Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
Balcony
A rare find - enjoy views from the balcony.
A quiet escape
Guests like the location for the peace and quiet.
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Private pool
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue
Explore the area
Old Road, Gavalochori - Almyrida, Crete
Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
Place, Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
3 min drive
Almyrida Beach
Place, Almyrida Beach
4 min drive
Kera
Place, Kera
5 min drive
Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis)
Airport, Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis)
45 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Shower room 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi
This property is managed by 'Saint Basil Olive Grove - Rentavillacrete'
GREEK TOURIST LIC£NCE NUMBER: 1042K91002923301
Perfect if you want privacy! This house is not overlooked by any other villa. It sleeps up to 8 persons in 4 double/twin bedrooms and has a private swimming pool. For people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, the downstairs double bedroom is ideal, being next to the downstairs shower room and W/C with commode available. British plumbing and WC - no small pipes!
IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN! This villa has a downstairs kitchen which looks out directly onto the gated pool. This means you can see your children playing in the pool while you are preparing lunch! Many other villas in the area have not been designed with holidaymakers like you in mind because they have an upstairs (Greek Style) kitchen which means you may have to balance a meal and a drink on a tray while walking down a flight of stairs with a toddler following behind you or under your feet! We designed this feature BEFORE the houses were built - you are not an afterthought!
Our guests often comment that this villa is in the perfect location: within walking distance from two villages, close enough to enjoy their facilities but not too close to be disturbed by barking dogs, crowing cockerels and noisy human nightlife that happens in any and every Cretan village or town.
The villa is located in a peaceful private olive grove of 4.5 acres (17,000 square metres). It is one of only 5 villas in the olive grove, all of which are owned by us. The olive grove is secure, being fenced and hedged by colourful oleander, and surrounded by olive trees. It is the perfect base to explore the picturesque Apokoronas area on foot or by car, with its tiny white hamlets nestled on green mountainsides. Apokoronas is a designated area of natural beauty, protected in a similar way to a National Park. At all times there are breath-taking views of the White Mountains which are snowcapped until late May. Literally on your doorstep there are numerous foot-trails through this most spectacular area of Crete, a genuine walker’s paradise.
Close to the villa are two villages. Almyrida, by the beach, is only a 3 minute drive away or you can walk it in half an hour. Gavalochori, further inland, is only a 1 minute drive away and you can walk there in less than 15 minutes.
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Villa Astro- Less than 5-Min Walk to Kalivaki Beach with private pool
Γεωργιούπολη
Villa Astro- Less than 5-Min Walk to Kalivaki Beach with private pool
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 1042Κ91002923301
Property # 8035382
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Apokoronas
Located in Apokoronas, this villa is in a rural area and near the beach. Old Venetian Harbor and Ancient City of Aptera are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Georgioupolis Beach and Almyrida Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Art of Living Glass Factory and Greek National Football Museum. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and ecotours nearby.
Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
Almyrida Beach - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Kera - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
Kalyves Beach - 7 min drive - 4.6 km
Art of Living Glass Factory - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
Getting around
Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
CostAnita - 3 min drive
Αρισμαρί - 15 min walk
Thalami - 3 min drive
Makis Souvlaki & Grill - 3 min drive
Elia & Thyme - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi?
As of 21 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi on 2 October 2026 start from NZ$467, 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 ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is ☀️ NOT OVERLOOKED ☀️Gated Private Pool For Child Safety ☀️ FREE WiFi located?
This family-friendly Apokoronas villa is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori and Almyrida Beach. Kera is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) away.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
If you are looking for a great family holiday then this is a good place to stay - close to amenities with its own pool. The owners were very quick to respond when we had a query.
Pat C.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2022
Thanks Pat, we like villa Asteria as it has a lovely big patio area and is not overlooked!
Fabulously private villa although you will probably need a car to fully enjoy the holiday. Fantastic hosts who communicated brilliantly. I would definitely recommend
Kevan D.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2022
Thanks Kevan, we are very pleased you enjoyed our Villa Asteria. It has a lovely private aspect in a corner of our olive grove with views out over the olive trees. Please come back soon!
Accurate description of the villa: Efficient communication and helpful advice before and after booking.
The villa was excellent; well maintained in a good location within walking distance of Gavalochori while the setting in a quiet olive grove with views of the white mountains was impressive.
Ideal villa for families with children, particularly as the swimming pool is gated.
Richard D.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2022
Thanks Richard, the gated pool is something we think is very important for guests with children.
This is a delightful villa situated in the hills above the resort of Almyrida. It is comfortable with all amenities we could need. The pool is superb, clean and clear and a perfect temperature. The host could not have been more helpful and was responsive to all contacts we made. We were a couple but this would easily have been fine for 4 or 6 persons. It is well located for exploring Crete.
Mike B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2022
Thank you Mike for your kind words. We like to have variable pricing depending on the group size, so making our villas cost-effective for couples as well as big family groups of up to 8 in 4 double/twin bedrooms. Larger families could book two villas together, accommodating up to 16 people in very comfortable style. We hope you visit us again soon.
We have just returned from a fantastic family holiday 8 of us stayed at the villa. No problems. You do need a car. Lovely local restaurants quiet and peaceful. Jeep safari and baoa trips were great local watersports good. Beach front resturants nice but pricey. Large Supermarket 15 mins in car.
Would go back
Amanda J.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2022
Thanks Amanda! Some of the smaller restaurants inland are very good value, such as Monicas Taverna in Gavalochory
Everything about the stay was brilliant - from the initial booking to the departure there were no hiccups or issues.
We have stayed in a number of villas in the area over the last 10 years and Villa Asteria rates as one of if not the best !!!
The villa is spacious and spotless and has all the amenities desired.
Location is great, a quiet, reasonably secluded area but just minutes away from the local village (Gavlochori) and the nearest seaside resort (Almyrida).
I would not hesitate recommending this villa to all or any of the other 3 villas in the St. Basil Olive Groves - John is an exceptional host.
Thank you so much !!
Book it - you will not be disappointed !!
Caroline P.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2024
Thanks for the excellent review Caroline. We chose the location very carefully - we wanted to be in a peaceful place but within an easy walk of the local villages. We put a lot of thought into the design of our villas, based on how we and our own families like to go on holiday and the facilities we look for. The fully gated pools are a good example, these were designed to help with child safety - something that you will not easily find in other villas across the island. And the distinguishing feature is the authentic colours and textures we have used in the unique decor of the houses. All of the wooden 'driftwood' effect fixtures and fittings are hand-built by Marcus, one of the owners, with colours anf fabric styled by his wife Kirsty. It is an ongoing process - we make little improvements and upgrades every year. Your were excellent guests and we would love to see you retirn soon. Bring more friends - you know the villas are big enough! You can follow us on Facebook to see what we get up to during the olive harvest in November, and many other things. Search for Saint Basil Olive Grove: Villa Holidays in Crete.
As soon as I booked, John warmly emailed me with great information, and he quickly answered all my questions. The villa was spotless, with aircon and a beautiful warm, clean pool. The villa is set in a lovely olive grove with beautiful mountain views. It's very quiet and peaceful. The local village of Gavalachory is so nice with a bakers, a few Tavernas, a shop, a lovely art and crafts shop and a museum. The beach and sea at Almyrida is gorgeous with nice Tavernas. We hired a car and received a warm welcome throughout the island. Thank you to our hosts John and Tina, we will be back!
Helen B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Thanks for your lovely review Helen, I think you nailed it with the perfect description of our lovely Villa Asteria in Crete: close enough to enjoy village life but far enough away to get some peace and quiet! We hope to see you again soon.
The villa is clean and spacious and as described in the listing. The kitchen area is small but well laid out with a good supply of crockery and utensils. The pool area is a good size and the covered patio is a lovely place to sit and eat lunch or have a nightcap.
The owners clean the pool regularly and were always responsive when I had a query.
A car is handy but if you don’t mind walking or taking buses you can manage without one. The village of Gavalochory , which has a couple of good restaurants and a small supermarket, is a 15 minute walk away, you’ll need a torch at night as there are no streetlights. Almyrida, on the coast, has many restaurants, shops and bars and is a 30 minute walk away, a little longer to get back as it’s uphill. A taxi from Almyrida to the villa is 9 €.
There is a bus service to Chania, which has a Venetian port and is a nice place to visit.
Lynn M.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2022
Thanks Lynne, you definitely gain a lot by renting a car, though the taxi service is very good
Archival
8/10 Good
Clive F.
20 June 2014
Beautiful Villa Asteria
A beautiful, well equipped villa set in peaceful surroundings, ideal for a relaxing holiday for couples or families. We were looking for privacy, peace and quiet and that is what we got - almost. We have long since given up hotels, with their noisy activities around the swimming pool, insufficient sunbeds and set meal times. We much prefer the flexibility and seclusion that villas offer, although this is not always guaranteed. Villa Asteria, from the advertisement, seemed to offer exactly what we were looking for and we were not too disappointed. There was a family with teenagers staying in one of the adjacent properties, however, so the quiet was often shattered by the screams of delight from the children as they played in their swimming pool and with less olive trees between the properties than we had been expecting, our pools were quite exposed to each other. The other major disappointment was the distance to the village of Gavalachorie, which we thought would be a 10 minute stroll but turned out to be nearer 20-25 mins for us (both well into our 60s), particularly the return leg which was uphill all the way. We never attempted the walk into Almyrida as this was a very steep climb back and again would have taken us twice as long as was suggested. A car is therefore essential, although the road to the village and into Almyrida is very narrow and with sharp bends.
These issues apart, we were more than happy with the villa and, never fond of air-conditioning, were grateful for the ceiling fans throughout the property. We did find the bed somewhat hard but many people prefer this so not a major problem. We were unfortunate with the weather on a few days and when it did rain, everywhere outside was covered in sand carried over from the Sahara, something which we were told happens a couple of times a year. This left the swimming pool surrounds and the outside dining area very slippery and filthy until the pool area was cleaned each Saturday. We felt that the pool could do with cleaning twice a week as it soon became full of leaves from the surrounding olive trees.
All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our 2 weeks at Villa Asteria and would happily recommend it.
Clive F.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
It is important to us that the villas are peaceful and quiet and we have designed the villas so that the pools are not visible to each other. About 4 years ago we planted 32 olive trees between the houses which have improved screening.
Wir waren hier für eine Woche mit unseren Teenager Söhnen und haben es sehr genossen.John und Tina sind sehr nette und hilfsbereite Gastgeber,die jederzeit ansprechbar sind.Das Haus liegt abseits vom Trubel in einem Olivenhain,es hat viel Platz und ist gut ausgestattet. Das einzige Manko ist, dass die Terrasse um den Pool kaum Schatten bietet,es gibt zwei Sonnemschirme,aber bei praller Sonne war uns das dennoch zu wenig. Schöne Dörfer und Strände in 10-20 Minuten erreichbar.wir können die Unterkunft sehr empfehlen.
Ein perfekter Urlaub in einer Villa , die keine Wünsche offen lässt ! Bestens ausgerüstet mit einem wunderbaren Pool inmitten von Olivenbäumen haben wir die 2 Wochen sehr genossen . John kümmert sich liebevoll um seine Gäste , wenn man ihn braucht und ist ein aufgeschlossener und sehr freundlicher Mensch .In der Nähe können wir vor allem die Tavernen in Gavalochori empfehlen , wirklich gutes griechisches Essen an lauschigen Plätzchen . Das beschauliche Dörfchen ist fußläufig gut und einfach zu erreichen .Eine uneingeschränkte 5 Sterne - Empfehlung. Wir kommen bestimmt wieder , in dieses Haus an diesen Ort !
Jo , Fabienne und Kinder
Tranquillité, bel endroit dans les hauteurs d’Almyrida, maison et espace extérieur très agréable. Idéal pour vacances en famille et/ou amis.
Bel équilibre entre ombres des arbres et soleil. Je recommande.
A lovely villa in the foothills of the white mountains. Close to the villages and beach yet private and peaceful.
Katherine H.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 August 2020
Katherine and her family really made the most of their holiday in Crete, making daily excursions to the wonderful places in the local area but also spending quality time relaxing by the pool and enjoying the beautiful White Mountains. We welcome them back any time.
Lovley holiday in the Villa, amazing pool, perfect views and the night sky was simply perfect. The location was far enough away from the town that it was beautifully quiet. The perfect place to relax and wind down.
Anthony Y.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Many thanks for your review. Villa Asteria has an excellent location, and is not overlooked and its position in the olive grove means it has the most privacy of our 4 villas. When we redecorated in early 2019 we added some quirky, hand-made touches which we think add considerably to the relaxing ambience of the house. It is indeed a great place to unwind! For 2020 we will be adding a large poolside pergola with extra shade and this will make the place even more attractive.
Really enjoyed staying at this property. Very clean on arrival and the pool was lovely. It's 2 kms from the small town and beach and less to a village with a good taverna, so easy access to shops and restaurants but a quiet place to stay. When needed the air conditioning made the house comfortable when very warm outside. The host was extremely helpful with information prior to the visit and very quick to respond to any queries.
Charlie N.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Many thanks for your review and thanks for staying with us. The peace and quiet is a key part of a stay with us but you are never far from food or drink
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay H.
17 September 2018
Fantastic place for a family holiday
Lovely villa with pool, spotlessly clean, nestling in the foothills of Crete. Idyllic.
Lindsay H.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thanks Lindsay! We'd welcome you back to stay again this year!
Archival
8/10 Good
Peter M.
13 August 2017
Superb Villa & Pool
We thoroughly enjoyed our two week stay at Villa Asteria. The villa is very spacious, well equipped and private. The pool and surrounding area is a really good size and there was always somewhere to be out of the sun.The location is beautiful. We did not hire a car as there was just the two of us. The walk down to Almyrida took about 25 minutes but the walk back was quite tough especially in the heat. However the taxi fare was only €9. The overall cleanliness of the villa was disappointing. Lots of dust and cobwebs.Some of the furnishings could do with being replaced. This is what stopped us from giving 5 stars. However this would not prevent us from returning to the villa,
Peter M.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thanks for your review. It was quite hot when you arrived so we are not surpised you too the sensible option of the taxi! Regarding the cleanliness, you will recall that Marcus (one of the owners) met you on the day of your arrival and you discussed your concerns and these were addressed within 24 hours. There was indeed an oversight on the cleaning on that occasion but our manager came to make good very shortly after you reported it, and I believe all was well for the remainder of your stay. As you will be aware there had been some building work going on in the olive grove opposite your villa and this plus the extra traffic kicking up dust from the unsurfaced access road at the side has contributed to an environment that is dustier than normal (the other villas, being further away, don't seen to have this issue). As to the furnishings, I believe you are referring to some sun loungers and sun umbrellas around the pool. We sent some away for recovering at the time of your visit and I can confirm that these are now ready to be installed once we collect from the pool shop in Kalyves. We are glad you have an overall enjoyable experience and you'd be welcome to return and hopefully enjoy the fresh new furnishings!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Brian W.
31 May 2016
Fantastic villa, everything there!!.
This is our second visit to Villa Asteria which has all the amenities we require for that perfect holiday.
The pool is so spacious and kept clean by the property manager Mark, we found the villa very well equipped and with satellite tv
you want for nothing.
The owners give excellent information on the villa and surrounding area, the views are out of this world, mountains one way, olive trees the other, the sound of mountain goat bells in the distance.
We have enjoyed this villa so much I have just booked for another two weeks in August of this year after our three weeks in May!.
Prices are good as well hence our repeat bookings
Brian W.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
We are delighted to be welcoming these guests back later this summer. The views really are wonderful and ability to relax and enjoy the views is a very important part of the holiday experience.
Archival
8/10 Good
Susan A.
4 November 2015
October sunshine
This was our fourth stay at Villa Asteria. We usually stay in May/June but this year took a later break. The weather was lovely.
Booking with John has always been quick, efficient and friendly. Mark and his team look after the villa well and answer any queries quickly. There have been improvements to the villa over the years and anything we have mentioned has been put right by the following year.
We feel totally relaxed the moment we arrive - lazing round the pool, lunches by the sea in Almyrida and eating in the evenings in Gavalachori. This year we took a trip to the Botanical Gardens of Crete,up in the hills south of Chania which were interesting but possibly not on very hot days!
The description of the villa is accurate but words cannot express the feeling of calm and peacefulness that one gets from the surrounding hills and the views of the mountains - and the wonderful sound of the cicadas in the evenings.
The information book needs to be updated and I am sure this will be done. This is the reason for 4 stars.
We love the area and would not think of taking any other villa.
Susan A.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
The peace and quiet is a key part of the experience of staying at the villa and our location surrounded by mountains does allow guests to relax. When you are ready for a lunch or evening dinner there are some wonderful tavernas nearby.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Geraldine L.
22 July 2015
Quiet villa in lovely location
We enjoyed our stay at the villa. It was private and very restful - rarely heard distant voices from the other villas and pool felt very private even allowing for occasional passing traffic. Also spacious, which was important to us as a couple with three teenagers in the party. This allowed us to stay downstairs and get up earlier and leave them undisturbed! Good facilities in the kitchen and comfortable seating area - nice to have proper sofas rather than sofa beds which are often impossible to relax on.
Good location for visiting other parts of this area of Crete - lots of interesting places within 30 minutes drive.
The restaurants in Gavalochori were great. People were all very welcoming. Our favourite was the Grill House, with Astimari a close second. We did find the walk longer than described, but that reflects our poor level of fitness as desk-bound people 48 weeks a year - the teenagers nipped up and down happily.
Fantastic views of the mountains, especially in the mornings. For a 15 year old boy to mention that as one of the highlights, the view must be spectacular!
Would recommend this villa to families who are looking for a comfortable home, in a quiet location with good access to beaches and places of interest when you do want to go out.
Geraldine L.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dave C.
20 July 2015
The Villa is excellent,just as we expected
The Villa is well equipped for your stay everything you require for a self catering stay, we stayed for three weeks and all our needs were met.The property manager was extremely helpful and efficient, Mark was always helpful with tips on where to visit on the Island. All in all we had a great holiday.
Dave C.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Our local manager Mark and his wife June are a real asset. As well as looking after the villa and pool they have a very deep knowledge of Crete and advise guests on great places to visit around the island and wonderful local restaurants
About the host
Hosted by John Fisher
This property is managed by Saint Basil Olive Grove - Rentavillacrete