About this property
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.
Villa 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.
Accommodation
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