyrida where you will enjoy the most spectacular sunsets. Plaka hosts a wonderful Cretan music festival called Plakiana at the end of July. In Plaka you enjoy spectacular scenery, amazing sea views and a vibrant holiday life.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby including Kalyves and Georgioupolis. Kiani Akti or the Blue Beach sits just 1km after Kalyves, a long peaceful beach connected to the River Kiliaris which sends cool water from the top of the White Mountains. Kera is a delightful sandy beach between Kalyves and Almyrida. A little further away on the Akrotiri peninsula, Tersana Beach enjoys tavernas, loungers, parasols and lovely fine sand. At the top of the hill, you will find the village of Chorafakia with its shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. Next door, is the beautiful beach of Kalathas, another Cretan wonder sprinkled with palm trees, loungers and parasols. There are several tavernas serving delicious traditional Cretan specialities and lots of seafood. A wonderful array of watersports are available.
Opposite Kalathas is a small island which you can easily reach by swimming. Marathi boasts two beaches, separated by a small pier. They are well protected from the winds and boast impressive views of the Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. Again there is a small island which can be reached by swimming with a small pine wood. The western coast of it is popular with scuba divers. Seitan Limania Beach, on the east coast of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of Crete’s most gorgeous hidden secrets. It is nestled in a canyon leading out to sea with cliffs on either side and the finest white sand reaching out to turquoise waters that turn to the deepest blue as it joins the sea. It is stunning!
Chania Old Town is absolutely gorgeous. It is brimming with charming narrow lanes lined with unique shops and wonderful restaurants. It boasts a brilliant dining scene, trendy bars serving delicious cocktails and its famous harbour. The old Venetian harbour offers an atmospheric location for romantic strolls and dinners. It was originally built by the Venetians between 1320 and 1356 and is now a vibrant, cosmopolitan spot. The Egyptian lighthouse is much photographed, especially at sunset. You can take a slow meander to the lighthouse to take in the stunning views of the harbour, Old Town with the majestic White Mountains in the background. On the waterfront, the Giali Tzamisi is the oldest Muslim building in Crete. The Turkish name is translated to ‘The Seaside Mosque’. It plays host to various cultural events and exhibitions. Be sure to book beforehand if you want a dinner table at the most prestigious restaurants.
You may also like to explore the mountain villages of Vamos and Gavalochori with its 18th-century vaulted mill and unique folklore museum. If you are heading to Vamos, you can take the road to Xerosterni village and Litsarda village to visit the beautiful cave ‘Daphne’ which is of great archaeological interest. The Elephant Cave is also close by.
The famous beaches of Balos, Elafonisi, Falasarna and Preveli are all worth the trip. Preveli Beach lies on the south coast of the island. Its name stands for a unique beach and a wild canyon. There are hundreds of palm trees lining the shore of this tumultuous mountain brook.
After the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the second most visited tourist attraction in Crete is the dramatic Samaria Gorge. It is the longest gorge in Europe and is definitely worth the drive. Within the White Mountain’s National Park, it rises to an altitude of 1,230m, is 150m at its widest point and 3m at its narrowest and continues down to Agia Roumeli on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The park and gorge offer protection to over four hundred and fifty species of plant and animal, of which seventy are endemic to Crete.
Local Amenities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Nearest Airport |
Chania International Airport
(34.6 km ) |
||
Nearest Ferry Port |
Port of Souda
(20 km ) |
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Nearest Town/City |
Chania
(30.4 km ) |
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Nearest Village |
Almyrida
(3 km ) |
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Nearest Beach |
Almirida Beach
(2.7 km ) |
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Nearest Restaurant |
Ioannis Taverna
(900 m ) |
||
Nearest Supermarket |
(1.3 km ) |
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesVilla Aphaia is a brilliant choice for a family holiday. The villa is very spacious and very luxurious. The outside space of the villa is brilliant with gorgeous gardens, two super pools and a jacuzzi. One of the seating areas comes with a trendy firepit that children love.
Koutalas Beach is nestled along the northern coast of Crete, approximately 20 kilometres west of Chania. The beach's charm lies in its natural beauty, as it remains largely unspoiled by commercialization. The clear waters gently lap against the pebble shore, creating a soothing ambience that's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and the lush greenery of the Cretan landscape, providing a sense of tranquillity and seclusion. The calm and clear waters of Koutalas Beach make it a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkelling. You can explore the underwater world and discover various marine life and rock formations.
The heart of Chania is its charming Old Town, a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colourful buildings and quaint shops. Strolling through this historic district, children can soak up the atmosphere and admire the Venetian and Ottoman architecture. The Old Town is perfect for leisurely walks and ice cream stops. For kids interested in history, the Chania Archaeological Museum is an excellent choice. It houses a collection of artefacts from ancient Crete, including pottery, sculptures, and jewellery, providing a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. Chania's Venetian harbour is a bustling hub with waterfront restaurants, shops, and a picturesque lighthouse. Children can enjoy watching the boats go by and might even spot some friendly fish swimming near the docks. There are lovely sunset boat trips when they get a chance to jump into the water. A serene oasis in the heart of the city, the Municipal Garden is a fantastic spot for kids to burn off some energy. It features playgrounds, a small zoo with animals and a peaceful park for picnics and relaxation. Located near the harbour, the Maritime Museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Crete. Children can explore the various exhibits, which include ship models, nautical equipment and historic artefacts.
A short drive from the villa, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete offers an exciting adventure for kids. It features a vast collection of plants, fruit trees and herbs. The park also houses various animals like goats and peacocks, making it an educational and entertaining experience for young visitors.
Located in nearby Hersonissos, Aquaworld Aquarium is a hit with kids. It's home to a variety of sea creatures, and there are opportunities for hands-on experiences like holding and feeding the animals.
For a thrilling afternoon out, you can visit the fun Limnoupolis Waterpark close to Chania. It boasts eleven exciting waterslides such as 100m giant slides, free fall slides, a black hole and triple twist slides, a kid’s pool and an artificial island. It also boasts a relaxing 130m lazy river, a huge swimming pool with a diving platform, a kiddie pool and a relaxation area.
A popular family excursion is a trip to Lake Kournas, Crete’s largest freshwater lake. It is fed by natural springs running off the Lefka Ori mountains. The water is 22m at its deepest and is a stunning turquoise colour. It is an excellent excursion with pedalos, lots of geese and terrapins and plenty of tavernas nearby. Close by is the Kanakis Olive Mill where you can learn all about the production of olive oil. You can taste the oil in the shop and pick up some souvenirs. You should also take a photograph of the 2000-year-old olive tree outside. Another trip within reasonable reach of the villa is the Minoan Palace of Knossos. It is known as Europe’s first city and dates from the Bronze Age.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Watersports
- Sailing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Heated Pool
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Security deposit | €1500 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
Arrival time | 16.00 |
Departure time | 10.00 |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
Security deposit | €1500 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
Arrival time | 16.00 |
Departure time | 10.00 |
Energy costs included? | Yes, included in rental price |
Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in rental price |
End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
Internet access? | Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access included in rental price. It is good to note that the speed is dependent on local provider and technical issues may cause reduced speed or cut of service. |
Pool heating charge? | €600 for heating for the swimming pool. This is offered upon request and is charged by the week, even if the booking might be for fewer days. (this is turned on 3 days prior to the guest arrival, in order for the pool to be heated upon arrival) |
Changeover day | Flexible |
Minimum stay | 5 nights - low/mid season 7 nights - high season |
Other Ts and Cs | Please note that on occasions, in Greece, extremes in weather can cause water and/ or electric supply to be cut or reduced. Services are normally restored as soon as possible. |
Pets welcome? | Not allowed |
Smoking Allowed? | Not permitted |
The Greek government requires owners to collect a Tourist Climate Tax, your property manager will collect this in cash:
March-October €15 per night per unit
November-February €4 per night per unit
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 10 people:
Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
---|---|---|
Dec 10th 2024 - Apr 1st 2025 | - | £10,098 |
Apr 1st 2025 - May 1st 2025 | £7,042 | £9,859 |
May 1st 2025 - Jun 1st 2025 | £7,764 | £10,869 |
Jun 1st 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £8,963 | £12,548 |
Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | - | £14,227 |
Sep 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £8,963 | £12,548 |
Oct 1st 2025 - Jun 13th 2026 | £7,764 | £10,869 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.