10/10 Excellent
Nick T., Pershore, Worcestershire
25 Sept 2018
Very spacious, comfortable, well equipped, clean house located close to Kalathas beach
Our family of 5 adults really enjoyed our holiday in Kalathas! The house was much larger than the pictures may suggest and exceptionally clean. Paniagotis was extremely helpful and ensured he could do everything possible to make our stay memorable, like providing basic provisions for when we arrived and fruit gifts when he came to clean and change linen etc (there were 4 beach sun umbrellas available for our use at the house too).
Two large outside eating tables, one adjacent to the built in BBQ and the other to the front of the property provided a good variety, not to mention the large swing chair plus a smaller table under the veranda by the kitchen door that was ideal to sit at to catch the morning sun when having a brew!
The sandy beach in Kalathas is fine with a small cafe and sunbeds that can be rented but we enjoyed the adjacent, adjoining cove that had less people. The sun sets across the bay so its a great place to catch the last of the days rays whilst having a swim or reading a book.
I'd recommend having a car to get about. (house is only 20mins from the airport) There is a local mini market 2 min walk from the house which is useful for basic provisions but the larger super markets in Kounoupidiana (2 miles away) were much more reasonably priced with a greater selection.
Chania town is a 20min drive away. Local driving standards and kamikaze motorcyclists can make for interesting journeys! The Old town is very quaint but busy with tourists and traffic can be congested and finding parking can be a challenge. We found an underground car park on Peiraios St (by the Old Town wall Siavu Rampart) only a quick walk from there into the old town sites. The supermarket above the car park is a good one and gives 2hr free parking if you spend 20euros.
We ate at Bourkakis in Kournoupidiana and Irene Tavern in Chorofakia (cash only). Both were really good family run traditional greek food restaurants and very reasonably priced. We felt they were much better value than eating in the Old Town.
We visited Elafonisi (2hr drive) and Balos beaches. Both spectacular. A couple of watchouts! Balos is not easy to get to!. There is a half hour drive from the entrance to the National Park area on an unmade steep rutted track and then a mile downhill walk of a narrow path to get to the beach (horse rides down and up can be bought). Get there early! A local cruise ship arrives at 2pm & unloads a 1000+ passengers who swarm across the lagoon!
We all loved our hols!
Nick T.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2018