Located in the traditional village of Pendamodi in the Heraklion area, the two-storey Christina Villa 1 of the Christina Villas complex offers the unique combination of peace along with modern comforts and easy access to the City life. At a distance of just 15kms from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, also the north beaches and the E4 walking path, Pendamodi is an ideal location for excursions to every corner of the island, even though few of the guests usually decide to leave the hospitality and warmth of Christina and of the village. Christina Villa has an architecture inspired from the local traditional aesthetics. The private pool adds to the characteristics of the discreet luxury and decorates the nights of the veranda. Large open plan lounge with integrated dining area, a fireplace and full equipment, complete the comfort and relaxation that the guests enjoy when they do not choose to gaze and wonder at the mountain view, tapestry of olive groves and vineyards.
Located in the traditional village of Pendamodi in the Heraklion area, the two-storey Christina Villas offer the unique combination of peace along with modern comforts and easy access to the City life. At a distance of just 15kms from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, also the north beaches and the E4 walking path, Pendamodi is an ideal location for excursions to every corner of the island, even though few of our guests usually decide to leave the hospitality and warmth of Christina and of the village. Christina Villas have an architecture emanating from the local traditional aesthetics. Each of the private pools add to the characteristics of the discreet luxury and decorates the nights of the veranda. Large open plan lounges with integrated dining areas, fireplaces and full equipment, complete the comfort and relaxation that you can enjoy when you do not choose to gaze and wonder at the mountain view, tapestry of olive groves and vineyards.
Our villas are professionaly cleaned by our maid twice a week and due to the situation recently extra attention is being given at details, especially at check in and check out.
About Christina Villas: Christina Villas was a project completed in 2003. Thanassis Paspalakis, founder and Director of Zakros Tours did see the obvious, that Pendamodi, the village where he was born could be, due to beauty and location, an ideal place for alternative and high quality tourism. He created a complex of 11 superb villas, featuring one of Crete's best properties. As a specialist in tourism Thanassis, did understand what his guests would want from their distinctive vacations.
Our long experience in “philoxenia” [hospitality in ancient and modern Greek] is always there for our guests. Our will is to treat our guests mostly as family friends coming on vacation, rather than a client as meant by hospitality sciences.
Christina complex, was named after the mother of Thanassis, an adorable woman, married to Manolis Paspalakis, owner of the Kafeneion founded in 1930 and renovated by his grand-grand son Giorgos in 2005.
Coast/beach and eating outdoors: 15 km from the famous Ammoudara Beach (15 minutes drive). Ammoudara Beach is 6 kms long and is famous among locals and foreigners for its thin golden sand. It has parts with a lot of people, while others with few, also it has restaurants, cafes, water sports, beach bars.
Another choice near, recommended from our guests is Lygaria , a more quiet and family beach, located at a gulf, suitable for windy days. Amnissos, Karteros and Paliokastro beaches are also within short drive distances.
There are two traditional 'kafenions' in Pendamodi one of which also serves traditional 'mezes', Giorgos' 'Mezedopoleion', a mix of Cretan cafe and taverna, highly recommended by our guests for his hospitality and dishes. Additionally, a selection of brilliant local taverns can be found within a few kilometers in the surrounding villages and the Christina complex modern snack café is always an alternative and on site
Special interest holidays / Service: Courses on Greek History and Literature can take place on special demand by the candidate doctor of Philology, Adonis Paspalakis.
On this vacation you are not going to be alone: For the best service we will support your holiday during your stay, guaranteeing that you will get the most of your vacation: An information book with local sightseeing, tavernas, beaches and general information will be provided.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Heraklion
Heraklion is home to this villa. Dedalou Shopping Street and Heraklion Central Market are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ammoudara Beach and Geoponikos Kipos. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Pankritio Stadium or Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium.
Natural History Museum of Crete - 26 min drive - 18.9 km
Historical Museum of Crete - 26 min drive - 19.7 km
Heraklion Archaeological Museum - 26 min drive - 19.7 km
Heraklion Port - 29 min drive - 22.3 km
Getting around
Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Κυλικείο Πα.Γ.Ν.Η. - 11 min drive
Pizza Antonio - 15 min drive
Γρηγόρης - 11 min drive
Oregano - The Grill Project - 16 min drive
Ο φούρνος του Νύκταρη - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Christina I have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Christina I?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Christina I on 3 June 2026 start from NZ$286, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Christina I pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Christina I?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Christina I?
Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Christina I?
Checkout is at 11:30 AM.
Where is Christina I located?
Situated in Heraklion, this villa is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Agios Myronas Church and within 6 miles (10 km) of General University Hospital of Heraklion and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas. Ammoudara Beach and Tylisos Mansions are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
we had a great holiday in this villa located in a small village but with all the amenities nearby! A big thank you to Eliza who facilitated our arrival at the airport, access to the rental car and the reception at the villa!! We will come back without hesitation if we were to return to Crête !
Benjamin C.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2023
When one is having so kind families as guests, there is really not many things to be asked more! We are really
greatful to have had you here in Pendamodi! Efcharistoume!
Verified
8/10 Good
Martin
6 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Having been on a large family villa holiday in Maleme the week before, moving to a smaller villa was expected to be a bit of a challenge. However, Christina 1 was excellent for a reduced number of 6 with adequate bedroom and bathroom options and a great outdoor space for swimming, play and eating. A quiet village off the beaten track was excellent with a local sore which we used frequently and a good taverna next door serving good food. All in all a very good experience and thanks to Eliza for meeting us, showing us the way and the extensive information.
Une arrivée très aidée par Eliza. Une gentillesse permanente. Un panier garni à l’arrivée. Une réponse à toutes nos demandes. Une réactivité aux problèmes. Bref, un séjour parfait reposant et agréable. Merci!
Bruno D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 July 2021
Un invité très gentil pour nous, a été si gentil avec l'équipe... Nous serons ravis de vous revoir à l'avenir ! Un immense merci !
Es war ein sehr schöner Urlaub auf dem Land.
Am Flughafen wurden wir herzlich empfangen und ein guter Mittelklassewagen stand auch schon bereit.
Wir haben ihn beim Vermieter gebucht zu einem sehr guten Preis. Billiger geht nicht. Keine Selbstbeteiligung und Vollkasko. Alle km frei.
In der Villa stand alles was man für ein leckeres Frühstück braucht. Auch eine Flasche Wein für den Abend
Am nächsten Tag kam Adonis mit einer Kollegin vorbei um uns die Sehenswürdigkeiten und die schönsten Strände, auf der Karte zu zeigen.
Wir bekamen noch 1,5 Liter Raki aus eigener Herstellung.
Das war der beste Schnaps den ich je getrunken habe.
Das Wetter war super, der Pool wurde täglich von uns genutzt.
Da es nur Hotbird Satelitten Fernsehen gibt, hat Adonis uns Netflix installiert.
Deutsches Fernsehen haben wir dann über Internet gesehen.
Wir haben nichts vermisst, Preis Leistung hat gestimmt.
Vielleicht Dank für diesen unvergesslichen Urlaub.
heiko s.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
6/10 Okay
Brian L.
18 October 2019
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location
Pendamodi Villa
Very rural property. Well away from Heraklion. Almost 30 minutes drive each day.
Brian L.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
Many thanks for your review Brian and we really appreciate it,
we consider the distance to Heraklion very short, considering how far it is from the noise of the city, and it is one of the qualities our guests usually like.
I wish to thank you for staying with us and we hope that our advertisement was precise regarding the expectations of our potential guests.
In any case we thank you for being kind to us and we really hope that on another occasion our villa will be suitable.
Kind regards
Adonis Paspalakis
Location agréable située dans les hauteurs dans un village sympathique et calme, a 20 minutes des voies rapides vers l'ouest, l'est et le sud. Bon accueil et réactivité des propriétaires. Parfait pour des vacances en famille et la visite de la crête.
Helene D.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
It has been exceptionally nice to have had you as a guest, all the team here were honored to have met you! Thank you so much for your kind words and we would love to welcome you back in the future! Merci beacoup!!!
The staff (Adonis, Giorgos and Elizabeth) were wonderful. Very accessible and helpful with everything we wanted including escorting each arriving group from the the airport upon arrival. We rented our cars from them also which made it easy for us. We had 7 adults and 3 kids in our party. The villa is in the village of Pentamodi where you have such beauty surrounding you, including views of the olive and grape vineyards that will take your breath away. George,s restaurant became our nightly habit for wonderful food at great prices and Georgina’s store took care of the things we needed for the house including local wine. There are other villas that can be rented from Adonis if you need more room. The area is centrally located for travel all over the island. Above all the Cretan people are the most hospitable people I have ever encountered. You experience ancient, old and modern Crete at the same time. It’s very safe here and there is much to experience in the area including a monastery nearby, you might be out walking and find yourself in the middle of a sheep herd, Earino restaurant is within minutes drive and so much more.
We would definitely stay here again.
TERESA H.
Stayed 12 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
Mrs Teresa thank you so much for your very kind review! It has a been a real pleasure for the team to have met you and it was wonderful to have you at our villa! We can not thank you enough for describing in detail your experience and we will be very glad to welcome you again in the future!!
Efcharisto para poli!!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric S.
6 August 2018
Excellent séjour
Très bon accueil à la villa Christina 1, Lisa a été tres disponible, parle très bien le francais et son panier de bienvenue était très agréable. Un interlocuteur passait plusieurs fois par semaine pour entretenir la maison et également s'assurer que tout se passe bien.
La villa est exactement comme sur les photos: Intérieur, jardin et piscine impeccables. Le ménage, draps ( lits faits)et serviettes de toilettes changés très régulièrement: très appréciable. De plus, un petit commerce qui ne paie pas de mine se trouve à 2 pas où l'on peut trouver nourriture et fournitures essentielles à des prix modiques et le cadre est particulièrement calme de jour comme de nuit.
La situation de la maison est parfaite car à 20 mn d'Heraklion, proche de tout, les visites à l'est et au sud sont facilement possibles.
Nous sommes ravis de notre séjour et reviendrons peut être une prochaine fois dans cette villa.
Eric S.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
Thank you so much for your excellent feedback Monsieur Eric!
We can not thank you enough and we really appreciate it! Our team works really hard for such a good experience and we would like to thank you for highlighting this! We would love to welcome you back in the future!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Hannah A.
16 June 2016
Amazing holiday
From start to finish our holiday was amazing. There was 6 adults and 2 children and we fit perfectly into the villa. When we arrive late evening George had provided us with a welcome pack for breakfast in the morning this was really helpful. We hired 2 cars from zakros tours to get us about the island. George told us of places that might interest us. On the Tuesday it was my little girls 3rd birthday and when we arrived home in the evening there was a present and ballon waiting outside from the owners of the villa. It was these little touches that made our holiday. The village is gorgeous and the little tavern in the village is where we ate most nights which served amazing Greek food. We will definitely be returning for another fab family holiday.
Hannah A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Alan W.
18 August 2015
Perfect for our needs
Just spent a fortnight at this great villa up in the hills above Heraklion. Villa has everything you could want for a great holiday. When we were there we alternated between days at the beach, the water park in Hersonissos and the pool! It's about 15mins by car to the tourist centre at Ammadouro along with its big Carrefour supermarket and a Lidl around the corner.
Adonis, Manolis and Giorgios were great in giving us tips of where to go and what to do and can get you a good discount at the water park. We also hired the car from them as they offered us the best price and it is essential if you rent this property.
Nicely situated in a quite village (although there is a very convenient shop) we were able to go to both north and south coast beaches (although the south coast is about 1 hr away). There is a cleaner who comes every couple of days and is brilliant. All in all, well located, well equipped and a real find. Very tempted for next year!
Alan W.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
26 January 2011
October 2010
I can say some things for sure about our residence in Christina. The distinctive quality of the residence as such and the perfect positioning of the village in the countryside are competitive advantages.
We are talking about the place to be walking on the mountain and the countryside, exploring the pure Cretian Pentamodi village character, or just enjoying the sunshine all day in the relaxing wonderful garden by the pool, are just a few of the choices we explored.
And of course you are close enough to Heraclion and just a few minutes from the main road to everywhere.
The kids were really excited with all the facilities and the games by the pool. Adonis is also a big value for Christina Villas, whatever you need, in the best manners you get it right away. Real mediterranean hospitality.
?t all really felt beautiful... we all looking forward for our next visit to Crete and most of all Pendamodi atmosphere.Aurevoir!
About the host
Hosted by Adonis Paspalakis
Born Cretan, studied Philology at the university of Thessaloniki for my bachelor, University of Crete for my master , and currently again at Thessaloniki for my Phd, I am working in tourism at our local family firm, Zakros Tours, since 2005.
Why they chose this property
Being the village of my father, Pendamodi is really the place of my ancestors. Our family built the Christina Villas complex to offer our guests an insight at the traditional cretan way of life which can not be found in the "industrialized" resorts.
What makes this property unique
Christina Villas are combining both cretan tradition and modern amenities, while having a private garden and pool per villa, offers guests the chance to relax and enjoy their vacation. The location of the village is a great, as being away from the city but on the same time very near to it. Also, the villas are a fantastic base to explore the whole island.