Villa Alabaster enjoys a superb location with uninterrupted sea views in the Falasarna area of Crete. The main attractions of Falasarna are its superb sandy beaches, its turquoise crystal clear sea and its ancient harbour. With its fabulous array of flora and fauna varieties, the enchanting Falasarna promises wonderful paradise beaches with glistening white sand and crystal clear water. There are several companies offering watersports including Falasarna Activities which offers wakeboard and jet ski tuition. At the northern end of the beach, there are ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Falasarna. Falasarna actually consists of five beaches with the main beach called Pachia Ammos. Livadi is another of the long beaches, a good choice for snorkelling. Livadi is surrounded by important wetlands with ponds and a wonderful array of bird life.
Like Falasarna, Elafonisi and Balos enjoy being on the list of the world’s top beaches. They are definitely must-visits. Elafonisi is connected by a sand bar to an island nature reserve with pink sands, wildflowers and unusual rock formations. There is no shade on the island but there are delightful little coves and pockets of sandy beach. It is home to more than one hundred rare plants including summer sea daffodils and winter-flowering Androcymbium rechingeri. You may see rare loggerhead sea turtles and you will definitely enjoy picture-perfect sunsets that will stay in your memory for a very long time. Due to its natural beauty, Elafonisi is often featured on postcards and posters. On the Gramvousa peninsula, in the protected ‘NATURA’ area of Balos Bay, Balos’ glistening white sand, rare species of flora and fauna and turquoise sea are incredible. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and ideal for snorkelling. Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nest in the caves and the area is a shelter for protected monk seal and loggerhead sea turtles. Balos can be reached by car or you can take a boat trip to the beach from Kissamos. North of Balos, in Cape Korykon, there are remains of the small Roman town of Agnio including the temple of Apollo and the picturesque chapel of Agios Sostis.
The bustling tourist resort of Kissamos sits on the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula and is within easy reach of the villa. Kissamos is also known as Kastelli Kissamou in reference to the former Venetian fortress that used to dominate the town. Kissamos boasts many traditional tavernas, bars and shops as well as stunning beaches. Surrounding the town are fertile olive groves and vineyards. The main beach is Mavros Molos which is sprinkled liberally with trees, sunbeds and parasols. The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos is located on the main square, Stratigou Tzanakaki, boasting an impressive collection of local discoveries from a wide range of historical eras. A little further north from the main port of Kissamos is the quaint, colourful Old Port of Kastelli Kissamou which is brimming with brightly coloured fishing boats, a photographer’s dream.
Platanias sits a little further along the coast, a large tourist resort which boasts electric bars and nightclubs. If you are looking for a late night out, it is probably the best place to head. Platanias is followed by the lively Agia Marina where you will find a gorgeous beach, glorious sunsets and excellent feasts at its many restaurants.
Roughly sixty kilometres from the villa and not to be missed is the charming and picturesque Old Town of Chania. Its atmospheric 14th-century Venetian harbour, old port, narrow, cobbled shopping streets, colourful bougainvillaea and waterfront and rooftop restaurants make this a top-notch evening out. The views from the harbour are breathtaking, especially at sunset with the Venetian lighthouse in the background.
Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe at sixteen kilometres which takes roughly six hours. For a shorter hike, you can drive to Chora Sfakion and take a boat to Agia Roumeli and walk a few kilometres at the end of the gorge. The Imbros Gorge is also very beautiful and takes approximately two hours. You can combine this walk with swimming at Fragokastelo Beach.
