22 May – 12 June 2019
Sad to be leaving Villa Calma after a wonderful 3-week stint with family and friends.
The villa has obviously been a labour of love: such attention to detail in the build and finish, and all comforts provided inside. Fabulous views from the terrace upstairs and we love the wild garden area in the front. We enjoyed a few barbecues, Villa Calma is in such a lovely location it was nice to spend time there.
We’ve been coming to Western Crete (Kalyves/Gavalachori/Kokino Chorio/Stavramanos for the last 30 years, on and off, and have a great affection for this part of Crete.
Kalyves, in particular, has so much to offer with many great places to visit within close proximity. The Stone House up the road (walkable for the fitter!) is a quirky taverna with wonderful views and nice food. Other local tavernas we’ve enjoyed are family-run Piperia, along the beach, part of the “slow food” movement and serving some delicious authentic Cretan dishes with pride. Almy, next door to the villa has been a Godsend, so convenient and serving good food. You can use their beach beds for free providing you order food/drinks and there is a little playground there which our 2.5 year old grandson adored. Occasionally we’ve brought back takeaway food from there to the villa, which was sometimes an attractive alternative to being out in the evening. Another favourite eatery is Kritiko, along the road in Kalyves town, which has served consistently good food over the years and virtually on the beach. Also in Kalyves, past the church on the right hand side, is a little place that serves drinks and snacks alongside a clear (cooling) river where you an while away the time in sun or shade watching the big fish and ducks swimming along or admiring the views of the White Mountains in the distance.
The little monastery, Agios Triada, is just the other side of Chania and well worth a visit, so tranquil and pretty. They also have a shop selling their own organic olive oil, honey and wine, produced on their estate.
Some other places to visit nearby are: the Turkish fort which can be seen atop the headland from the villa; the Roman ruins at Aptera; the villages in the mountans – Vamos (where there is a health centre), Gavalachori, Stilos, Drapanos (more of a hamlet) are examples, all worthy of a visit.
Chania and Rethimno are Venetion ports, both touristy but interesting nonetheless, with Rethimno being the smaller and slightly quieter of the two.
Thank you, Antonis, we’ve had an amazing holiday in your lovely villa. Kalyves hasn’t changed that much in 25 years! We very much hope (and intend!) to be back!
The Murdoch/Fox/Waller families