"Pros: Lulu’s apartment is absolutely wonderful. Located in a 1950s building, it has been lovingly restored and decorated. It’s truly charming and comfortable, featuring beautiful watercolours, textiles, stone floors, a tasteful selection of vintage furniture, and plenty of (mostly art) books. Each room opens onto a large balcony—perfect for a romantic dinner or a glass of wine—and there’s a gorgeous sea view. The apartment has a unique character, unlike many anonymous rentals filled with IKEA furniture and off-the-shelf prints. The sea is so close that for a morning swim, I simply put on my trunks at the apartment, slipped down to the Libyan Sea, and showered when I got back—fantastic! We felt genuinely welcomed throughout our stay. Lulu was incredibly helpful, especially when my son came down with a cold. Our daughter said the oranges from the garden, kindly offered by our host, tasted like a dream. Lulu is an amazing host who makes you feel welcomed and secure while remaining unobtrusive. The location is excellent—there’s a shop just around the corner and a bakery nearby. The kitchen is well equipped with a variety of coffee-making equipment among other necessities. The village is absolutely worth visiting for a longer stay. In short, this is undoubtedly the best rental apartment and host I have ever encountered." ~Taaniel

"Pros: It’s our second year staying in this house—and that probably says more than anything about how much we love it here. The hosts have thoughtfully opened up the whole space, so guests can feel at home and use what they need, when they need it. The house is spotless, well-equipped, and the terrace is hands down our favorite spot—we spent half our time out there. It’s peaceful, quiet, and relaxing… aside from the occasional cat cameo, which only adds to the charm. Cons: There’s really nothing to complain about when it comes to the house—it’s great. What could be improved isn’t about the house itself, but more about the village, Kastri. The local shops are fine if you don’t have specific dietary needs, but if you do, a bit of planning ahead might be necessary. The nearby beaches are nice and quiet, though if you're looking for something larger or more varied, you may need to bike or drive a bit. And if it’s nightlife you’re after, you’re better off heading to the northern part of Crete." ~Ana