Kamares Houses

If you wish to find the true essence of Crete - that of an older, more timeless island - then a stay at the exceptional Kamares Houses can’t be ignored. Located in the traditional hamlet of Macheri - a 40 minute drive (but a world away) from Chania and the airport - the surroundings and views are glorious, with the rolling green hills of the beautiful Apokoronas region leading down to the sea and the White Mountains as an imposing backdrop. Add accommodation that combines traditional character with comfort, genuine Cretan warmth and hospitality from your hosts Kostas and Roula, and the sights and sounds of the country all around - the houses are surrounded by flowers, trees and shrubs - this is a side of Crete that will live long in the memory of country and nature lovers.

The accommodation comprises five apartments converted from the old village houses, plus two independent properties. The 1 bedroom apartments are at the upper levels and accessed from the inner courtyard. They possess a living room downstairs and bedroom upstairs (no 1 has a double bed, no 3 is twin bedded), a kitchen area with 2 rings and fridge, a shower room and a good-sized furnished terrace with views over the hills to the sea.

The 2 bedroom apartments have a big living room, one twin and one double bedroom, a kitchen with a 3-ring mini-oven and fridge, a shower room and a lovely large furnished terrace with views over the hills to the sea. One is on the ground floor (no 1 - has a beautiful tree-shaded terrace with BBQ) and one at the upper level.

Above, reached by a fair few steps up (so unsuited to those with walking difficulties), is the independent 2 bedroom house. This has super views from its three terraces and its own BBQ. The house is on three levels and has one double bedroom, one twin open-plan above a small sitting room, dining room with galley kitchen (full cooker) and bathroom with bath and shower.

Furnishings and decor in all units has a traditional flavour with much use of local wood - some is antique, some handmade by Kostas - and colour provided by locally woven rugs. Some have a sofa bed to sleep an extra person. Due to the elevation of the village (160m), breezes from the sea and mountains, high ceilings and thick stone walls, the houses are kept cool without the need for AC (fans can be provided during hotter periods).

Above and behind the apartments at the upper level is the 80 sq m pool (depth 1.4m-1.8m, ladder access, pool towels provided); very peaceful and tree-shaded to one side. There is also a BBQ for common use in the gardens.

Outside to the front is a common seating area under vines where a wonderful breakfast can be ordered daily (€10 in 2024) - including homemade jams, organic fruit and vegetables from the garden, local eggs, honey, yogurt and cheese. And once or twice a week a traditional Cretan dinner can be booked.

There are fine walking opportunities from here, including to a nearby gorge - the owners can provide information of local trails. However with a car included, the larger villages of Stylos and Armeni can be reached in just 5 minutes for local shops and tavernas, there are historical sites such as ancient Aptera to explore nearby, and the brighter lights and beaches of Kalives are just 7 kms away (12 minutes drive).

There is also an independent 2 bedroom villa with a private pool.

One bedroom apartment

Double or twin bedroom, living room with kitchen (2 rings, fridge), shower room with hairdryer, covered terrace with country and sea views. WiFi is provided. One apartment has an extra bed for a third person.

Two bedroom apartment

One double and one twin bedroom, living room with kitchen (3 ring mini-oven, fridge), shower room with hairdryer, covered terrace with country and sea views. WiFi is provided. One apartment has a sofa bed for a child.

Two bedroom house

One double and one twin bedroom, small sitting room with a sofa bed for a child, dining room with kitchen (full cooker, fridge), bathroom with bath, shower and hairdryer, three terraces with garden, country and sea views. WiFi is provided.