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SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views

SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views

Photo gallery for SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views

Outdoor dining
Courtyard
Courtyard
Courtyard
Balcony

Overview of SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views

Reviews
9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 460 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Anatoli Ierapetra, Crete
  • Popular LocationIerapetra Beach31 min drive
  • Popular LocationVoulisma Beach41 min drive
  • Popular LocationIstro Beach42 min drive
  • AirportHeraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)89 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views

This DESIGN HOUSE part of DOROVINIS COUNTRY HOUSES, has the personal air and character of a leisure home of the Cretan countryside, capturing panoramic views to the sea.
Artistically restored and furnished with stylish furniture, it combines the lost qualities of traditional home architecture with modern facilities and luxury.

The house is 60m2 with a 17m2 courtyard and a 45m2 top terrace, accommodating up to 4 persons.

It is laid out in one level, with its back facade (where the main entrance gate) towards the old market street and two other facades looking towards east and the sea. . An exterior stone stair leads to the top terrace with panoramic views to the sea.. In front of the house extends another village house in ruins (in a lower level), mixing up antiquity with today’ s life.

The house comprises two main rooms, separate kitchen and a bathroom (with shower). There is one double bedroom and one large, oblong sitting room with fireplace and an eating corner, furnished with a stylish couch that easily converts into a double bed. The kitchen is fully equipped with a four ring electric plate and an oven, a refrigerator-freezer, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster, electric kettle etc.

The village of ANATOLI holds its written history from Venetian times, although Byzantine chapels, in and around it, denote a much earlier origin. It has retained its medieval architectural character and its rich natural environment, while it is at close distance to some of the most beautiful, sandy, blue flag beaches of southeastern Crete. At 600m altitude it captures fantastic views to the sea while being surrounded by the olive groves, typical of the Cretan landscape, gigantic rock formations and natural spring waters. At 12 km the city of IERAPETRA offers all facilities and activities of a big city (shops, supermarkets, banks, doctors, water front esplanade with restaurants and cafes, archaeological Collection, organized beach etc),while the cosmopolitan city of AGIOS NICOLAOS (capital of the prefecture) is just at 20km
Daily cultural excursions to archaeological sites, Byzantine and Venetian monuments, churches and chapels and natural places of outstanding beauty can be combined with swimming to these beautiful beaches, all supported by picturesque taverns.
WHERE TO SWIM: Sandy beaches extend either to the northeast (the gulf of Mirabello), or to the southeast (Libyan Sea). At Kalo Chorio (ancient site “Istron”) are found two of the most famous beaches of Crete with azure waters, “Voulisma” and “Agios Panteleymon”, while east of Ierapetra extend kilometers of sandy beaches and small sea gulfs, among which the best are Agia Galini (next is Kakkos Bay Hotel, laid out in another beautiful gulf and open to the public), Agia Fotia, Ferma, Psaropoula, Koutsounari etc.
On the other side of Ierapetra the village of Myrtos offers also a beautiful, sandy beach. Beyond Myrtos extend very interesting places to visit and swim, up to Keratokampos, with beautiful, calm Cretan landscape and isolated beaches (no villages or towns around).
You should not miss a day trip to Chrissi Sand Island (the Golden Sand beach), the most renowned beach island (no building activities are allowed) in Crete. Natural environment of exceptional beauty, beach with sand and azure waters . Boat schedules from the port of Ierapetra.
SIGHTSEEING:This part of Crete has some of the most renowned monuments you should not miss on your first visit, together with others, representatives of the rich island’ s history..
Archaeological sites is ZAKROS (the fourth palatine site of Minoan Crete) set in beautiful landscape with the seashore picturesque village of Nea Zakros, for swimming and eating.
HELLENISTIC CITY OF LATO flourished during classical and Hellenistic periods, is located on the outskirts of Agios Nicolaos, where you can admire the model of planning of an archaic Greek city, also recognizable in Roman cities, and depicted, as prevailing idea in cities through ages (ex. Regency Street, London as an attractive city spine with monuments and economic activities).
On the way to Lato, stop at the Byzantine Church of PANAGIA KERA considered a unique monument of its kind in Crete, all frescoed from 13th to 14th century, depicting the techniques towards renaissance, before the style was transferred to the West with the fall of Constantinople.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF GOURNIA and MALLIA
MONI TOPLOU, frescoed medieval monastery dating from the 14th century, and important castle stronghold during Venetian times. From there you can swim in VAI BAY one of the most famous shores of Crete, with fine sand and Palm trees, and visit ITANOS, the last eastern city of Minoan times, with ideal port location for exchanges with Anatolia and Egypt.
The PSYCHRO or DIKTAION CAVE is an impressive cave and archaeological site, located at the Lassithi Plateau, near the village of Psychro. It contains a Minoan to Archaic period sanctuary of Zeus, who according to mythology was born there, before being taken to the Ideon Cave and nurtured by the goat Amaltheia. A 15 min stepped walkway or donkey ride will bring you to the entrance of the cave, while it is worth visiting some of the villages of the Plateau, like St. George, St. Constantine and also Psychro.
MILATOS CAVE- a modern history cave, now a place of memory, where 3000 locals took refuge during Turkish occupation, to be executed after its seize.
MATALA CAVES-very famous place, ideal for swimming
SPINALOGA CASTLE ISLAND from Venetian times, now an open air museum .
For nature lovers don't miss an excursion to the Gorges of SARAKINA (between the villages of Anatoli and Malles) and KRITSA, the forest of SELAKANO (west of Anatoli). In Anatoli 3 walking paths start from different points of the village-marked with signs and charts- leading to the fields of the locals, that used to cultivate till recently, and with miniature chapels for their protection and worship while working there. All walking paths pass through landscapes of natural beauty.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS-COLLECTIONS OF AGIOS NICOLAOS (important) and IERAPETRA (a collection of sarcophagus only but worth visiting).

Property manager

Ioanna Dorovinis

Languages

English, French, Greek
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Sea view

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please shut off water heater, air condition and lights every time you leave the house/electricity is extremely expensive in Greece
Upon departure please leave the key inside the alcove of the stone wall, in the courtyard just opposite the door of the living room

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 00001780839

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ierapetra

Located in Ierapetra, this holiday home is by the sea. Folk Museum and Lasinthos Eco Park are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Ierapetra Venetian Fort and Gournia Archaeological Site. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and mountain climbing.
Map
Anatoli Ierapetra, Crete

What's nearby

  • Ierapetra Beach - 31 min drive
  • Voulisma Beach - 41 min drive
  • Istro Beach - 42 min drive
  • Koutsounari Long Beach - 47 min drive
  • Chrissi Island - 71 min drive

Getting around

  • Sitia (JSH) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mama's Soul Kitchen - 16 min drive
  • Casablanca - 17 min drive
  • Avra Cafe Gelateria - 20 min drive
  • G Spot - 19 min drive
  • Boheme Cafe Restaurant - 17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is SMARAGDA ART COUNTRY HOUSE a lovers nest or family resort, spectacular sea views located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of Ierapetra Archaeological Museum, Ierapetra Beach and Ierapetra Venetian Fort. Belegrina is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Hazel G.

An enjoyable stay!
Smaragda is a tiny, cosy house, very clean, well maintained and well equipped. The rooftop terrace is perfect for warmer days, with a panoramic view of the village and the sea. Ioanna, the owner, was very helpful with many kind recommendations for places to visit and places to eat. The village is picturesque and quiet, with friendly residents. There are good walks nearby, including one to a monastery chapel with medieval frescoes (about 2km from Anatoli). Anatoli is an excellent base from which to explore the eastern part of Crete. The surrounding country, above the crop-growing areas, is beautiful, unspoilt and full of wildflowers.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Francesca B.

A little gem
We stayed at Smaragda for two weeks in late August, we were a couple. We loved the property. It was just the right mixture of off the beaten track and close enough to civilisation if you wanted to take part. The property itself is in a small village, 15 minutes drive up a mountain, with spectacular views. The beauty being that after the very hot day, it would be cool enough to get a break from the heat. Our time spent in this part of Crete was visiting local places of interest and towns; the many blue flag beaches nearby; sampling the very good food at various Tavernas. The list is endless and we were never stuck for something to do. Ioanna, the owner would regularly inform us of tourism tips, which made us feel very well looked after. Ioanna has created a beautiful property, inside and out, with great attention to detail. We had the choice of sitting upstairs on one deck, overlooking the beautiful coast, or sitting outside downstairs. And for the very hot times, always a sun umbrella. The property is well supplied, we were able to make simple meals bought using produce bought locally. In the local area - we were very near quite a large town, Ierepetra - there are a lot of supermarkets; bakeries and fishmongers. By the end of the two weeks knew them all quite well. The choice is very good. I would highly recommend this property if you are a couple who enjoy being somewhere that has character and enjoy independent travel. I would definitely return, question is when?!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Frank D.

The best in the south
Definitely worth a stay and one of the best locations in the south of Crete. Great house, great view, a great host. What more can I say? We enjoyed very much and hope to come back once!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Annette Powell

Traditional unspoilt Crete
Ioanna's villas in the traditional Crete village of Anatoli are just stunning. All are incredibly well designed, furnished and provisioned. Every detail speaks quality hand made, possibly even antique - from the beautifully crafted wooden furniture to the massive door hooks and coat hangers. We stayed in the largest property, Pasiphae, which was like a home from home. Stunning views across to the sea, relaxing terraces, friendly local neighbours but it is Ioanna's little touches that made all the difference. Spices, fresh bread, homemade jam, local olive oil, butter and eggs had been left for us. Ioanna called for the first couple of days to check everything was ok and to recommend places to go. The village was SO peaceful - not a sound other than the occasional donkey bray and birdsong. It is an exciting drive down from the village to iierapetra and up through nearby villages to the north coast. It does take time on the winding roads, but if you want a real taste of old Crete, unspoilt by tourism - this is the place. Wonderful.

10/10 Excellent

Claude H., Paris

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacations
Great again !!! See you next year 😎😎
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Ioanna Dorovinis

Host profile image
I am a restoration architect, have my university studies made in USA (Columbia Un) and graduate studies in York Un UK(Master of Arts in Conservation) and Athens Polytechnic University (PhD). I am a passionate restoration architect, specializing in Cretan home architecture. I like to discover new housing types, to get involved with the procedure of restoring them, by adding and mixing elements from traditional architecture, and watch them becoming great vacation houses with modern facilities and style... I am the author of many articles and studies on Greek historic architecture. I like to travel, cook the Cretan, healthy cuisine, live and create with art and style.

Why they chose this property

The house bears the wisdom and the qualities of Cretan domestic architecture, with origins from medieval times and maybe antiquity. Small interventions were enough to convert them into unique pieces of home architecture. The house is open towards the sea and the sun (northeastern orientation), with courtyard and terrace, inviting for open air life. The house is original piece of domestic architecture, no similar houses will be found in the village or elsewhere.

What makes this property unique

The village has kept its agricultural character, is very peaceful and quiet without touristic exploitation. In the morning you might be awaken from the birds, while on the walkways you will meet donkeys, dogs and cats. A series of gigantic rocks "protects" the village in the back while in the front the eye captures spectacular sea views.Small chapels dispersed in the rich countryside invite for unforgettable walks and trails. Swimming in nearby beaches -all sandy with azure blue waters- can be combined with visiting to some of the most renowned archaeological sites, monuments, monasteries and caves of Eastern Crete.

Languages:

English, French, Greek
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