Pavlakis Beach, Stalos, Crete

Situated right on the beach at Lower Stalos this small oasis of nine apartments share a swimming pool overlooking the sea as well as a little sheltered garden dotted with patio furniture and sun beds in the shade of feathery tamarisk trees. The apartments belong to Antonis, one of Crete's favourite sons and renowned for his kindness and hospitality to all, including for more than 20 years, a loyal following of discerning British holidaymakers who will stay nowhere else in Crete. Reason enough we thought to include them in our website!

Antonis has been a good friend for more years than we care to remember and we have often broken bread and shared a bottle of wine together, not to mention numerous cups of excellent filtered coffee in the apartments' little reception or mini-bar, where guests, friends and any itinerant tour operator are always welcomed with open arms.

Like many Cretans, Antonis philosophy is that in a warm and sunny climate you don't necessarily need a huge amount of living space but you do need a decent terrace with good sea views, some shady trees and as many mod cons as you can afford! Although the apartments are clearly not brand new, over the years Antonis has continuously upgraded them and they are always kept spotlessly clean with daily maid service except on Sundays. The introduction of air conditioning certainly made a big difference and they now really are a perfect location for a beachside holiday or as a base for exploring western Crete.

When you first arrive at your studio or apartment you will find bottles of local wine and olive oil with Antonis' compliments and these can be re-filled whenever your supply gets low! Any time you are passing the reception or the little mini-bar outside, you're always welcome to have a freshly filtered coffee, soft drink or perhaps an ouzo with a delicious local pastry. It's all entirely gratis, whatever the time of day or night and as Antonis is fond of saying, you must treat his house as your home.

Finally, if you happen to be eating at one of the numerous local tavernas or even in Chania, don't be surprised if a bottle of wine magically appears on your table as more likely than not, Antonis has spotted you and had a quiet word with the waiter!

There's a choice of first or second floor level and each studio or studio apartment has its own satellite TV with 30 channels, cassette player, telephone and small safe, as well as a communal washing machine on each level.

Stalos, Crete
7 km west of Chania, the village of Lower Stalos fringes a long, sandy beach with the island of Theodorou, said to be a petrified sea monster, rising from the sea just a short distance off shore. 1km inland the small village of Upper Stalos nestles serenely on the hillside amidst a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves. Here you will find a slower pace of life as well as a couple of the best local tavernas in the area, both certainly worth a visit or two! ...More about Stalos >>