LOCAL AREA The local (nearest) shops are situated in Gavalochori (5 minutes drive) and Almirida (8 minutes drive). Gavalochori is a typical Cretan village with two mini-markets, a bakery and three tavernas. The village has its own women's co-operative selling hand made goods, a museum, and an old mill (being restored) and some Venetian wells, which are well worth exploring. At Almirida, you will find shops, tavernas, bars, gift shops and supermarkets as well as the excellent Blue Flag beaches. There are also various family activities such as water sports and ten pin bowling. The villa is only a short drive away from Chania (pronounced Hania), which was once the islands capital. It has a famous Venetian harbour with quayside bars and tavernas and behind the harbour you can wander through the Old Town with its beautiful Venetian buildings and shops selling handicafts, textiles, jewelery, leather goods and ceramics Crete is the biggest and most southerly of the Greek islands. It is an island of spectacular mountain ranges, deep gorges such as the 18km Samaria Gorge (the longest in Europe), fine sandy beaches and deep blue sea. It has long been a destination for the European tourist but has managed to retain much of its charm and cultural identity. There is plenty to do and see; explore the ancient Minoan civilization at Knossos and other sites of antiquities, visit beautiful monasteries and simple chapels, wander through the countryside, drive up the mountains through spectacular scenery or simply relax by the pool or sea. It is the perfect place for a holiday. |