The spaceGround Level:
→ Living room with sofas and Sat TV++direct access to the pool with outside shower and sea view
→ 1 Full equipped kitchen+ dining area
→ 1 bathroom
→ Pergola outdoor with bbq+outdoor kitchen+dining area
→ Car patio for 1 car
Top Floor:
→ 1 Bedroom with double bed + balcony+ private bathroom & toilet
→ 1 Bedroom with 2 singles beds + balcony+ private bathroom & toilet
Guest accessEntire space is included in this rental.
Additional notesPlease remember that you're staying in a house, not a hotel. Please treat the space with respect. If any problems arise, we will do our best to take action ASAP, but there is no one living on site 24/7.
→ Is this your first booking on Airbnb? Use this link to receive 35€ off your stay: www.airbnb.it/c/mfabio3
Guest interactionI am here for you during your stay, but our level of interaction is up to you.
Neighborhood overviewCrete has everything you that could possibly want from a holiday: soaring mountains that are snow capped from November to June, many great walking trails including Europe's deepest gorge, ancient archaeological sites and Minoan palaces, quaint villages, sparkling clear blue seas with tavernas serving freshly caught fish, golden beaches, glorious wild flowers in the Spring, and a variety of delicious foods which are all made from healthy home grown produce.
As incredible as the island is, it is the Cretan people who will make your holiday truly memorable. Descendants of the Minoan's, one of Europe's earliest civilizations, and shaped by centuries of struggle against oppression, the Cretans are as rugged as the mountains, fiercely independent but passionately friendly.
Xamoudochori is a tiny hamlet with 30 houses and 1 traditional kafenion where the old men drink coffee and play backgammon under grape vine covered pergolas. Just 4 kilometres away is the coastal village of Maleme which has 2 supermarkets and numerous mini-markets, a pharmacy, a cash machine, a number of gift shops including a ceramic shop and a jewellery store, a newspaper and magazine shop, and many tavernas in the centre of the village and lining the beachfront. The long shingle beach has busier areas with sun-beds and umbrellas as well as quieter spots without amenities. Maleme is famous for the battle on 20 May 1941, during the Second World War. Thousands of German paratroopers landed near the Bailey Bridge that spans the mouth of the nearby Tavronitis River, and a fierce battle took place for control of the key airfield at Maleme. Close by are 4,465 graves in the German Cemetery, (occupying a position on the hill overlooking the old airstrip), mainly of very young men. Their remains were kept in the Monastery of Gonia in Kolymbari until the cemetery was founded in 1973. Close by to the deeply moving German Cemetery there is also a vaulted grave of the post-Minoan era that was discovered by accident in 1966. With its square shaped chamber, perpendicular walls 4m high, and an irregular roof in the shape of a pyramid, it is unique of its kind.
A few minutes by car from Villa Odyssey down a winding country road there is the village of Tavronitis. The long bamboo and conifer lined shingle beach has kantinas, sun beds and umbrellas, never gets very busy and it is even easy to find a quiet spot during the summer. There are many cafes and mini markets, as well as a good selection of relaxed tavernas set by the sea. The old Bailey bridge was built by the Italians and had fallen into disrepair with some sections that had collapsed. Lately this has been restored, and the bridge is now more pleasantly known as an ideal spot for bird watching, particularly at dawn and at dusk. The following birds have been seen at Tavronitis at various times of the year, but mostly during April and May for migrants: Sardinian Warbler, Little Egret, Cetti Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Little Ringed Plover, Buzzard, Wheat Ear, Gold Finch, Stonechat, Marsh Harrier (Lammergeier), Barn Owl, Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Kingfisher, Night Heron, Little Bittern, Snipe, Common, Curlew and Wood Sandpipers, Hobby, Red Footed Falcon, Cory Shearwaters and Closer Shags.
Kolymbari is just to the west of Xamoudochori and is famous for its excellent fish tavernas, as well as the beautiful Gonias Monastery. From here you can access the Rodopou Peninsula which has lovely views and small coves. To the south and west Xamoudochori one can find the lovely town of Paleohora, which has 2 huge beaches, and a promenade which is closed to traffic at night, the 3km long sandy beach at Falassarna, the breathtaking Elafonissi beach which has pink sand and turquoise water, and the town of Kissamos-Kastelli. Kissamos-Kastelli has the largest fishing boat harbour on western Crete, from where you can take daily cruises to the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. 7km behind Kissamos is the ancient archaeological site of Polyrrinia which has fabulous views and ancient remains from Minoan, Roman and Venetian times.
For those seeking a little more action, just a few minutes to east of Maleme are the larger villages of Platanias and Agia Marina which have long sandy beaches, water sports, numerous tavernas, cafes, shops, night clubs, and archaeological sites. In addition to all of this, we must not forget the gorgeous Venetian town of Chania which is only 30 minutes away.
Villa Odyssey is located on the west coast 25 minutes from the beautiful town of Chania. With its stunning Venetian harbour, quayside bars and restaurants, what better place to relax and watch the world go by. In the narrow streets behind Chania's harbour you will find tavernas, bars, the famous covered market, and many local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and hand made ceramics. Visit 'Leather Lane' for outstanding hand made leather bargains.
Getting aroundA car is necessary and taxis can be arranged.Let me know if you wish to rent a car and i will be more than happy to help you since i cooperate with local rent a car company
