Quietly located in a 7,000-sqmwell-tended garden, Villa Vicky features an outdoor pool with a poolside snack bar. It offers self-catered accommodation and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Limenas Herosnissou beach is only 250 meters away. Bright and airy, all studios and apartments at Villa Vicky open out to a balcony or patio with Cretan sea and mountain views. Traditionally decorated in beige and green tones, each has a kitchenette including an oven, cooking hobs and fridge. A hairdryer, bathrobes and free toiletries are provided. Guests can relax at the pool area using the sun loungers or enjoy a fresh juice and cocktail from the snack bar. A playground is available in the garden for younger visitors. A golf course can be found at 1.9 miles from the property. The villages of Limenas Hersonissou and Koutouloufari are around 650 meters away. Heraklion International airport is at 14.3 miles. Free, private parking is possible on site.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Villa Vicky, located at Hersonissos, Heraklion, 70014, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Villa Vicky, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Villa Vicky are revisited so often.