About this property
Sitting in a gorgeous position on the hillside of Aptera village with fabulous, panoramic sea views, Villa Amalia is ideal for a family or group of friends wanting to enjoy a peaceful holiday in Crete. Aptera’s famous ancient archaelogical site is 2.5 km from the villa and it is only a fifteen minute drive to the charming Old Town of Chania. The unique position of this homely, traditional villa means that you will experience the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets during your stay. Villa Amalia offers three bedrooms and an unusual design with two living areas and two kitchens. The gardens are mature and lovely and the pool is set in a fabulous spot.
The village of Aptera is a five minute drive from the tranquil sandy beaches at Kalami and ten minutes from the idyllic Kalives with its waterside tavernas, cafes and shops. The beautiful Almaridia Beach is fifteen minutes away, roughly the same distance as Chania’s not-to-be-missed Venetian harbour. Chania Old Town is one of the most alluring, captivating towns of Crete. With picturesque, narrow alleys draped with colourful bougainvillea, a fabulous dining scene, atmospheric bars, the most amazing sunsets and gorgeous little boutiques lining the cobbled streets, you will quickly lose your heart and want to return time and time again. Aptera is an ideal spot to explore the surrounding countryside, to visit ancient archaeological sites and to visit the idyllic beaches of western Crete.The beautiful town of Rethymno and the spectacular Samaria Gorge are also within easy reach and the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos are roughly one and a half hours away. Aptera itself is home to three tavernas, two cafes and a handy mini market.
Villa Amalia enjoys modern facilities throughout with a slightly rustic feel. The main entrance is on a raised ground floor where you will discover the main living areas enjoying a fabulous view. The space is open plan in design with a traditional wooden kitchen tucked in a corner to the right as you come in. The living space is charming with a sofa and chairs facing towards the sea. There is a formal dining space and a breakfast table in the kitchen area. Two sets of doors open to a large balcony where you can enjoy alfresco dining with a view.
Marble stairs lead you down to the garden level where you will discover a second kitchen with a breakfast bar, a second, colourful living area with a feature fireplace, a bathroom and one of the bedrooms, a peaceful double. Doors open from the living area to a shaded alfresco lounge area, the garden and the pool.
The remaining two bedrooms are situated on the first floor. The master bedroom offers a king-size bed, an attractive wooden vaulted ceiling, fabulous sea views and access to a furnished balcony, the perfect spot for your morning cup of coffee. The twin bedroom also enjoys access to a furnished balcony. The first floor is home to a family bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi bath.
The outside space at Villa Amalia is delightful with mature gardens, a beautiful saltwater pool with a separate children’s section, a built-in barbecue area and a shaded alfresco dining area. The swimming pool is surrounded by lawned gardens and stunning views.
Villa Amalia enjoys a delightful, quiet spot in the village of Aptera in north western Crete. Aptera is also known as Megala Chorfia. Wild flowers bloom along narrow roads and shepherd’s tend to their flocks in the fields surrounding the village. There are some lovely amenities and only fifteen minutes away is the fabulous, bustling town of Chania. The archaeological remains of ancient Aptera dating from the Minoan and Roman times are located just outside the village and beyond this is a Turkish castle which is perched strategically on the headland overlooking the sea.
Just along from Aptera is Souda, the second biggest port of Crete. In the middle of the bay is a small islet of the same name with a beautiful Venetian castle standing in its centre. The idyllic beaches of Kalami, Kalives and Almaridia are all very close to the villa and you can easily head onto the Akrotiri peninsula to explore that.
Known as the Venice of the East, Chania Old Town is magical with unique shops lining its cobbled streets, a brilliant dining scene, trendy waterfront bars serving delicious cocktails and its famous Venetian harbour and imposing lighthouse. The harbour 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, the Old Town and the backdrop of the majestic White Mountains. 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. One visit will not be enough!
In the opposite direction, Rethymno is roughly forty minutes away and definitely worth a visit. You will rewarded by its history, the delicious local wine, its waterfront tavernas and its stunning beaches. In the old quarter, the buildings date back to the 16th century and its pretty, cobbled streets and stamp-sized piazzas are lined with restaurants and unique shops. The Venetian styled harbour is beautiful and is overlooked by the castle. The nearby beach resorts of Bali, Agia Galini, Plakias and Adelianos Kampos are gorgeous. The historical monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are very popular visits.
Following the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the second most visited tourist attraction in Crete is the dramatic and imposing Samaria Gorge. It sits at the foothills of the White Mountains and is the longest and most famous gorge in Europe. 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. This includes the rare kri-kri which are wild goats.
If you get time to visit Balos Beach, you will remember it forever. In the protected ‘natura’ area of Balos Bay, its glistening white sand and turquoise sea is incredible. Not far away is another Cretan wonder, Falasarna, another nestled lagoon with pool like waters and pink sand. It has been awarded the best beach of Crete and one of the top ten beaches in Europe.
Accommodation
The Villa
Villa Amalia is a 3-bedroom villa sleeping 6 guests, located in the quiet village of Aptera, just a 20-minute drive from the bustling Chania.
Garden Level
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Bedroom with double bed
- Family shower room
Ground Floor
- Living & dining area with patio doors on to the balcony
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Cloakroom
First Floor
- Master bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Familly bathroom with Jacuzzi bath
Exterior Grounds
- Private saltwater swimming pool
- Built-in barbecue
- Lawned area
- Seating area
- Table tennis
- Sun loungers
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditoning
- TV
- Washing machine
- Parking