Iliopetra Studios and Maisonettes

Tucked away down a narrow lane at the edge of the attractive village of Douliana, this charming cluster of studios and apartments offers a combination of all the elements required for a relaxing holiday: a peaceful location overlooking beautiful countryside, with some excellent terrain for walking on your doorstep, but also easy access by car to fine sandy beaches, to traditional local villages such as Vamos, and a little further afield, to the Venetian harbour towns of Chania and Rethymnon. In recent years, Douliana has justifiably become a popular spot for holiday homes, but whilst there are now a number of new villas between Iliopetra and the village centre it still retains its authentic Cretan charm.

Iliopetra has been built in traditional style, with a liberal use of the local stone, and the interiors have all been furnished with a combination of tradition and modern comfort. Each of the five large studios and three maisonettes has air conditioning, kitchens with fridges, hobs and small ovens, as well as bathrooms with half-baths, shower attachments, stylish vanity units and full-length mirrors. The single-storey studios are large enough to sleep three in comfort with twin beds and a sofa bed, whilst the maisonettes will each sleep four with two sofa beds in the large downstairs living room and twin beds in the upstairs bedroom.

The balconies all have patio furniture and are an ideal spot for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or evening aperitif whilst gazing over the olive groves to the sea just a few of kilometres away or watching the local flocks of sheep return to their pens for the night.

The nearest beach at Kera is approximately 2 km away along a winding track, and just beyond that you will find the laid-back beach resorts of Almeritha and Kalives, each boasting a good range of tavernas and mini-markets. If even that seems too far to drive, there is a large swimming pool complete with sunbeds in the centre of the grounds, which are prettily terraced and enclosed with more local stone.

Even dining out is no effort here as a few yards to the side of Iliopetra an old stone house serves as the local taverna serving delicious, home cooked food to enjoy under the trees in their extensive garden. Guests at Iliopetra have the advantage of being able to indulge in as much local wine and ‘raki’ as they care to with only the shortest stroll home to worry about. For those wishing to dine in their apartment there is a mini-market at the end of the lane and there is a small traditional kafenion in the village square. Just a little further is another village taverna for those who like to ring the changes.