Villa Polemarchi Iris

The homely Villa Polemarchi Iris is nestled on a superb, elevated plot near the tranquil village of Polemarchi, four kilometres from the village of Tavronitis and roughly 22km west of Chania. The villa comes with extensive gardens and terraces, four spacious bedrooms, traditionally styled living space and the most fabulous, panoramic views stretching from the White Mountains to the brilliant blue sea and over towards Chania.

Polemarchi is a tiny inland village where you will feel you have got away from all the stresses of everyday life. The village and beach of Tavronitis are named after the River Tavronitis which flows into the area. Tavronitis Beach is a pebbly beauty that actually runs from Kolimbari to Stalos. Near the beach there are many inviting tavernas and restaurants. Just along from Tavronitis is Maleme with its historic airport, the field of the Battle of Crete. Maleme is a delightful, peaceful resort with a fabulous array of bars, tavernas and shops. It sits between Tavronitis and Gerani with a three kilometre beach. Maleme’s lively neighbour Platanias is just fifteen minutes away with its Blue Flag beach and buzzy nightlife. Chania Old Town is thirty minutes away from Villa Polemarchi Iris boasting an incredibly beautiful Venetian harbour and lighthouse and its charming narrow cobbled streets full of unique boutiques, atmospheric restaurants and bougainvillea. Alternatively, you can head west to the island’s astounding beaches of Balos, Falasarna and Elafonissi or for a very active day out, you can hike through the phenomenal Samaria Gorge. Villa Polemarchi Iris certainly offers you some wonderful possibilities to enjoy your holiday in Crete!

Surrounded by nature, Villa Polemarchi Iris offers total seclusion and privacy. It feels like your own oasis of peace where you can admire the hilly landscape, the colour of the sea and sky and the brilliant climate. The gardens are on two levels with the lower ground floor bedrooms opening directly onto the pretty, lower tier gardens. The 8m x 5m swimming pool with its special children’s section sits on the higher level with commanding views and is surrounded by loungers. Just by the pool is an excellent, if slightly rustic, shaded outdoor kitchen and alfresco dining area. You will have fun with the traditional bread or pizza oven and the barbecue, cooking feasts that you can enjoy as you watch the sun go down. There are grassy banks and vibrant colourful flowers everywhere, contrasting beautifully with the mellow stonework of the villa. You will find a table tennis table tucked away in a quiet corner for some family fun. The villa also enjoys several balconies, one of which can also be used for alfresco meals. It is so lovely to have breakfast here looking over towards Chania and the sea.

Villa Polemarchi Iris has been designed with large windows and glass doors which ensure it is bright and airy. The living and dining room is a cheery space offering much charm with its high, wooden, vaulted ceiling and its exposed stonework. Comfy, traditional chairs and sofas sit in the corner, perfectly placed to admire the views and to watch the television while the dining table also enjoys a fabulous view. Doors open to a balcony and allow a soft breeze in. Next comes the country kitchen with its wooden cupboards, breakfast table and feature fireplace for chilly days. Two of the villa’s bedrooms are located on this level, one a charming twin with an ensuite bathroom with a hydro massage bath and the other with a double bed as well as another hydro massage bath. Both of the rooms enjoy private balconies where you can pop out to enjoy the sunrise and your early morning cup of coffee.

The remaining two bedrooms are on the lower ground floor, one with a double bed and the other a twin. Again, they both boast ensuite bathrooms and each has direct access to the garden with its breathtaking views.

Villa Polemarchi Iris may be on the traditional side and not one of the swanky pads by the sea but it certainly has its charms. It enjoys modern comforts, total seclusion and those views are very hard to beat!

Features:

The Villa
Villa Polemarchi Iris is a traditionally-styled 4-bedroom villa comfortably sleeping 8 guests, with private pool.

Lower Ground Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom

Ground Floor
- Open-plan living area with dining facilities
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom

Exterior Grounds
- Private swimming pool (8m x 5m)
- Terrace
- Dining facilities
- Barbecue

Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- Iron & board
- Safe box
- Parking

Location:

Villa Polemarchi Iris enjoys a rural setting with outstanding countryside and sea views. It sits in its elevated position near the village of Polemarchi and 4km above the charming village of Tavronitis, close to the Rodopos peninsula. The villa is within easy reach of Chania, Kissamos, Balos Beach, Falasarna Beach and Elfafonissi Beach. Tavrontis and Maleme, the next village, are laid-back spots where you can truly relax. Being edged by low dunes and sprinkled with towering trees, Maleme Beach is lovely. Snorkelling, fishing and horse riding are available locally and there are some mini-markets and tempting tavernas. The foothills behind Maleme are excellent for fresh country walks perfumed by the wild thyme and oregano. An hour’s ramble out of Maleme takes you to the charming hilltop village of Deres with its whitewashed church and inviting taverna. Maleme is famous for being the place where German paratroopers attacked Crete in 1941. Tavronitis and Maleme are peaceful havens but if you are looking for some livelier entertainment, you can head to Platanias roughly 13km away.

The buzzy tourist resort of Kissamos sits on the edge of the Gramvousa peninsula. Kissamos is also known as Kastelli Kissamou in reference to the former Venetian fortress that used to dominate the town. Kissamos enjoys many tavernas, beaches and plenty of shops. Surrounding the town are fertile olive groves and vineyards. The main beach is Mavros Molos which is sprinkled with trees, sunbeds and parasols. The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos is located on the main square, Stratigou Tzanakaki, boasting an impressive collection of local discoveries from a wide range of historical eras. A little further north of the main port of Kissamos is the quaint, colourful Old Port of Kastelli Kissamou which is brimming with brightly coloured fishing boats, a photographer’s dream.

On the Gramvousa peninsula, Balos Lagoon Beach is absolutely stunning and one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. The lagoon of Balos has silvery white sand and exotic, white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon and wider area with rare species of flora and fauna are protected under the Natura 2000 programme. Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nest in the caves and the area is a shelter for protected monk seal and loggerhead sea turtle. You will think you are in the Maldives or somewhere as it is so beautiful. Balos can be reached by car, though be prepared for a bumpy ride or you can take a boat trip to the beach. North of Balos, in Cape Korykon, there are remains of the small Roman town of Agnio with the temple of Apollo and the picturesque chapel of Agios Sostis.

At the western base of the stunning Cape Gramvousa, 17km west of Kissamos, you will discover Falasarna Beach, another fabulous Cretan gem. The beach has been voted as one of the ten best beaches in Europe in the past. Falasarna Bay actually consists of five consecutive dazzling, silver-sanded beaches. It is huge as well as gorgeous and has such a dazzling, clear, turquoise blue sea. At the northern end of the beach there are ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Falasarna. There are several companies offering watersports including Falasarna Activities who offer wakeboard and jet ski tuition.

Elafonisi is also a magical place that consists of a small islet with white and pink sandy beaches. Visitors can wade out to the island to enter another world. The island is an internationally classified nature reserve and home to more than one hundred rare plants including summer flowering sea daffodils that look like white cups. The island is a nature lovers paradise. To the left of the sandbank, windsurfers enjoy the prevailing winds.

The charming and picturesque Old Town of Chania is roughly twenty five minutes away in the car. Its atmospheric 14th century Venetian harbour, old port, narrow, cobbled shopping streets, colourful bougainvillea and waterfront restaurants make this a top-notch evening out. The sunset views are breathtaking with the Venetian lighthouse a focal point. You can walk along the harbour wall to the lighthouse.

Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe at 16km which would take roughly six hours to pass along the whole gorge. Otherwise you can drive to Chora Sfakion and take a boat to Agia Roumeli and walk at few kilometres at the end of the gorge. The Imbros Gorge is also very beautiful and takes approximately two hours. You can combine this walk with swimming in Fragokastelo Beach.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
There is no security deposit, but should there be any damage or loss caused by you or your guests during your stay you will be liable for the cost.

Arrival time?
4pm

Departure time?
10am

Energy costs included?
Yes, included in the rental price

Linen & towels included?
Yes, included in the rental price

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival.

Internet access?
Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access included in rental pri