My wife and I along with our two young children arranged to stay at the villa Athina on short notice. Nikos welcomed us upon arrival not as mere guest, but as family with arms wide open and gifts for my children. Not to mention delicious wine, fresh local fruits, stocked refrigerator and pantry with the most essential items such as milk, bread, eggs, coffee, cold cuts, butter, cheese, bread, bottles water, etc. While remote in a most tranquil environment, it was quite easy to get to with directions provided on the Ravdoucha Epavlis website. Definitely a beautiful drive thought the hills. Nikos recommended the most perfect place to eat and relax known as Waves on the Rock - Taverna - Café, which is located just down the hill from the villa on a secluded Ravdoucha Beach. They make an excellent breakfast as well. The property is perfect without flaw and is most relaxing throughout the day as it's not in a tourist zone; however, near to Chania, Kissamos, and Balos Beach (HIGHLY Recommended). Nikos even arranged for a well known Greek Chef to cook us a private dinner at the villa. The villa felt like a home and my kids absolutely enjoyed staying here and did not want to leave on our day of departure. We will definitely return with our parents next time.....it's too beautiful not to want to share this experience with loved ones. The villa, while perfect in everyway, it is not the main factor for wanting to return....it's how we were treated and how comfortable we felt. Nikos, thank you for the wonderful experience.....until next time.

If you think the pictures are too good to be true, then you will be amazed when you get there! The location on the edge of Ravdoucha gives breathtaking views and everything you need either as a family or a couple is there for you. We were welcomed by the owner Dr. Nikos Manousakis, who made us feel like it was our home and provided all the local knowledge and information you needed, not just on arrival, but throughout the week we were there.

From breakfast on the balcony through afternoons in the pool and evenings on the terrace, this was the perfect place to relax and also an ideal base to explore this part of Crete.

The wonderful beaches of Falassarna, Elafonossi and Balos - Gramvousa (would recommend the boat cruise to get there) are all within easy reach, although having a car with some ground clearence is advisable. If you can take your training shoes and you don't have very young children then also take the opportunity to travel just east of Chania and trek down the cliff to the beautiful secluded beach of Seitan Limania.

But wherever we went, it was the perfect close to the day to come back "home" to Villa Athina and relax, enjoying the spectacular scenes from the balconies and terraces as the sun set over the bay of Kissamos-Kastelli.

We will be back!

Searching the web for a lovely villa to escape to after a miserable English winter, somewhere with a chance of sun, warmth and relaxation I had the good fortune to come across Villa Athina at Ravdoucha. We were sold on the pictures of fabulous views and a lovely interior space should it not be warm enough to sit out in the evenings. Villa Athina excelled even our expectations. We were lucky to have a warm and sunny 11 days at the beginning of May but even if it had been cooler the clever architectural design of Villa Athina with its comfortable and attractive living area, opening up onto two different outdoor balconies, would have meant we never felt confined indoors.

Our only dilemma was whether to leave the comfort of the villa and its quiet and attractive close surroundings to explore the wider countryside of Chania province or just to relax around the villa so mesmerized by the views I couldn't concentrate on my book. Venturing further afield proved equally rewarding, the pleasant town of Kissamos, the Balos Peninsula, the astonishing wildflowers burgeoning in May, and some great photos of vultures we got after a bone-shaking hours ride in our rented Jeep to the end of the Rodopou peninsula. (Tip: the Balos peninsula track is negotiable in any car if you are careful but the Rodopou peninsula is a definite 4x4 job!)

The host/owner is justifiably very proud of his villa and we will remember his kindness and the lovely pastries he bought us! We've stayed in some pretty good villas in the past but I think Villa Athina is tops particularly as many of the best villas really cater for larger numbers. Villa Athina was perfect for two but would be equally good for 4 as both bedrooms were of equal merit and there was plenty of space and different areas to be in.

Just marvellous ! A completely new, fancy and modern villa with several terraces, an amazing pool and a big barbecue area ! We have been there with 2 adults and 3 kids and enjoyed it very much ! When the owner saw that we are with kids, he extra came back and brought toys for the pool and sweeties. Very calm corner of the island but not far away by car from some beautiful beaches and bays. Highly recommandable ! We will come back for sure.

The best place in Crete, especially when you want retreat! Brand new, well equipped, very beautiful and smart design villa! Great views, great sunsets! Vinoteke with best Cretan wines!