The Belvedere apartments sit just 150m, from the beach. They are built in stages across the hillside, the hotel offers some spectacular views from various areas across its peaceful grounds. The surrounding landscape is filled with leafy trees and exotic flowers. The gardens surrounding the hotel are home to an outdoor swimming pool, framed by a sun terrace that is furnished with sun beds and parasols. A pool side bar offers drinks and snacks, and there is a children’s poolfor little ones to paddle in. The hotel cafe serves a continental breakfast every morning and provides drinks and light bites throughout the day.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Belvedere, located at Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, 71500, 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 Belvedere, – 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 Belvedere are revisited so often.