Featuring a pool with sun terrace and a snack bar, Despoina Apartments lies just 100 metres from the sandy beach of Gouves in Crete. Its self-catering units enjoy free Wi-Fi and open out to a balcony overlooking the Cretan Sea, the pool, or the garden. Simply decorated with dark-wooden furnishings and white-washed walls, the studios and apartments of Despoina have a kitchenette with dining area. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning, a fridge and cooking hobs. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool and enjoy a drink or a light snack at the poolside snack bar. Billiards and a children’s playground are also available on site. Car and bicycle rental services are provided. Despoina Apartments is situated 15 km from Nikos Kazantakis International Airport and 20 km from Heraklion Town and Port. The famous archaeological site of Knossos is at 20. Free public parking can be found nearby.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Despina Apartments, located at Kato Gouves, Heraklio, 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 Despina Apartments, – 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 Despina Apartments are revisited so often.