Planning your holiday to the beautifully unique island of Crete? So far all you intend to do is relax by the pool, catch a tan, eat good food and drink good wine. However, the location and surrounding area of your holiday abode is an extremely important factor to consider when choosing one of the picturesque villas in Crete that we offer. Here at Pure Crete, we have put together a little guide as to where our villas are, what’s going on in the stunning villages they are situated within and what’s nearby to see and do.

Scenic and stunning

Maza – An extremely small village of just 100 inhabitants situated in the foothills of the White Mountains. The tranquil village is surrounded by floral valleys and picturesque views and is in close proximity to the tourist attractions of Chania. In the heart of Maza is a traditional village square with a wonderful café to indulge in the sensational Cretan food on offer. The village is also home to a Byzantine chapel which holds frescoes dating back to early 1326. Maza is a 5 minute drive from local village Vrisses, and is famous for its local sheep yoghurt and stunning riverside restaurants for the alfresco dining experience.

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Aptera – The village of Aptera is central to most of the must-see sights of Crete. Aptera is just a 5 minute drive from the peaceful white sand and blue sea beaches of Kalami, close by the exciting Kalives, home to beach side restaurants, shops and cafes and only a 20 minute drive from the gorgeous Venetian Harbour in Chania town. Aptera is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding countryside, historial archaeology sites and idyllic beaches of Western Crete. Aptera is a scatter of houses, farmlands with the orthodox church central to the village. The local 3 nearby restaurants (tavernas) serve traditional Cretan food all day and late into the evening, offering a variety of atmospheres and nightly entertainment for tourist to enjoy.

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Artemis is a beautiful property situated in the mountains of Aptera, after many years of being stood empty it has been restored to its classic and charming state, giving visitors the scenic and village lifestyle of the traditional and modern day Crete. The time-honoured stone built house offers a romantic escape with spectacular mountain views and unbelievable landscapes. Artemis features a fully fitted kitchen with original features such as Cretan archways, double bedroom, bathroom with shower and a private terrace to enjoy the sunsets and gorgeous green scapes.

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