Villa Karissa
Gavalohori, Greece
Amenities
A/C
Parking
Washer
Scenic Views
Pets Allowed
Dryer
Home details
Bedroom 1
1 double bed
Bedroom 2
1 double bed
Bedroom 3
2 single beds
**BRAND NEW**
Named after the plant which has fragrant starry-white, jasmine-like flowers, Villa Karissa is the perfect location to unwind and relax in or out of the large pool and surrounding terrace with ample areas to seek sun or shade. The calming textures and colours offer tranquil days and nights, and a soothing environment is created by the gardens encircling the villa and the mature cyprus and pine-studded hillside opposite. On the far hilltop, the twinkling lights of Douliana village are in view after the sun sets and the sky lights up a deep blue. Villa Karissa’s comfy beds and boho-chic decor and fittings offer a chilled-out feel, leaving behind the busy day to day routine.
The highlight of the villa is the extremely large pool, with 16 air jets aimed to massage the back and legs, and a large terrace where a plush lounge set and cushioned sunbeds with umbrellas, offer plenty of options for stretching out and snoozing. Plus fast & reliable wifi is provided by the Starlink satellite.
Location - Agios Pavlos/Gavalohori
Villa Karissa sits on a quiet back lane just below the tiny hamlet of Agios Pavlos, a mere 900m from the small village of Gavalohori, which can be reached in about 10-15mins on foot, or a couple of minutes by car. Gavalohori boasts two excellent tavernas, a bakery and a couple of mini markets, as well as a traditional cafeneon where the locals sip their coffees, twirl the worry beads and watch the world go by in the late afternoons. A visit to the Folklore museum in the centre of Gavalohori is a must for history lovers, and right on the doorstep is an interesting stroll to peek into the old olive press and around the Roman cisterns that are above the village. Also just a short walk away from Villa Karissa, hidden amongst the trees, is the 16th century domed Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos (St Paul) from where the hamlet gets its name.
The shallow waters and sandy beach of Almerida is just a 10 min drive away, where a selection of shops, a few cafes and bars, as well as some fantastic seaside restaurants, provide a nice holiday vibe. A further 5 mins away is Kalyves, offering a butcher, fish shop and large supermarket, as well as a beach. The beautiful Venetian harbour at Chania town is approximately 35 mins drive away and well worth a visit. Exploring rugged Western Crete and the White Mountains is also easy to do from Villa Karissa.
Outside Villa Karissa
Swimming Pool - tiled 10m x 5m, depth 0.80 - 1.50m, bench with 16 air jets. Roman steps and ladder accessible.
Covered Poolside Pergola-
Sun terrace - sunbeds & umbrellas and outdoor lounge set.
Covered living area terrace - dining table and chairs.
Covered kitchen terrace - Free-standing gas BBQ and dining table with chairs.
Upper Balcony - partially covered with pergola, comfy sofa set and coffee table with glass barriers.
Inside Villa Karissa
Ground Floor - Villa Karissa
Open plan living area - L shaped sofa with coffee table, 55" Smart TV with cable channels, DVD and home cinema speakers with Bluetooth connection and WiFi. Two double sliding pocket doors looking out to the pool terrace. Air Con Unit.
Dining Area - Solid oak dining table with chairs and bench seating.
Kitchen Area - Run of fitted cupboards, 4 ring induction hobs, electric oven, built-in microwave, dishwasher, espresso maker (Nespresso original capsules) with aerocchino, double sink, large fridge/freezer. Windows look out to the BBQ terrace and entrance gate.
Twin Bedroom - Two single beds, wardrobe, dressing table with chair and mirror, one USB port at bedside, French doors leading to the pool terrace. The twin beds can be pushed together with minimal gap but not made up as a double. Air Con Unit.
Double Bedroom - 1 double bed, wardrobe, dressing table with mirror and chair, one USB port at bedside, sliding door to private terrace with table and chairs. Air Con Unit.
Shower room - Rain shower with glass partition, WC, sink with mirror and washing machine.
Upper Floor of Villa Karissa
Main Bedroom - Double bed with bedside tables, two USB ports at bedside, windows overlooking pool area and French doors to the large balcony. Air con unit.
Ensuite shower room - Walk-in rain shower with glass partition, WC with bidet sprayer with mixer tap, large counter top with sink and mirror.
Full sized dressing room with wardrobe, lounge chair, long dressing table with mirror and windows. Air con unit
Housekeeping
Your Villa will be prepared for you on arrival with fresh bath and hand towels and all beds made up.
For stays of 7 nights or more - house towels will be changed every 3 - 4 days.
For stays of 14 nights or more - bed linen will be changed every 7 days.
Pool/beach towels - one per person for the duration of your stay.
Parking
There is ample parking for 2 cars within the gates of the villa. Note that the driveway is short and steep, so following the directions is important for instructions on access.
All stays include
At Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy we believe certain amenities should be standard.
24/7 support
Kitchen essentials
Starter kit of bathroom amenities
High-speed wifi
Professional cleaning
Premium linens and towels
Television
Digital free stays
Our Tiny Home rentals may not include all essential amenities inside the home.
About the area
Almyrida, located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, is a serene seaside village that beckons travelers with its picturesque charm and tranquil atmosphere. This coastal haven is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and traditional Cretan culture.
The village's main attraction is its stunning beach, a crescent of fine sand and clear, shallow waters that make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Blue Flag-awarded beach is well-organized, offering sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports, including windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Families particularly appreciate the safe environment for children to play and swim.
Almyrida's seaside promenade is lined with a selection of tavernas and cafes where visitors can indulge in fresh seafood and local Cretan dishes while enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea. The village's culinary offerings are a testament to the rich gastronomic heritage of the region, with olive oil, cheeses, and wines that are sure to delight any palate.
For those interested in history and archaeology, Almyrida does not disappoint. The surrounding area is dotted with ancient sites, including the ruins of Aptera, an important city-state of the Minoan and Roman eras. Visitors can explore the remnants of temples, Roman cisterns, and an ancient theater, all while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore beyond the beach. The region's rugged terrain is crisscrossed with trails that lead through olive groves, citrus orchards, and wildflower-strewn hillsides. Hiking or cycling in the area provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Crete up close.
Almyrida is also an excellent base for day trips to other attractions on Crete. The bustling city of Chania, with its Venetian harbor, historic old town, and vibrant markets, is just a short drive away. The awe-inspiring Samaria Gorge, a World Biosphere Reserve, offers a challenging yet rewarding trek through one of Europe's longest canyons.
In essence, Almyrida is a destination that offers a peaceful retreat with the comforts of modern amenities, set against a backdrop of timeless natural beauty and cultural richness. It's a place where one can unwind on the beach, savor the flavors of Crete, and immerse oneself in the island's storied past, all within the cozy embrace of a friendly village atmosphere.
House rules
Check-in 4:00 PM • Check-out 10:00 AM
Payment & Cancellation
Required Identification Number:1161027