Location
The area around the villa
Villa Cristal is situated on a hill between the two beautiful bays of Akrotiri peninsula, Marathi and Loutraki.
There is private access to a private spot on the rocks below the villa where you can follow the villa’s path down to a rocky cove for a swim or a sun on the rocks.
Loutraki and Marathi beaches are only a 2 minutes drive drive from the villa.
In the small traditional village Sternes which is a few minutes away you will be able to find a mini market and a pharmacy but most of supplies can be found in Kounoupidiana (11 km away from the villa) which is the largest town in the Akrotiri peninsula.
Furthermore, in the Akrotiri area you will find some remarkable historical monuments, century-old monasteries and churches, impressive caves with rich lithological and archaeological interest.
During your stay on Crete, don’t miss the chance to visit Chania with its ancient port and lively waterfront eateries. Chania offers unique facilities and a wide variety of entertainment, sight seeing, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.
Beaches
It’s highly recommended to make a day trip to Balos lagoon and Gramvousa Isle, which are really beautiful and have an exotic vibe! The clear blue waters and sandy beaches are amazing and you will enjoy the sun and sea. These locations are best accessed by boat. Alternatively, you can go by car and then walk to Balos beach.
A visit to the world famous Elafonisi beach with its pink sand and beautiful landscape is also worth considering. Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the sea water does not exceed 1m in depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite site of the peninsula, while carrying your staff with you, because the water is very shallow there.
Platanias beach: Beach of Platanias is full of beach bars, cafes, touristic shops, hotels and tavernas, it is a destination by itself, busting with life during the entire summer season. The beach is well organized with sun beds, umbrellas, beach bars and clubs.
Agia Marina beach: Agia Marina is composed by a number of sandy organized beaches which has easy access. A part of Agia Marina is full of small bays while the east side of the place is a long sandy beach which reaches up to neighbouring Stalos settlement. Agia Marina is also a developed touristic site with shops, bars, tavernas, beach bars and night clubs.
Directions
| Name | Type | Drive Distance | Walk Distance | Distances | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chania International Airport "Ioannis Daskalogiannis" (CHQ) | Airport | 9 km - 13 (min) | Directions | ||
| Heraklion International Airport ''N. Kazantzakis'' | Monument | 151.7 km - 135 (min) | Directions | ||
| Heraklion port | Port | 151 km - 138 (min) | Directions | ||
| Souda port | Port | 16.6 km - 24 (min) | Directions | ||
| Chania city | City | 16 km - 25 (min) | Directions | ||
| Sternes Vilage | Monument | 3.4 km - 7 (min) | Directions | ||
| Loutraki Beach | Beach | 1.2 km - 4 (min) | Directions | ||
| Super market | Super Market | 11.1 km - 16 (min) | Directions | ||
| Mini Market 24hours | Mini market | 6.8 km - 11 (min) | Directions | ||
| Minimarket | Monument | 3.5 km - 7 (min) | Directions | ||
| Bakery | Monument | 3.7 km - 7 (min) | Directions | ||
| Pastry Shop | Food | 8.8 km - 13 (min) | Directions | ||
| Butcher shop | Monument | 7 km - 11 (min) | Directions | ||
| Fishmonger | Food | 7.7 km - 16 (min) | Directions | ||
| General Hospital St. George | Hospital | 20.7 km - 30 (min) | Directions | ||
| ATM | Bank ATM | 5.7 km - 10 (min) | Directions | ||
| ATM | Monument | 11 km - 16 (min) | Directions | ||
| Souvlaki Place Grillhouse | Fast food | 4 km - 8 (min) | Directions | ||
| Marathi Beach | Beach | 1.4 km - 3 (min) | Directions | ||
| Kalathas Beach | Beach | 14.4 km - 21 (min) | Directions | ||
| Stavros Beach | Beach | 17.3 km - 25 (min) | Directions | ||
| Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon | Church or Monastery | 10.9 km - 16 (min) | Directions | ||
| Gouverneto Monastery | Church or Monastery | 14.8 km - 23 (min) | Directions | ||
| Venizelos Tombs | Monument | 12.2 km - 17 (min) | Directions |
