Beaches, a Pool and Your Own Kitchen in Crete

Crete is large enough to feel like a small country: the White Mountains in the west, gorges cutting down to the Libyan Sea, Venetian harbours at Chania and Rethymno, olive groves and vineyards across the hills. A stay with its own kitchen and a pool fits the island's rhythm well. Mornings can begin with yoghurt, honey and fruit from a village market; afternoons divide themselves between a beach, a swim at home and a long rest in the shade.

Cooking with the island

Cretan markets are full of tomatoes, herbs, cheeses and olive oil. With a kitchen, a simple evening meal of what you bought that morning becomes part of the trip.

Beach days, slow returns

Crete has sandy coves, long pebble shores and lagoons. Coming back to the pool at the stay in the late afternoon gives each day a gentle second half; at some places the pool is shared with other guests.