Villa Agapios

Villa Agapios enjoys a prestigious mountain spot within walking distance of the village of Rodia. It overlooks the sea with Crete’s mountains as a backdrop. With far-reaching vistas of Heraklion city and the Gulf of Heraklion, it is a heavenly spot where guests can enjoy total privacy. Rodia is very friendly with the locals making you feel very welcome. You can visit the beautiful, serene Savathania nunnery, another beautiful place with gorgeous views or take the scenic mountain road that leads to Agia Pelagia, a stunning beach at the bottom of the mountain. A longer drive takes you to the stunning coastal town of Agios Nicholas with its wonderful shops, restaurants and saltwater lake. The Milatos Cave in Sissi is worth a stop too.

Twenty minutes away, Heraklion boasts gorgeous beaches, lively hangouts, dusk-til-dawn clubbing, a fine dining scene and plenty of ancient buildings, there is something for everyone. Heraklion’s charm concentrates around the Old Town and its Venetian harbour. You can discover the impressive church of Agios Titos, the square originally built by the Byzantine emperor Nicephorus Phocas in 961 or the armoury and city hall. Another wonderful spot is the lively Morosini Square with its Lions’ Head fountain. At the entrance of the harbour, the Koules Fortress stands proud gazing out to sea. It took its final form between 1523 -1540 and served as a prison during Ottoman rule. Across from the harbour, the Venetian shipyards make for a romantic backdrop. Many visitors enjoy walking along the city’s Venetian walls, pausing in small shady parks and admiring the work of the famous Venetian architect, Michele Sanmicheli, who designed the walls and bastions more than 400 years ago. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is considered to be one of the most important museums in Europe. The pedestrianised Daedalus shopping street is full of designer stores, perfect for those with room in their suitcases!

The Palace of Knossos is only twenty minutes from the villa. According to legend, the foundations of the Bronze Age city were filled with an inescapable labyrinth that was guarded by a vicious minotaur. The master craftsman Daedalus built the labyrinth for the mythical King Minos. His son, Theseus, slew the minotaur and found his way out of the labyrinth with the help of Minos’ daughter, Ariadne, according to legend. The palace flourished during the Minoan period as the religious centre of Crete. Thanks to the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans’ excavation and careful restoration, the Palace of Knossos is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece. Surrounding Heraklion and the villa, hiking trails cross impressive gorges, picturesque villages, ancient sites and end in secluded coves. Gortyna or Gortys was an ancient city of Crete and was the capital during the Roman era. Nowadays, it is a beautiful archaeological site. According to the myth, Zeus took refuge there.

To the west of Villa Agapios is the charming, atmospheric town of Rethymno. Your drive will be rewarded by its history, its delicious local wine, its waterfront tavernas and its stunning beaches. In the old quarter, the buildings date back to the 16th century and its pretty, cobbled streets and stamp-sized piazzas are lined with restaurants and unique shops. The Venetian styled harbour is beautiful and is overlooked by the castle. The nearby beach resorts of Bali, Agia Galini, Plakias and Adelianos Kampos are gorgeous. The historical monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are very popular visits.

Read more about Heraklion

On the northern coast, the thriving city of Heraklion is the perfect destination for visitors wishing to learn all about Crete’s incredible history whilst soaking up the hospitality and vibrancy of the island’s impressive capital.

Heraklion is also a wonderful gateway to the charming coastal village of Agia Pelagia, the popular resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves, the nightlife of Malia as well as the stunning landscapes of the Psiloritis Natural Park.

The city’s heritage dates back thousands of years, as can be seen just south of Heraklion at the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Knossos, once the centre of Minoan civilisation. Keen historians should also visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and Historical Museum of Crete.

Meanwhile, back in Heraklion’s old town, admire stunning views as you stroll along the Venetian fortifications dating back to the time when the island was under Venetian rule, then look out for beautiful architecture from the Ottoman Empire.

Shopping in Heraklion is a delight. Pick up Cretan delicacies at the bustling Central Market, then explore the heart of the old town with narrow lanes and grand squares, coming across little shops, boutiques and historic churches as well as cafes, restaurants and bars. In the height of the summer, embrace the city’s wonderful ambience with café terraces, outdoor theatre and bars and clubs near the waterfront.

Enjoy the hearty cuisine of Heraklion where traditional dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as dakos salad made with Cretan tomatoes, feta and olive oil or slow-cooked stamnagathi with wild greens from the island. Grilled octopus, Cretan fish soup and other seafood specialities are served with pride in tavernas and restaurants across the region.  

Head to the family-friendly shores of Ammoudara beach with its blue-flag, sun-beds and beachside bars, also a popular spot for kite-boarding. A little further west is the picturesque fishing village of Agia Pelagia with another gorgeous beach, turquoise coloured water and tavernas overlooking the sea.

Venturing east instead, the popular tourist resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves offer long sandy shores, summer sun-beds and a wealth of watersports as well as waterparks, boat trips, cafes, restaurants and bars. Nor forgetting the nightlife and beaches of Malia as well as the Minoan Palace of Malia, not far from the idyllic Potamos Beach.