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Villa Dafnes, Dafnes, Crete

• peaceful secluded villa with private pool • quiet traditional village • sleep up to 5 (1 double, 1 twin, 1 single)

This spacious villa stands in the heart of the pretty village of Dafnes, just twelve kilometres from the bustling capital, Heraklion, in the heart of Crete’s celebrated wine producing area. You will no doubt have the opportunity to sample the local wines at some time during your stay as they are available at the village shop and served in the local tavernas.

If you travel in early July, you will witness the Dafnes wine festival, which takes place in the village square. Visitors can sample the fine local wines - for free - and enjoy tasty Cretan dishes to the accompaniment of traditional music and dancing.

From the villa, you are ideally placed to explore the surrounding countryside. There are breathtaking views over hillsides of olive groves and vineyards in the immediate area and your car will allow easy access to the treasures of the island. These include the ruined Minoan Palace of Knossos, only 5km from Heraklion along the road to Archanes, Phaestos, the second most important Minoan site of the island, set amid the fertile plain of Messara, and the southern coast of the island with its long sandy beaches and crystal-clear, blue water.

While in Dafnes, you might like to spend some time exploring Crete’s capital, Heraklion, with its atmospheric and colourful old port. You can see the impressive 15th-century Venetian ramparts, which run for 2½ miles, and the restored fort, as well as the many ancient Minoan treasures that fill the town’s elegant museums.

The villa is spacious, immaculately decorated and comfortably furnished with tasteful local antiques and elegant works of art. On the ground floor you have a large open-plan sitting room and dining area, with its traditional beamed ceilings and exposed stone alcoves, that leads out on to the entrance courtyard. There is also a TV room, with DVD/CD player, and a well-equipped kitchen, plus one twin-bedded room and a bathroom with shower. On the upper floor you find your master double bedroom, a single bedroom and a large bathroom with bath and shower.

The main garden, bordered by palm olive and lemon trees and hidden behind a high stone wall, incorporates a swimming pool and surrounding terrace with a stone-built barbecue. The location is private and peaceful with many flowering shrubs and potted plants to give it an air of calm and tranquillity.

Dafnes is a peaceful, almost sleepy village where you will be able to relax behind your large wooden doors, in the shade of jasmine and bougainvillea. Indeed, you will experience the quiet life in Dafnes by immersing yourself in the simple life of a traditional Cretan village. There are a number of restaurants and shops in the village but if you feel the need for more choice, Heraklion is only 12 kilometres away.

Activities & Facilities:

• walking • nearest restaurant 8 mins’ walk (opens evenings) • nearest shop 5 mins’ walk • tour historic sites

Prices & travel 2008

All prices in £ per person based on the number of people in the party

Start: Tuesday
Nights: 7
Board: self-catering
1 wk price includes: 7 days' category C car hire
Recommended airport: Heraklion
Driving time from airport: 0h40

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