Lose yourself on Crete, Europe’s southernmost frontier and an island of stark contrasts. From the snow-capped mountains of the interior, looming imposingly over tiny, crumbling villages, to the elegant seafront resorts that fringe the changeable waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is sure to enrapture your soul. The island’s rugged landscape hosts a particularly bountiful crop of herbs, and the heady scents of rosemary, thyme, oregano, chamomile and fennel perfume the air throughout the year. Cretan diet is renown to the world for its longevity effect: It is made of earth’s simplest ingredients such as olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and light fish as well as red wine and poultry yet rich for their healthy benefits and quality of living.
The largest of the Greek islands, measuring 160 miles in length, Crete is a kaleidoscope of towns and villages all with their own unique aura. From Heraklion, the capital and fourth largest city in Greece, to tiny Loutro and its quiet pebble beach, there’s something for everyone on this eclectic island. Every summer, the international jet-set descend on the chic village of Elounda, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mirabello Bay and a favourite of international personalities. Dinner at the Calypso Elounda Peninsula is a unique experience and particular favourite with yacht-owners moored nearby, whilst the more laid-back Lotus Eaters serves fresh, local fare in a luxuriously peaceful location.
The island’s long coastline also offers a range of conditions suited to different water sports, from jet skiing and parasailing to kitesurfing and sailing. iKiTe provides premium, professional kiteboarding in Heraklion, whilst the best surfing is found during the winter at Phalasarna Beach in the Chania region.
On the island of Crete, in a fabulous location is Lydia, a beautifully designed island home offering never ending, sweeping views of the sea and coastline.
Spacious and bright, an open plan living/dining room and fully equipped modern kitchen are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sparkling blue waters of Mirabello bay. Each of the five en-suite bedrooms opens out onto the terrace with panoramic sea vistas. On the lower level a second living area is currently used as a cinema and games room. The villa is equipped with smart home technology.
Lydia brings together elements of nature, Greek light and contemporary island architecture with stunning results.
The wonderful gardens will delight every member of the family, featuring a lawn for children to play plus a large 18x8m infinity pool. A stone paved path runs through lovely cactus and herb gardens and the cypress and olive trees bring welcome shade to a hot summer′s day.
Outdoor dining has been well considered with plenty of room to dine around a smartly built-in round table next to the barbeque and a traditional Cretan stone oven.
The villa is situated less than one kilometer from the sandy beach of Voulisma with its captivating turquoise waters. The well-known coastal villages of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offer Mediterranean dining, shopping and entertainment. There are also plenty of options for exercise including water sports, tennis, excursions, and walking tours in this desirable region of Crete.
