The beach at Platanias in the evening
Only 6 kms from Villa Alexandra and Villa Francesca. Platanias (or Platanes) is a small resort with all the shops, supermarkets, hotels, bars, tavernas that you could need for a holiday. Access to the beach is through many side roads, between the shops. If you go to the eastern end of Platanes, there are more exclusive hotels where you can dine out. This end of the resort is quieter, with fewer shops and tavernas.
View of the surrounding countryside from Villa Alexandra and Villa Francesca
There are some stunning views of the breathtaking scenery. Villa Alexandra and Villa Francesca are perched high up in the hills with views to the north as well as to the east and west. With sunsets that are unrivalled, spending the evening on the terrace with a glass of wine, watching the sun set ...
View of Villa Alexandra from the village of Agia Triada
If you walk to the village of Agia Triada; the views, as you would expect are stunning. Many of the villas along the way have Lemon, Fig and Apricot trees overhanging the road, and in the Olive Groves, you can see Mandarin and Orange trees. The aromas are wonderful!
View to the north from Villa Alexandra
The fantastic seaviews are directly infront of the villa, looking towards the left. With the sea as a backdrop from this view across the beautiful, peaceful countryside, high up in the hills from Villa Alexandra. What an incredible way to start the day! Blue skies, the crystal-clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean beckoning, just the thought of it ...
The Monastery at Arkadi
Instead of taking the main road to Arkadi through Pigi, you can drive through the village of Agia Triada and go over the hills. The roads are not very good (watch out for potholes) but the scenery is absolutely incredible. Take a map and some water if you wish to take your time. And don't forget your camera!!
View of Cape Scaleta
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Map of the Local Area around Villa Alexandra & Villa Francesca in Agia Triada
For a map of Crete, click here and go to MultiMap.com in a new window, then click to zoom in.
Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands and is renowned for being an island of contrast: long, sandy beaches, crystal clear Mediterranean waters, rugged snow capped mountains and breathtaking scenery. It is also an island that is just waiting to be explored. There is so much history: the birthplace of Zeus, father of all the Greek Gods and the Minoan Empire where the legend of the Minotaur has its origins; the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish eras that all left their mark in the landscape and architecture of the island. No wonder they call it "The Magical Island of Crete!" From Villa Alexandra as your base, discover and explore the reasons why so many people come to Crete.
View of the hills in Agia Triada from Villa Alexandra & Villa Francesca
And together with so much history and exploration, Crete is a perfect holiday destination for the sun-worshipper. The closest beach is at the resort of Platanias where there is the longest sandy beach ever! 14 kms! The resort itself has everything you need for a day at the beach, with water sports, bars and restaurants and shops. And it is only a few minutes away!
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Agia Triada
Agia Triada is the Greek for the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost and is considered to be of religious significance to the Greek people. There are other villages on Crete called Agia Triada (or Aghia Triada) and these too carry the same religious significance.
Eating Out
You will never tire of tavernas, bars and restaurants close to Agia Triada. Stratos's taverna in Tsesmes is particularly recommended - many English people go there for the excellent great value food, the atmosphere, very reasonable drinks and the welcome you receive. The service is terrific and the owner and his wife are very accommodating. If it's not on the menu, just ask! Look at their site here and click on the English flag top left!!
For a Traditional English breakfast, try Stavros's Kellari restaurant in Platanes. It is about 50 metres from Galaxy Car Hire on the right hand side and serves breakfast from about 10.00 am. Very good value, and handy for the supermarket - the best in Platanes is right across the street from the restaurant.
Beaches
As you would expect from a Mediterranean island, there are loads of beaches all around Crete. Some are pure sand, others are pebbly and coarser sand. With all these beaches you can plan your day to spend part of it visiting towns, historical sites or sites of interest, or shopping, and then spend the rest of the day on a beach! You can also choose isolated beaches if you look carefully. Have a look at the Explore Crete website and select the area and you can find out all you need to know about the beaches on Crete.
Metamorfosis Health Spa
The Metamorfosis Health Spa is in Rethymnon and has been recommended by visitors. It provides the following:-
- Spa Slimming Treatments
- Facial Care & Treatments
- Manicure & Pedicure
- False Nails
- Make up
- Waxing
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Body & Facial Sessions - Well Being & Beauty
More information is supplied when you arrive.
Places to Visit
Rethymnon
Overflowing with history and its amazing Venetian and Turkish architecture, Rethymnon is built around the harbour with its bustling harbour life. This traditional town is packed with atmosphere, the second largest in Crete, where narrow, shop-lined alleyways and beautiful old houses mix with bars, restaurants and tavernas. There is a lively nightlife here with a range of discos and clubs, if you fancy a night out. The beachfront promenade boasts more shops, bars and tavernas. The beach, which extends east for 14 kms, starts in the middle of the town. If you decide to eat in Rethymnon, you must try the fish dishes; the freshly caught fish is mouth-watering!. For a slideshow of images from Rethymnon, click here.
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Turtles
The beach from Rethymnon eastwards is well known for nest sites for loggerhead turtles. In fact, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece was set up to protect them, and volunteers cordon off the nests and when the young hatch and emerge at night, the volunteers make sure that they make their way back to the sea. The lights of Rethymnon confuse the young turtles and they would otherwise head for the town rather than the open sea.
Heraklion
  The capital of Crete, and the main airport and port for the island, Heraklion is more of a touristy town with the usual trappings. But if you ignore these, you will find an amazing amount of the island's history, myths and legends in the museums and you will be able to experience more of the spectacle of Crete's architectural heritage. Most of the history of the Minoa era can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Just south of Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos. If the Minoan myths, legends and culture are of interest to you, spend some time here. If it doesn't interest you, visit anyway, you will be inspired!
 Samaria Gorge
The longest gorge in Europe at 18 kms is very well known for its incredible beauty. The gorge is only 3 metres wide at some points along the route and the sides of the gorge rise to a height of some 600 metres. A stream flows through the gorge between the White Mountains and the Volikas mountain. Approximately 43 km south of the town of Chania, hiking through the Samaria Gorge is only allowed between May to October.
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Knossos Palace
Approximately 5 km south east of Heraklion is Knossos, the capital of the Minoan culture. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first palace was built around 1900 BC but 200 years later an earthquake destroyed it. It was rebuilt in a grander and more luxurious style. It has been suggested that the eruption of the volcano in Santorini was the final catastrophe in about 1500-1400 BC. But people continued to live there for another fifty years, until a fire devastated the city about 1400 BC.
Arkadi
 The historic Monastery at Arkadi (approximately 10 kms south west of Agia Triada) is the most venerated symbol of freedom in Crete and lies in beautiful surroundings. Probably built in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Arkadius, the Monastery acquired its glory and fame during the revolution of 1866-1869 when the Turks conquered the monastery. The people boarded themselves in the monastery and blew themselves up rather than be captured by the Turks. Click here for a slideshow of images from the Monastery at Arkadi.
Chania
Chania (pronounced Harnia) is a city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. There are ancient and modern monuments, the picturesque Venetian Harbour and the Old Town, colourful neighbourhoods, a traditional lifestyle and friendly inhabitants.
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Argiroupoli
 This small village, about 27 kms southwest of Rethymnon, is close to the ancient site of Lappa, which is currently being excavated. So far finds have dated from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and are on show at the Rethymnon Archaeological and Historical Museum. Argiroupoli's other feature is it's waterfalls, the tavernas at the bottom use the water for drinking and also for keeping the fish for the fish dishes. The scene is beautifully green and peaceful; the tavernas are nearly all under the trees so they are cool. You can climb (rather steep!) up to the village if you want some spectacular views. Definitely worth a visit. From here it is not far to Lake Kourna, below. Click here for a slideshow of images from Argiroupoli.
Lake Kourna
 A local beauty spot (this is a beautiful lake in a mountain bowl) and a picturesque suntrap. There are Tavernas, shops and a beach. You can also take a boat out across the Lake, or go snorkelling. The water in the summer looks emerald. In December, it has been warm enough to eat a meal out in the open by the Lake. Click here for a slideshow of images from Lake Kourna.
But you may just wish to spend the whole of the holiday relaxing and recharging at Villa Alexandra or Villa Francesca, high up in the hills, "close to the Gods", with breathtaking views and stunning scenery. The choice really is yours.
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Bali
A picturesque, relaxed and traditional fishing village, built around four coves and about 35 kms east of Rethymnon. The beaches are sand and shingle. The quaint old harbour boasts an excellent choice of fish tavernas. Like Plakias, this resort is low-key with tranquil surroundings, ideal for relaxing days.
The picturesque village of Bali in the evening, as the sun starts to go down.
Stratos's Restaurant in Tsesmes
The food is excellent, a great range of traditional Cretan dishes as well as a range of other dishes. And you are made very welcome!! See Eating Out, on the left.
Villa Alexandra & Villa Francesca
In the picture above, both villas are circled in white. Villa Alexandra is the top villa in the picture and Villa Francesca is just below. Both villas have commanding views over the beautiful countryside and the sea to the north.
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Things To Do:
Water Sports
at Platanias
Hiking:
Hiking is probably one of the most popular pastimes for visitors to Crete. The island is famous for being mountainous, and this is part of the reason for the popularity of hiking. Crete is also part of the European Long Distance Walking Path (E4) which starts in Portugal, passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece and ending in Crete. The Path runs virtually west-east (or vice versa) across the island.
Cruises & Boat Trips
Snorkeling &
Diving
Fishing
Away from Rethymnon harbour towards the Fortress and eastwards, you will find quiet rocky places off which you can snorkel or go fishing.
Limnoupolis Waterpark
Situated at Varipetro, 8 kms south west of Chania - great fun for the kids! And all the family too!!
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