Detailed review by MichaelGreenbaum
The southeast coast of Crete is agricultural and not developed for mass tourism. Here the weather remains good all year round, the Libian sea remains really warm until into January, and the beaches are used by only a few. The village of Myrtos (Mirtos) is 15 miles west of the market City of Ierapetra, and is linked by a bus service. From Ierapetyra there is a direct bus service to the airport at Iraklion (10 Euros.) Myrtos remains a traditional Cretian village with narrow streets, stonebuilt houses, tavernas along the shore where the fishermen argue, the farmers relax and the traveller can experiernce the calm of an relaxed way-of-life.
It's possible to stay in rooms with Greek families or at one of the two family run hotels, and my family have done both. However for the past three years we've chosen to rent an apartment at Villa Aliki, situated on hill above the beach and benefits from cooling breezes and simply stunning views in all directions. Villa Aliki is owned, designed, built and run by a former hippie from Holland, who knows very well what the independent traveller needs when he's grown too old to sleep out on the beach! The apartments have two bedrooms and a large kitchen/lounge, terraces and balconies to each room, hot water at all times (fairly rare in Greece,) air conditioning and ceiling fans, satellite TV and internet connection, mosquito nets on the windows and beds, full cooking facilities and dining arrangements indoors and outside, gardens, laundry and cleaning daily, and large spacious rooms.
We found that this Dutch expertise as to what an independent family needs to stay comfortably in a Cretian village a real asset, and the cost of an apartment by the week is a far better option than staying in a hotel, or even in rooms with a family.
Beach Hagia Fotia9
Ratings
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Size
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Cleanliness
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Features
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Room Condition
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It is difficult to find a fault to comment on. These apartments are not luxurious stuffed with unnecessary clutter but have everthing that a family needs to enjoy a stay in a Greek seaside village. There are even books and games, extra bedding, loads of towels, and a daily visit by a very efficient German lady doing the cleaning and laundry. The size and height of the rooms, the balconies and views, and excellent plumbing put Villa Aliki into a completey different league to what is on offer elsewhere in the village.
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Transportation Connection
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Night Life
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Quiet Location
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There is a regular bus service to Ierapetra which is well connected to the airport and the cities in the north. Taxis are available too Airport to Mirtos by bus costs 12 Euro, by taxi 60 Euro. The buses are comfortable and modern, and a break at Ag Nikolias makes for an easy journey.
The nightlife consists of chatting and eating in one of the tavernas or at a street restaurant.
Noise comes from only the church bells on Sunday, cocks crowing at dawn and the occasional barking dog
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General Condition
