Pavlakis Beach, Stalos, Crete

This small oasis of 3 apartments and 6 studios on Stalos beach 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 holidaymakers who will stay nowhere else in Crete.

Antonis has been a good friend for more years than we care to remember and we have shared numerous cups of excellent filtered coffee in the apartments little reception or mini-bar, where guests and friends  are always warmly welcomed .

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 squeeze in.

When you first arrive at your studio or apartment you will find bottles of local wine and olive oil with Antonis compliments which you will be told to 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, a 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.

Beach Studios, sleeps 2/4 

A little superior to the average studio, those at Pavlakis Beach have a seperate kitchen which is more than sufficiently equipped for self catering, with a  full cooker, fridge and a good run of cupboards. Each studio has its own lovely sea view balcony opening from the living area, which is furnished with a dining table and chairs, sofa bed and three single beds, two of which can be moved together, but not made up as a double bed.  There is a seperate shower room. 

There's a choice of first or second floor  studios. At each level, and for the use of guests, is a  washing machine.

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 >>