Comfortable villa in peaceful Crete village, close to beach.
Villa • Aspro Greece
4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
3 Beds
1.5 Bathrooms
2 Car spaces
Primary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Statistics
Listed December 2019
Views 5914
General overview
Villa Calista, nestled in the foothills of the Lefke Ori (White Mountains) of north western Crete, is a privately owned, comfortably furnished, 2 bedroom/2 bathroom villa, with private pool and fenced orchard and gardens. Secluded and peaceful, yet not remote, the Villa is surrounded by olive groves, with superb views of the mountains and the crystal blue Cretan Sea. Just 2 minutes from the resort beaches of Almyrida and 25 minutes from the beautiful city of Chania, Villa Calista is located in the tiny historic hamlet of Aspro, in the region of western Crete called the Apokoronos.
Just 25 km from the beautiful city of Chania and 2km from the popular beach and lively tourist village of Almyrida, Villa Calista is perfect for a quiet retreat amidst the stunning natural beauty of western Crete.
The Villa is a perfect base to explore Crete - gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, traditional villages, lively cities, museums and archaeological sites, and so much more!
The space
Villa Calista is a comfortably furnished, detached 2-story, 2 bedroom villa with a pool, lovely terraced gardens and orchard, located in the tiny historical hamlet of Aspro. The Villa is surrounded by olive groves, with views of the mountains and the crystal blue Cretan Sea.
Villa Calista has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 maximum. The master bedroom has a comfortable double bed, wardrobe, mirror, nightstands, bureau, and lighting. It is fully air conditioned and has central heating for winter season, along with a wood stove. Full double doors from each bedroom lead to a beautiful balcony overlooking the pool and orchard and beyond to the Cretan Sea and mountains.
The main bathroom is on the second floors, adjacent to the bedrooms. It has a large bath and shower, with sink and toilet. The washing machine is also conveniently located here.
The main floor of the Villa has a half bath (powder room) with sink and toilet.
Our kitchen is fully equipped and there is a full dining set for 4 people both inside and outside the Villa.
Guest access
Villa Calista is a 2-floor property, with stairs leading the the bedrooms and master bath. It is not ideal for those with mobility challenges.
We do not have furniture or equipment for babies or very young children.
Notes
We chose this property for our retirement home, as it has everything we were looking for - quiet privacy, comfort, and close to the amenities in the towns and villages.
Villa Calista is a non-smoking property both inside AND out. This is strictly enforced. Violation of this rule will mean immediate termination of any stay agreement.
Villa Calista is generally available for exchanges year round, depending on our schedule. During the high season (June to September) it may sometimes be available for rent. As a rental property, Villa Calista currently enjoys 50 out of 50 5-star reviews from our guests. :)
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Adventure
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
Village
Mountains
Beach
Water
Culture
Hiking
Cycling
House rules
Unsuitable for infants under 2
Unsuitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Carpet free
Smoke free
Low allergen
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Neighbourhood
We love the peaceful setting of the sleepy old village of Aspro, but we also love the lively villages and towns of Almyrida and Kalyves close by. Aspro itself has no commercial establishments, but everything you need is in Almyrida or Kalyves, including tavernas, cafes, bakeries, boutiques, pharmacies and banks. When we need a taste of nightlife or shopping, the city of Chania is less than a half hour away. This is not a property for loud partying - we like our neighbours and respect their privacy and right to quiet enjoyment!
Our villa is perfect for those seeking a private home to stay while exploring the wonders of Crete. It's great for gentle hiking, cycling and exploring. Surrounded by lush olive orchards, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the Cretan countryside, where the tinkle of goat bells, bird song, or distant church chimes are the only sounds. Enjoy our gorgeous views of the Cretan Sea or the mountains from the garden terraces and balcony. Wander through our orchard garden, snooze in the hammock among the wildflowers, or plan your excursions from the comfort of our outdoor terrace. A Blue Flag beach is only 2 minutes away, with many others within a short drive. Shopping, dining, banking, nightlife are all to be had close by. From the villa, you can visit fascinating archaeological ruins, enjoy your pick of great tavernas and cafes, explore charming historic villages, or access some of the most famous beaches in Europe. Winery tours, cooking classes, sailing, biking, hiking, caving - are all options to consider when staying here. Then again, it's hard to resist lounging by our private pool!
Getting to my home
Villa Calista is 30 minutes drive from Chania airport (CHQ) or 2 hours from Heraklion airport (HER) The ferry port of Souda is about 20 minutes away - ferries arrive daily from Pireaus the main port of Athens.
A car is required and we do not provide one for exchange.
Nearest airport
Villa Calista is 30 minutes drive from Chania airport (CHQ) or 2 hours from Heraklion airport (HER)
Getting around
A car is essential for this property and we are happy to recommend the local rental companies we use ourselves. An International drivers licence is required.
There are local taxis based in Almyrida and regular bus services to Almyrida and/or Kalyves. There are many tour operators offering great excursions in season.
Our area of Crete is served by the local airport of Chania (CHQ) about 25 minutes from the Villa and by Heraklion airport (HER) about 2 hours drive. Chania and Heraklion have major ferry ports as well.
We had a wonderful stay at Nancys and Bobs villa in Aspro Crete.The grounds of the villa were like staying in a botanical garden with magnificent views over the white mountains and sea.The pool is very inviting.The villa is conviently located to several beach towns and beautiful hill top villages,You can reach Reythamos and Chaina and well as venture out to Balos and lazorate beachs by boat tours.Nancy provided all the information you will need to make your vacation memorable,We went to several anthropology museums and ruins .We had some fantastic meals at local tavernas that Nancy recommended.The Villa was well equipped and clean .They were always available to answer any questions we had.They are excellant hosts .I would highly recommend this exchange .
Thank you for being such great guests ANDS Hosts! It was a real pleasure.
The apartment was clean when we arrived ,The sheets and towels were all washed ,The bed was freshly made.All floors including or terrace was cleaned.They even were kind enough to leave us a bottle of olive oil from there olive trees on the property .We would not hesistate to have them be guests in our apartment again.The communication we had with them was great and ongoing.Nacy and Bob enabled us to have a memorable trip . The welcome packet and reading materials provided us with all the information we would need to have a comfortable stay.Thank you Nancy and Bob for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful Villa
Our very first home exchange and what a great experience it has been! Our hosts couldn't have been kinder and more accommodating. Heather and David have a wonderful apartment right in the lively heart of Cascais - it truly is just steps away from everything! We were able to walk almost everywhere, restaurants, museums, shopping, parks, beach, and the fabulous outdoor markets. And for day trip excursions, the bus and train station were just a few blocks away! The apartment was chic, comfortable, and well equipped and Heather and Dave went out of their way to provide a great welcome and hospitality with tons of information on where to go, what to do, and where to eat and shop. We really had exactly the holiday we wanted and needed. We are delighted to recommend the Millers Cascais home.
The Millers were great guests in our home and we enjoyed our chats about each of us discovering places we love. Their sweet little doggies were very well behaved and excellent guests too!
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From the rear of the property, where the pool and orchard are, you can see the Cretan Sea (Souda Bay) and the beautiful White Mountains (snow capped in winter).
Cretan houses are typically plain on the outside - this is our entryway leading from the parking area - with lots of flowering plants and pots. The grounds are fenced and gated and we share a common driveway with our neighbour.
The rear of the house opens to the pool terrace and the path leading to our small orchard and garden - from here, the views to the sea and the mountains are stunning.
A dip in the pool, a snooze on the lounges, then a barbecue!
Something is always in bloom at Villa Calista, including roses, jasmine, lavender and so much more. This archway leads from the parking area to the side and the pool terrace.
This spacious shaded area, opening off the kitchen to the pool deck, is called "the avli." We seem to spend most of our time out here, for meals and relaxing on the big lounges.
Shady lounges in the avli by the pool.
Avli
Opal skies and fiery sunsets over the pool.
Care for a midnight swim?
Moonlights on the pool terrace - magical!
The kitchen opens onto the terrace and pool deck. Fully equipped with dishwasher, microwave, oven, coffee maker and other small appliances. A gas grill is on the terrace.
Our cozy living room - full screen smart TV, great wi-fi, a small woodstove for chilly nights and air conditioning for hotter weather.
Master bedroom - Queen-size bed
Bedrooms open onto a lovely shaded balcony.
Bedroom 2 opens onto the balcony, features 2 single beds that can be made up to a large double bed. The room has ample wardrobes and a safe.
Totally renovated in 2021 - large walk in shower in the main bathroom off the 2 bedrooms. Washer (No dryer - we use the Cretan sunshine!). All new fixtures.
Each bedroom's double doors open onto the shaded balcony that overlooks the orchard, valley and crystal blue Cretan Sea.
Follow the lavender path and a meandering walkway down through the two lower terraces through our tiny olive orchard. Yes! We harvest our olives for oil every year!
Imagine yourself here with a good book and a cool drink.
Our orchard garden is an ongoing labour of love! Depending on the season, there is an ever-changing assortment of colourful flowers and unusual cacti and plants.
A hammock in the shade, perfect for an afternoon snooze.
Fancy a game of chess in our garden?
This is Almyrida Beach - just 2 minutes from the Villa. Calm shallow waters and all the lively beachfront cafes and tavernas make this a fun place to enjoy a swim.
So many beaches to chose from! From the stunning blue lagoon of Balos, to the pink sands of Elafonissi on the south west coast - hidden coves and excellent snorkling bays!
The tiny hamlet of Aspro is nestled in the valley - overlooking the crystal blue Cretan Sea, with Drapanos mountain in the back.
The archaeological site of Knossos is just outside of Heraklion, about 2 hours drive from the Villa - an easy day trip.
The fascinating ruins of Eleftherna with an excellent museum are a great day trip from Villa Calista
Off the beaten track (about an hour from the Villa) is the pottery village of Margarites - dozens and dozens of potters welcome you to their wonderful studios and shops! After, you can visit the lovely monastery of Arkadia.
Visits to the lovely monasteries across the island are generally welcome. They often have gift shops selling what they produce in their vineyards and orchards.
Seaside taverna - one of our favourites - near Kissamos.
The pretty harbour of Rethymnon at night
Gorgeous woven and embroidered textiles are much sought after souvenirs.
Our local markets are a foodie's delight!
Chania harbour - old town - in winter with the snow capped White Mountains behind.
Several excellent tavernas and cafes line the waterfront of Almyrida Beach... perfect for sunset watching
Some of the earliest churches in Christendom are on Crete.... it is not unusual to find churches like this one dating to the 600s AD.
For the cooler winter months, Villa Calista is equipped with central heating and a cozy woodstove.
Lovely Chania harbour - so much to explore!
Octopus Bay - Ask me how to find this lovely secluded snorkling site!