Why we like it:
cozy
village houses, quaint & pretty, in the island's best looking
village
OUR REVIEW
There is something special about waking up in a small
stone house in the centre of everything a village has to offer. Arhanes is one of
the best kept villages in Crete in an area rich in history and
well-stocked with archaeological interest and fine views.
These three houses form a walled garden in the village, tucked in the
middle of other old village houses, they have been
recreated to provide all the comfort and facilities that make a simple
village house bring a smile to those who dwell within.
Furnished with simple antique-style furniture.
Walk up the narrow donkey-width street that leads away from the houses and a
gyros kebab awaits, two steps more is the small but rewarding Archanes archaeological
museum. A few paces down the street passing a mix of local and unexpected shops
you are in the square where on a Sunday, the aroma of freshly grilling
lamb and the sparkle of conversation waft in competition with each other
as you choose which restaurant to settle down at and order a feast or a
snack or a glass of wine.
Walk the steep paved streets, the houses competing with flowers
and plants spilling over and providing colour and cheer.
You are in the most convenient village to stay in if you would like to
be near Knossos which is but 10 minutes away by car. Vathypetro in
the countryside to the south of Arhanes is another find and the site
bears witness to the large amount of ancient remains around.
Do you feel a thirst for wine? This is one of the increasingly
successful wine-growing regions of Crete with many local wines showing
up with courage and growing pedigree on the world stage.
THE HOUSES/MAISONETTES Avra: Two-storey maisonette (80m2). Downstairs is the living room with fireplace, sofa,
terracotta-style
floor tiles, kitchen, bathroom with shower and WC. Staircase to first
floor bedroom - attic style sloping ceilings, double bed, wardrobe,
two windows and French doors to large balcony terrace. Ground floor
veranda. Ideal for 2 people (up to 4). Drosostalida: Two-storey maisonette (80m2). Ground
floor living room with fireplace, kitchen (with dishwasher) and
bathroom. Wooden staircase rises and opens into the bedroom with
double bed, wood attic ceiling and views from the large balcony. Ideal
for 2 people (up to 4). Zefyros: Two-storey maisonette (146m2), with 3
bedrooms. Living area, kitchen and WC downstairs. On the first floor there
is a bathroom and
three bedrooms - one with double bed, one with two single beds and the
last room has just a single bed, then the main bathroom. Bedrooms have
wood ceilings and air conditioning. The double bedded room leads to a
large balcony. There is also a terrace at ground level.
Sleeps up to 5 people.
IN ALL HOUSES
Air conditioning, heating, fully equipped kitchens, terrace balconies,
fireplaces.
DISTANCES
14 km from centre of Heraklion, 15 km from Heraklion airport, 45 km
from Crete Golf Club, 33 km from beaches on the north coast.
1 November to 20 December '09 & 7 January
to 11 April '09
12 April to 14 June '09 &
16 September to 31 October '09
21 December '09 to 6 January '10
& 15 June to 15 September '09
1-bedroom Maisonette
(2 people)
93.75 euros
131.25 euros
168.75 euros
3-bedroom Maisonette
(4 people)
156.25 euros
231.25 euros
306.25 euros
Additional adult
25.00 euros
25.00 euros
25.00 euros
Additional child
(6-12 years)
18.75 euros
18.75 euros
18.75 euros
Additional child
(0-6 years)
free
free
free
Rates are per maisonette, per night.
They include air conditioning, heating, firewood and all taxes.
Breakfast is optional, at 10.00 euros/person per day extra.
MINIMUM STAY: 2-5 nights, depending on season.