Farma Di Santolo  

Split-creature Crete: a tucked-away hotel in Sougia (about 25 km from the city center) and a rural vacation home in Manoliopoulo just minutes from Platanias Beach, Agia Marina and the War Shelter of Platanias. Both spots sit close to Crete’s shoreline and village life — great for beach days and slow evenings.

Rooms at the Sougia hotel are warmly decorated and come with a TV, DVD player, mini-bar and shower. The Manoliopoulo vacation home feels like a proper retreat: a fireplace, flat-screen TV, private furnished patio, terrace and garden. The vacation home also has a full kitchen with a full-size fridge/freezer, oven and stovetop for easy self-catering.

Expect hands-on comforts: a massage room and a yoga area at the hotel, plus barbecue grills, a picnic area and tour/ticket assistance at the vacation home. Practical perks include on-site parking (free self-parking available), car rental and transfer arrangements, ironing, laundry facilities, a safe-deposit box and a microwave in a common area. Wake up to sea-breeze mornings and spend evenings grilling on the patio.

Self-cater friendly. The vacation home’s full kitchen and the shared barbecue area make al‑fresco meals simple and social. Bring local ingredients or pick up supplies nearby and cook on the terrace.