Villa Kourkoulios is tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Champatha, in the heart of Crete's Apokoronas region. Little has changed here over the years, and the village has retained its traditional Cretan character and relaxed pace of life.
Just a 10-minute walk away is the tiny village of Maza, home to a beautiful historic chapel and Kosta's Taverna, where you can enjoy authentic Cretan cooking.
A few minutes' drive away, the bustling village of Vryses is the perfect place to experience everyday Cretan life. Here you'll find tavernas shaded by large plane trees, a lovely cake shop, small supermarkets, traditional shops and one of our favourite cake shops. It's the perfect place to stock up on supplies or simply enjoy a leisurely coffee beneath the shade of the plane trees.
For a day by the sea, the coastal town of Georgioupolis is close by, with its long sandy beach, waterfront tavernas and wide choice of restaurants, and also has a good bakery and butcher's shop.
Chania is one of our favourite places to spend a day. We never tire of wandering around the old Venetian harbour, exploring the narrow back streets or stopping for a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea. There is always something new to discover, from tucked-away courtyards and independent shops to fascinating museums. As the day draws to a close, the harbour comes alive with people enjoying an evening meal or simply watching the sunset – a perfect way to end the day before returning to the peace and quiet of the villa.
Western Crete is a landscape of striking contrasts. Snow-capped peaks give way to fertile valleys, ancient olive groves blanket the hillsides, and winding roads lead to sandy beaches, hidden coves and traditional villages seemingly untouched by time.
From Villa Kourkoulios, you can walk the spectacular gorges of Imbros or Samaria, visit Lake Kournas, explore the White Mountains or simply enjoy leisurely drives through the countryside. In spring, wildflowers carpet the hills, while the scent of herbs, citrus blossom and pine fills the warm Cretan air.
Best of all, you can spend the morning in the mountains, the afternoon beside the sea, and return each evening to the peace and tranquillity of the villa.
Crete's history is not confined to museums and archaeological sites – it is woven into the landscape and the villages that surround Villa Kourkoulios. Ancient olive trees, Byzantine churches, Venetian bridges and traditional stone houses all tell the story of an island shaped by thousands of years of history.
Visit the ancient Roman city of Aptera, explore Chania's Venetian harbour, or discover villages where traditions, festivals and family-run tavernas continue much as they have for generations.
It's this blend of history, tradition and warm Cretan hospitality that makes western Crete such a rewarding place to explore.