Villa Athina is situated on a hilltop in Kokkino Chorio, a village just east of the city of Chania, in the area called the Apokoronas. In October 2012 we were one of the first visitors in this new house which is built in traditional style, with stone and round arches between the rooms and the terraces. The villa has a private pool and is set in a very private location (not overlooked). The view from the grounds of the villa and the various verandas is phenomenal. You look out over the sea, three peninsulas (Apokoronas, Akrotiri and Rodopos) and three islands, including Souda Island with its fortress and the island of Karga, that lies in front of the village of Almyrida. There are views over the bay of Souda,the naval base, the fort Izzedine and you see the cruise boats and ferries sailing in on their way to the harbour of Souda. On the west side you look out over the village of Kokkino Chorio with its church and behind it you can see the White Mountains. In the distance you can distinguish some other villages. In the pictures below you will get an impression of the view, but in reality it is much better of course. You can also take a look at the movies that I have made to see it a little better.

Villa Athina is located in a very quiet spot and has a lot of privacy, so especially suitable for people that love peace and quiet and possibly want to swim without swimwear. It is a "non smoking" villa, so that means that within the villa smoking is not allowed. Outside on the terraces of course you can. The square of Kokkino Chorio with the mini-market and taverna is within walking distance. I must confess that I myself didn't go there during the days that I stayed at Villa Athina, just because I felt at home, didn't want to leave and so I made some simple things in the kitchen. We had a lot of groceries in our car when we arrived and there was also a welcome pack in the villa with various kinds of vegetables, fruits, milk, orange juice, wine, water, bread, jam, feta cheese (goat cheese), butter, biscuits, tea, coffee and sugar. There were also extra rolls of toilet paper, dishwasher-tablets, a new sponge, detergent, washing powder, soaps, liquid hand soap pumps etcetera. In the villa there are also two great books of my friend Frankie Miles: one with general information about Crete and one with all things that are useful to know, and a very nice book with all kinds of trips you can make by car to view special things in the area.

At Villa Athina there is a private parking. When you are staying in this place it's best to have a car. In the vicinity are several villages besides Kokkino Chorio, that you can reach within five to ten minutes, such as Plaka (with a fine Italian restaurant and the best small supermarket in the neighborhood) and the village of Almyrida with its beaches, shops, supermarkets and an abundant choice of good tavernas.

The villa is surrounded by walls that people can not look over. You come to the site through a fence / gate that you have to close behind you (this because of the goats or sheep that can come in). There are several seating areas around the pool, including a seat under a bamboo covered pergola where you can sit in the shade. By the way, in 2013 the plastic furniture around the pool will be replaced by more elegant chairs and sunbeds (this was a temporary solution because the villa was brand new and something had to be put down quickly). Also at the pool and on the terraces that lead from the living room and kitchen on the ground floor there are seats, just like on the terrace that leads from the two bedrooms on the first floor. On this terrace you have a magnificent view of the sea and beautiful nature. At night you'll see the sun set behind the peninsula in the west and in the course of the evening, an increasing number of stars in the sky. In the distance you can see the aircrafts take off and land at the airport of Chania.

Upon entering Villa Athina on the on ground floor you will first see the living room with a few benches and a chair. There is a TV with satellite connection (with good channels with movies, series and news) and built-in DVD player. There are also a number of DVDs in a closet and there are various games that you can play. You walk further, and then walk along the staircase that leads upstairs and a bathroom with bath / shower and toilet. You can continue to the first bedroom which is also on the ground floor. Left is the large kitchen with dining area for six people. The kitchen is fully equipped with lots of pots and kitchen appliances such as coffee maker, a kettle, a toaster, a dishwasher and a microwave. There is also a washing machine in the villa. From the living room, the bedroom and the kitchen there is access to the large terrace in front of the house.

The staircase leads to the second floor. Here are two more bedrooms with a bathroom located in between, with shower and toilet. The master bedroom has its own bathroom en suite. Also from these two bedrooms there is access to a large terrace with a beautiful view. Villa Athina can accommodate up to six people. The price for the rental of the villa starts at 700 euros per week (2012).

Our friend Frankie Miles manages this property and actually we book almost all of our villas at her Travel Agency. In total Frankie has around 80 villas in her portefolio. Over the years we have come to know her as extremely reliable, professional and very, very nice. You can check with her for the price and availability of the villa and it is also possible to send her your wishlist and your budget in an e-mail to see what else is available for the period you want to go on vacation.

Send an e-mail to Villa Athina in Kokkino Chorio. - Tel: Frankie Miles 0030 6945 785673