Maleme holiday villa: Maleme, Chania, Crete, Greece

Our family - seven persons aged from 1 – 60 years old – spent one week in villa Helios,Maleme in june 2008. It was a wonderful holiday in a beautiful and very well equipped house – and with the most charming and helpful host/hostess in Maria and Michael. We had not expected such helpfulness and warmth, and it surely made a pleasant week even more perfect.

The house was nice, clean, very well equipped and the pool and garden was excellent. With the beach so near (100 m) we spent a lot of time swimming there or playing in the pool, and we went for walks in the hills above Maleme or went for shopping in Chania. Everybody enjoyed the stay – from the baby boy to the adults, and we could have stayed much longer. A week was too short a time.
Thanks to Maria and Michael for being so helpful and friendly and thereby making our stay so pleasant.

I've never written a review for a vacation home we've rented, but in this case I must make an exception. As the other reviews attest to, Villa Helios is a true gem and our hostess and host Mary and Michael K. are exceptionaly gracious and made our stay truly memorable.

We rented for about 10 days in early October 07 and the weather was perfect. (about 25 degrees C and sunny except for one day when it rained)
The villa was spacious and clean and the location was ideal no matter what you like to do: relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, bicycle, shop, hike in the mountains, or explore the west coast beaches. (You do know that Falarsanna on the west coast is rated as one of the best beaches in the world?!)

The ages in our group were 63(Dad), 53(Mom), 18(our daughter), 18 (her friend) and 12 (our daughter).
Given the range of ages in our group you would think that it would be impossible to satisfy everyone, but this wasn't the case. My husband could relax by the pool or join us for a drive to the INCREDIBLE west coast beaches. We took a drive in the mountains while the 18 year olds went shopping in Chania after working on their sun tans. There's a bus that passes by about a block from the villa and goes directly to Chania so it's very convenient. I'm the restless type so I rented a bike and early in the morning I'd explored a bit on my own before the rest of the gang got moving. (Don't miss the the historic sites from WWII).

I think our youngest was happiest of all (despite her being stuck with her parents) and she keeps asking when we'll be going back to Crete. It won't be this year, but hopefully it will be in the not too distant furture. Efaristo once again, Mary and Michael!

I must admit that we were a little apprehensive about the villa before we arrived based on my experiences of Greece from my youth, but its amazing how times have changed. What a wonderful property and equally engaging owners in Maria and Michael. The property wasn’t quite as described, as their description doesn’t do it justice! Lots of space, wonderfully maintained, very well equipped, fantastic private gardens and pool. Starting the day each morning with fresh fruit, honey and yoghurt and sat outside by the pool, what more do you need to start a relaxing day?

The pool is a good size and we couldn't keep our teenage boys out! The only times they were disappointed on the whole holiday was when the pool had to be cleaned!

The Villa is ideally located for local shops and restaurants but to get the best out of Crete you will need a car. Maria has lots of wonderful ideas for places to see. Maleme is away from all the hustle and bustle of Chania but it remains only a short drive away in the car when you need it! The best of both worlds!

Fully recommended.