Villa Cedar is situated close to Paleochora on the south-west side of Crete. This side of the island is one of seclusion, well away from the big towns such as Chania and Heraklion and any hustle and bustle. As such, it makes an idyllic spot for a quiet and tranquil holiday. One of this area’s most prominent features are it’s golden, sandy beaches. Of course, at Villa Cedar, there is direct access to Gramenno beach, but there are also many others in the area such as Andydri, Volakas, Plakaki, Krios, Keratides, Elafonissi and Kedrodasos. Most of these are accessible by car, but some can only be accessed by hiking or by boat.
One of the main activities you can enjoy in this part of the island is to take a boat tour. The port town of Paleochora, just five minutes from Villa Cedar, offers some excellent day cruises. Some of the most popular include trips to the island of Gavdos, the stunning Loutro bay, and the white-pebbled beach of Marmara.
You’ll also find a host of outdoor activities to take part in such as walking and cycling. This region of Crete is well known for its gorges and its most famed is Samaria Gorge. It’s the largest gorge in Europe and is treasured for its beauty and diversity of wildlife. You’ll also find others such as Anydri, Agia Irini, and Aradena, and many different hiking paths and trails to explore.
Finally, is of course the Cretan food. Crete is well renowned for its healthy produce, much of which is grown on the island. There are a handful of fantastic restaurants within walking distance of Villa Cedar, while a further variety are within a short drive away. The village of Kountoura has some local taverns that cook great seafood and local dishes. There is also the port town of Palechora that has become more popular amongst both tourist and locals due its significant development. There are many restaurants, bars, markets, and shops to discover in this wonderful port town.