Villa Xenia is located in a garden just above the beaches of Diaskari and Lagada in Makrigialos. It features self-catered accommodation with a balcony overlooking the Libyan Sea. With simple furnishings and a lot of natural light, all apartments and studios at the Xenia include a kitchenette with a fridge and cooking hobs. Each has a private bathroom with shower and toiletries. The village centre is a 550 meters from the property and has Cretan restaurants, bars and shops. Lively Ierapetra is at 15.5 miles. Free private parking is provided 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 Xenia, located at Makrigialos, Lasithi Region, Crete, 72055, 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 Xenia, – 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 Xenia are revisited so often.