Rooms

The 4 romantic studios are styled after their surroundings: sea, trees, hills and sky. Each has a living area, a double bed, a well-equipped kitchenette, and 2 outdoor sitting areas: a roof terrace with amazing views and a pergola-covered patio. The furniture was specially imported from Holland because Marc and Monique wanted top-quality products, which they struggled to find on Crete. Bathrooms are modern with polished concrete; all have large walk-in showers and separate toilets. Everything feels very high-end.

The blue room, Coast, has the smallest patio and is closest to the communal pool. Further up is the green room, Forest, and beside it, with the largest patio, is slate-coloured Mountain. We stayed in whitewashed Sky, which is the furthest studio up the hill and felt the most private of the 4.

Set behind Sky is a lovely, private villa for 2-4 people; thanks to its prime location at the top of the hill it has exceptional mountain and sea views, which can be soaked up from the private pool or roof terrace. It's made up of 2 interconnected suites, so you can either take it with one bedroom (for a couple) or take both (for up to 4) and enjoy having double of everything: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, even 2 kitchens (1 full, 1 kitchenette). This creates a nice sense of privacy and separation, even in a shared house; perfect for two couples travelling together or an adult family who'd appreciate their own space.

Features include:

• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

In the morning, guests can rustle up breakfast in their kitchenettes - a welcome pack of fresh fruit, juice, eggs and bread is provided for your first day. In each studio there's a hob (but no oven), fridge, sink, kettle and toaster if you fancy cooking simple meals. The villa has a full kitchen in addition to its kitchenette, with an oven and microwave, plus a BBQ on the terrace.

For lunch or snack provisions, there are supermarkets in the nearby village of Agia Galini, 10 minutes' walk away. The on-site bar is staffed for morning coffee or evening beers; outside these times there is an honesty bar by the pool to keep you refreshed.

The village has plenty of cheerful tavernas, where barbecued lamb and grilled fish are the specialities. Marc and Monique have lots of great recommendations; we recommend the souvlaki at friendly Taverna Kosmas.

Features include:

• Bar
• Coffee maker
• Fridge
• Kitchenette
• Restaurants nearby
• Welcome hamper

Activities

• Unwind and rejuvenate. Swim in the heated pool, snooze on a sunlounger, read on your shaded terrace in the heat of the day and sunbathe on your roof terrace
  
• Wander around the traffic-free streets of Agia Galini, a charming cliff-climbing village perched over a pretty harbour with a sandy beach
  
• Board a boat cruise to the Paximadia Islands - snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and picnic on barbecued fish by the beach caves
  
• Visit the fascinating ruins of Phaistos, an ancient Minoan city and palace complex that dates from the Bronze Age
  
• Hike through the beautiful Patsos Gorge: the 2-hour walk through plane trees and spring water ends at the cavern church of St Anthony's
  
• There are gorgeous beaches 20-40 minutes' drive away: Agia Georgios: a hidden gem with a great café for Greek Salads; Triopetra, with its dramatic rocks; the sheltered bay of Agios Pavlos; and the old hippy hangout of Preveli, where naturists are welcome. Mark and Monique have parasols, wind breaks and snorkelling gear to borrow
  
• Hire a bike and cycle around the rugged countryside - trips can be arranged to a neighbouring goat or olive oil farm

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Boat trips
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Swimming

Kids

The houses at Galini Breeze are adults only (21+).

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Galini Breeze is just outside the small fishing town and resort of Agia Galini on Crete's south coast.

By Air:
Fly to Heraklion (1 hour away) or Chania (2 hours).

From the Airport (or Port):
Galini Breeze can arrange transfers, or there are regular buses, but you'll probably want to hire a car. Each studio has a parking space; the villa has 2.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.