Hills & Harbour

Hills & Harbour: Crete

In the hilly landscape of northern Crete, this charming villa sits within the quaint Greek village of Agia Triada. Surrounded by olive groves, sandy beaches and historic local sites, there's much to uncover during a stay at this home.

The Old Town, known for its Venetian fortress and harbour, is a must-visit if you're looking to soak up as much culture as possible. Take a stroll through the colourful narrow streets or stop by one of the waterfront restaurants for lunch with a view. There's something for nature lovers, too – the southern beaches of Rethymno are within easy distance. If you only visit one, let it be Preveli – the transparent blue waters and forested river running into the ocean is a sight to behold.

After a packed day of exploring all that Crete has to offer, take a dip in the private pool followed by a refreshing outdoor shower. As evening falls, get the ping pong table out and bond with the family over a few friendly matches. The lawn offers plenty of room for outdoor games, and when you need to keep the little ones entertained, there's even a playground for them to blow off steam.

For a relaxed dinner at home, buy some local ingredients from the village and grill them on the barbecue. There's no better way to spend a summer's evening than by tucking into an alfresco feast under the pergola. If there's still time to catch the sunset, make your way to the balcony and take a seat – the sky turning pink over the olive groves is not to be missed.

Home truths:
*There's free private parking available here, with space for two cars

*Your host welcomes well-behaved dogs

*This home is spread across two floors with internal stairs between them – there's a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom though

*You'll have your own private entrance here

*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request

*If you'd like to explore the local area, bikes are available to use free of charge

*You'll need to bring your own beach towels