To start at the beginning, we had no problems finding the villa, the directions were spot on!
The villa was well equipped, clean and tidy and the management team were excellent, friendly, helpful and efficient. The only thing missing was the Villa Book [we were the first clients of the season] and it soon arrived. Our only niggle was the disposal of rubbish, the bins weren't where specified in the Villa Book, some appeared on Saturday but were gone again by Monday when we took our rubbish! Hunt the bin wasn't my favourite holiday game...
We loved sitting by the pool gazing at the mountains so much that we didn't need to make many sightseeing trips, but Chania was delightful, get there early if you want to park by the Fortress to the west of the harbour. There is an excellent book shop just round the corner facing the harbour, good maps and guide books. We liked the restaurant Portes on Portou.
We had to go to Aptera as we could see the castle from the patio. It was a thoroughly enjoyable [free] visit, especially the fantastic views all around and the enormous Roman water cisterns underground.
The location of the villa was gorgeous, we enjoyed the flower-lined walks to Gavalochri, both the top road with its mountain views and the shorter route past the amazing venetian wells, and the taverna by the war Memorial was just perfect.We strongly recommend the stuffed courgette flowers and the red pepper and feta dip, but everything was delicious. Do visit the museum while you're here.
Almyrida was charming and sitting in a beach taverna here was a great way to spend several hours at lunchtime, when we visited in May there were no crowds.
The Pear Tree Supermarket here was excellent, we can recommend their own wine, and they stocked lots of really local produce and always had time to explain and advise on cooking techniques and recommend things to try. We love cretan food...
Thank you John for your help and advice, it was altogether a great holiday, it was all we could do to tear ourselves away. And the olive oil was really delicious too!