Villa Giovanta

The villa

Set amid an estate of ancient olive trees with sweeping views across the Cretan Sea and the Kissamos Peninsula, Villa Giovanta offers a tranquil escape for families or groups of up to ten. Positioned on a gentle hillside above the village of Kontomari, this spacious five - bedroom villa includes a self - contained ground floor apartment, ideal for guests seeking added privacy.

Just one and a half kilometres from the peaceful beach of Pirgos Psileronou and close to Maleme and lively Platanias, Villa Giovanta enjoys a superb location for exploring western Crete. The Venetian harbour and atmospheric Old Town of Chania lie only twenty - five minutes away, while Balos, Elafonisi and Falasarna beaches are within easy reach. The dramatic Samaria Gorge also offers a memorable day trip.

The villa's beautifully landscaped gardens feature a large private pool with a shallow section for children, shaded terraces, and an outdoor kitchen with a built - in barbecue, wood oven, and bar, ideal for al fresco dining and sunset drinks.

Inside, the main villa spans two floors with a double - height living area, traditional dining room and country - style kitchen. Upstairs are three further bedrooms, two with en - suite bathrooms. The separate apartment includes a lounge, kitchen, double bedroom, single bed and bathroom, perfect for grandparents or a small family.

Villa Giovanta enjoys a prime position just above the village of Kontomari, only one kilometre from the lively yet charming resort of Maleme. It is also close to the vibrant resort of Platanias and the scenic Rodopos peninsula. Within easy reach are Chania, Kissamos, and the renowned beaches of Balos, Falasarna, and Elafonisi. Local activities include snorkelling, fishing, and horse riding, with mini - markets and inviting tavernas in nearby villages. The foothills behind Maleme offer refreshing country walks scented with wild thyme and oregano. A one - hour ramble from Maleme leads to the hilltop village of Deres, known for its whitewashed church and welcoming taverna. Maleme, while peaceful today, is historically significant as the site of the German paratrooper landing in 1941. For livelier entertainment, Platanias is just a short drive away.

Kissamos, also known as Kastelli Kissamou, sits on the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula and offers beaches, tavernas, shops, and an archaeological museum. Its Old Port, filled with brightly painted fishing boats, is a photographer’s delight. The nearby Balos Lagoon boasts shallow turquoise waters and silvery sands, protected under the Natura 2000 programme. Wildlife includes monk seals, loggerhead turtles, and Eleonora’s falcons. Falasarna Beach, at the base of Cape Gramvousa, is another standout with its expansive silver sands, ancient ruins, and watersports. Elafonisi, a nature reserve with pink and white sands, is home to rare flora and ideal for wading and windsurfing.

Chania’s Old Town, around twenty - five minutes away, enchants with its Venetian harbour, waterfront dining, and sunset views. For hiking enthusiasts, the Samaria Gorge offers a full - day trek, while the Imbros Gorge provides a shorter alternative, often combined with a swim at Fragokastelo Beach.