Horizonte cottage is more or less in the centre of the village of Drapanias, a few seconds' walk from a small mini-market, several tavernas and two bakeries. The property itself has been immaculate restored to a very high standard, whilst retaining its character as a stone-built, Cretan house. Everything has been well thought through, and the standard of furnishing, equipment and decoration is excellent. During our two-week stay, the property was cleaned at least three times, and new bedding and towels provided on each occasion.
The cottage is set in the most beautiful garden, with olive trees, a walnut tree, pomegranates and oranges. There is a vegetable patch, and a flock of hens in a large enclosure. There is a hammock, table and chairs, and a swing seat in a tree.
The customer service provided by the owners and their family is quite simply astonishingly good. Not only are they lovely, lovely people they are also extremely generous. So many evenings we would come back after a day of exploring and there would be fruit, or vegetables, pastries or eggs waiting for us and we were very warmly encouraged to help ourselves to the produce in the garden and to collect eggs from the friendly hens. The owners take genuine delight in caring for their customers and it is a privilege to spend time with them.
Drapanias is very well situated to explore the west of Crete. The KTEL bus to Chania stops in the village, again, a few seconds' walk from the cottage; there is parking next to the cottage and easy access both to the mountain roads and to the national road which runs from Kissamos/Kastelli eastwards to Iraklion. Kissamos/Kastelli is a most interesting small town, with many ancient sites.
The beach at Drapanias is about 10-15 minutes' walk from the cottage. It is quiet, and a mixture of shingle and sand. There is a nice taverna/bar which looks after sunbeds and shades on the beach which are free, though it seemed courteous to buy a drink in the taverna.
All in all, this is an excellent, beautiful property in a most interesting area, made outstanding by the generosity and friendliness of the owners. We are already booking our return trip. We genuinely could not recommend it highly enough.