Reviews of Property: Yiannis Cottage with Pool, is set in a picturesque position in W Crete

My fiance and me had the chance to spend a wonderful week in Spilia.
We found such a nice cottage with any needful things in there. It's for sure the best thinkable place to relax from daily stress and everyday stuff.
We'd like to say "Thank you" again for the hospitality we found there in Crete...

Best wishes to Katerina, Yiannis and Manolis

Nadine + Peter

PS:See you next year....

We had a wonderful holiday at Yiannis Cottage. We were made to feel incredibly welcome by Yiannis, Katerina and their son, Manolis. Important to mention that the hassle of travel connections was removed by Manolis arranging car hire for us from Heraklion airport (often the easiest airport to fly to from London, despite being at the other end of Crete to the villa). The villa is even more lovely than the pictures. Perfect for a couple - spacious and comfortable and Yiannis' garden was the icing on the cake. Yiannis and Katerina were great hosts - just the right amount of help without ever being intrusive. If you play your cards right, you might even get a fishing trip with Yiannis on his boat. We were looking for a secluded, chilled two weeks away from London, yet near enough to beaches, towns and things to explore. We found everything that we were looking for - Yiannis cottage couldn't have been any more perfect!

I'm still buzzing from a fantastic time in Crete. I find it hard to fault Yiannis Cottage, the hospitality of the owners and their organisational skills.
The car was waiting for us as we got off the ferry from Athens and it was picked up as we boarded the ferry a week later. The car was essential.
The instructions were very clear on how to find the cottage and Yiannis was there to greet uswhen we arrived.
We had arranged with the owners to take along our two young children and an extra fold out bed had been made up ready.
The photos in the advert are very good but in reality we had a bit more sun and the beaugonevilla is much more vivid. The pool was great - hard to get out of when it is 35c at 11 0'clock in the morning! It was very well maintained.
There is a good information pack which gives lots of good ideas for excursions and exploring.
Chania is a very picturesque harbour with many tavernas and shops for holiday shopping. Only 1/2 an hour in the car.
We baked ourselves at the lagoons of Ballos (a boat trip to get there) and Elafonisi. The water was crystal clear and we found an octopus while snorkelling!
There is a great water park just outside Chania which is a bit expensive but lots of fun. Take a picnic - the food and beer is expensive too.
Driving in the mountains is exciting with lots of vine covered tavernas to stop at to let your nerves settle.
We would liked to have walked the Samaria Gorge but it was closed due to the heat ( over 40c on some days).
Because we were there in the last week in July, water activities played a big part in the holiday. The lovely pool probably featured most.

Our three-member- family visited Crete (Hania) about eight years ago. At that time we stayed at an apartment hotel near Hania.

This time we wanted something else.

Internet helped us to choose Yiannis Cottage at Spilia (also in western Crete, near Kolymvari). Their websites were clear and accurate. Upon the arrival the cottage and garden was according to websites just like we expected.

We also hired a car. Cottage owners had on our request arranged the car ready at the Hania airport. By email they had sent detailed introductions how to find the cottage. It is about an hour's journey from Hania airport to the Yiannis Cottage at Spilia.

Owners had brougt something to eat and drink ready for us at the cottage and later we got a big bag of oranges and mandarins to eat or make fresh juice. It was a delight to taste Yiannis's olive oil and wine. They also treated us to a cup of coffee at their own house. We felt us to be wellcome.

It's worth of asking Manolis good fish tavernas nearby. Cretan food is delicious ! Food is better outside from the crowded tourist areas. On our both trips to Crete we have also visited Captain Feidias's Taverna at Sfinari (down at the beach) at our journey back from Elafonisi.

Hania is naturally worth of visiting, also beaches nearby. If you are interested in history or wandering, Crete has much to offer.

If you take a boat from Kastelli-Kisamos to Gramvusa and Balos be particular aware of burning sun and fresh wind.

We have already recommend Yiannis Cottage to a friend and our teen-aged would had liked to stay at the cottage for an other week like we parents.