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If you've never visited the Greek island of Crete, you’re in for a lot of surprises. Travelers are so often astounded by the scenery, the diversity, and utter uniqueness of this Island. However surprising the geography may be however, the simplicity of village life has to be the more pleasurable discovery. Why there's even a term that best describes the people you'll experience here. So well noted for stellar seascapes, the term Filoxenia (the love of visitors) outshines any Cretan photo op. For business, romance, leisure, or adventure, Crete is simply incredible.

The majestic White Mountains of Crete from the Venetian Fortress, Herakloon by the author

Travelers will find that Filoxenia is a Cretan attitude, an art, almost a religion. If there are more friendly people on Earth, this writer has yet to discover them. Filoxenia is the reason a business executive finds his or her mission diverted to a Greek wedding celebration. It's also the reason some come to visit Crete, and never leave. Here's a revelation for you from our recent stay near Platinias, at the hidden treasure of Metochi Villas. 

Metochi Villa "Laina" - photographed by Jay Thomas

A marketing friend on Crete told me once, “Crete is not the best value for swimming the Aegean, but it’s the richest sightseeing paradise in all Greece.”

More Reasons to Visit Crete Than Meet the Eye

While adventure travel here can revolve around the wilds and wilderness, it's the agrarian culture of Crete that's most appealing to new explorers. At Metochi Villas, we found a perfect immersion into the village life off the beaten path. Situated a few hundred yards back from the beach front outside Chania, the small community at the hamlet of Metohi is imbued with centuries-old family tradition. The two villas owned by Dionysis and Georgia Karalaki represent an intertwining of old world quiet and calm, along with all a modern approach to villa stays. Standing within a shout of the local villagers, Villa Laina and Villa Sofas radiate country charm. From the top floors or balconies, the long stretch of Cretan Sea beaches, village church spires, and olive groves extend to the horizon.

The pool at Villa "Laina" - by photographer Jay Thomas

Inside either villa, the reality of a crackling fire beneath exposed beams 400 years old, meets fresh terrycloth and crisp linen, along with the most amazing hosts. Four pristine bedrooms, two opening to the pool, welcome guests with convincing visual appeal at the larger Laina. But for the romantic couple, the single bedroom overlooking a private pool at Sofas is reminiscent of a honeymoon cottage.

These traditional stone villas are emblematic of a Cretan society centuries old. Reach across the fence in the courtyard, grab a fresh orange to squeeze for breakfast, or scramble some fresh eggs offered any morning by the neighbors – your Cretan villager status has just been redeemed. Best of all the convenience of Metochi Villas puts you in the thick of things from famous Falasarna Beach (image below) (20 minutes west) to the harbor at Chania (15 minutes east), or simply out of the way, whichever you prefer.

Takeaway: Expect all the modern conveniences including; a modern

 kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, free WiFi, Satellite HDTV, digital sound system, complimentary cleaning and maintenance services, and enough space for 8 or more. From €135 euro per night for the larger Laina, and €105 per night for the smaller Sofas, everything in the Chania district is minutes away. As for Filoxenia, you’re surrounded by it here.

Photographed by the author

To contact Metochi Villas – Metochi, Kontomari, Pirgos Psilonerou, Platanias, Chania, Crete - Phone: +30 28210 28678 or Email: info@metochivillas.gr