Marilena Apartments

02/09/2019

04/08/2017

Cretan grandmothers - like no other grandmothers!

02/08/2017

I wonder if there is a Cretan version of this language. So many delights to experience and to witness in Greece by steering away from the over developed and tourist traps. This is just one example: http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170731-greeces-disappearing-whistled-language?ocid=fbtvl

For some 2,500 years, residents of this mountainous village have used an astonishing language that only they understand. But there are only six people left who can ‘speak’ it.

01/08/2017

Crete through the looking glass: clear skies, blue seas, fresh air

03/06/2017

Follow the windy roads west from Phalassarna in the direction of Elafonissi also known as the pink beach, the sand blends with particles of coral to give it this colour. It is unique and spectacular in equal measures. The road trip from Marilena Apartments was long but enjoyable as we stopped for views and food along the way. Ending here was so relaxing. You can walk away from the crowds onto the desert islets for some more private and quiet moments. It's a must visit...

02/06/2017

Fresh tuna risotto made with love by restauranteur Christos. He is a great story teller and a fabulous chef. Always using fresh and seasonal ingredients he is brave enough to be experimental with Greek cuisine, which is quite a unique feature in itself. You can spend a whole day at Kritikos in the village of Kalyves. It's one of my favourite Cretan beaches as the river meets the sea causing cold ripples among the warm Mediterranean Sea. It's like a reverse whirlpool bath. Christos will look after you throughout the day, with beers, tomato dips, cheese and dakos. The evening he'll put on his best culinary show with dishes such as this tuna risotto. Also he does a smashing roasted halva, and that's our little secret tip for you. (15 minutes drive from Marilena Apartments)

02/06/2017

We tend to swim to shore for lunch and dinner - at least us that are young at heart. By doing so we feel justified to order everything on the menu. A mouthwatering Cretan dish are stuffed zucchini flowers lightly fried and served with Greek yogurt. These guys are in season from late spring to mid summer and are a Cretan delicacy especially when they rice stuffing is combined with dill. At make sure you check out for lunch or dinner, one of our favourite Cretan restaurants. Our fellow explorer and traveller took this picture and appears to agree with us!

02/06/2017

I love this picture as it captures the deep colours of the Cretan sea. Jumping off the boat into such clean waters is such a liberating and refreshing moment. This image was captured by fellow traveller and explorer

01/06/2017

Good morning all! Today I'll be sharing views from the sea, cue boat. Meet Alexandra, she has been in our family for more than 20 years and it's on her I first learned to be a traveller. It's amazing how different a place looks from the sea. I've seen barren islands look lively; party towns looks heinous, quiet bays turned into culinary destinations. Alexandra has been a party boat with Bowie, Prince, Little Feat and the Rolling Stones blurring out during the day, during sundowners it was Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. As young teenagers my best friend and I put on a rendition of swan lake only it was dolphin's bay and we'd pirouette out of the hatches; on the bow of the boat we'd chat b(u)oys. Such great memories. Today, we are travelling westwards from Gavalochori to Souda to board Alexandra. From there we'll be heading to Marathi in time for sea urchin salad.....

31/05/2017

Signing off for the day with this image by , who seems to share my fascination with Cretan olive trees. This image was taken in Vouves village where 3000 trees have been declared national treasures as they are believed to be more than 1000 yrs old. I recently found a letter by Cretan novelist and philosopher Kazantzakis describing a villa he rented on Crete many years ago. 'The villa that we rented for three years is excellent: a large garden with olive trees, fig trees, orange trees, tangerine trees, almond trees. You'd have your own room, where the olive branches enter through the window. Quiet, sweetness, the sea... '

31/05/2017

In early spring olive groves lend a silver sparkle to the Cretan terrain, while in the summer they refresh our eyes with rich greenery. The Mahos olive groves are situated to the west of Chania & Gavalochori. Many of the family run farms in the area offer guided walks of the groves and the olive oil making processes. Crete in fact comes third in the world for olive oil production and is often credited as the special ingredient in Italian olive oil... follow the silver sparkle or the greenery through the hills of Mahos, on the foot of the White Mountains for a refreshing day trip in Crete.

31/05/2017

Olive trees, often, take on the character of the places they inhabit. French varieties are plucked and pampered, comme il faut. Tuscan trees are pruned to classic shapes; nearer Naples, they bulge out in generous proportions. In Gaza, limbs sprawl every which way, dusty, unruly, neglected. By the Sahara they grow tall and noble, like the palms, rising in deep roots. On small Greek islands swept by meltemi winds, bent little trunks cling for dear life to barren rock. But in Crete, trees loom like mythical creatures. Ageless, they are living links to the first Mediterranean civilisation.

31/05/2017

Have a wonderful holiday at this small village in Crete and enjoy the sunshine and good food or travel around for amazing beaches and lots of places to visit!

Sun bed set, swimming pool cleaned, cloud on the retreat, view cultivated over 1000 years. I absolutely love Cretan olive trees. I just finished reading a book by Mort Rosenblum on Olives, the life and lore of a noble fruit. Pedantic and boring you may think but it's taken me on quite the journey of this island. I'll be sharing my findings with you today stay tuned

31/05/2017

Sun bed set, swimming pool cleaned, cloud on the retreat, view cultivated over 1000 years. I absolutely love Cretan olive trees. I just finished reading a book by Mort Rosenblum on Olives, the life and lore of a noble fruit. Pedantic and boring you may think but it's taken me on quite the journey of this island. I'll be sharing my findings with you today stay tuned

30/05/2017

The rugged and raw nature of Crete always gets me. Going off the beaten tracks here really does mean exactly that. This was taken in the region of Phalasarna, renowned for its ancient city port that now is submerged below sea level. The views from these windy streets are spectacular and often lead to magnificent eateries or secluded beaches.

30/05/2017

We've just launched our instagram account. This month we'll be focusing on travel itineraries in Crete. Please do follow us on a_view_of_ones_own - First up is the gorge of Samaria, a great day trip from Gavalochori http://www.west-crete.com/samaria-gorge.htm

29/05/2017

Another great review for Marilena Apartments, this time from Ian all the way from North Yorkshire: "Great apartment, fantastic view all in a great non-tourist Cretian viiiage. We will be back in 2017. We swam in the lovely pool every day. Evenings were spent in the village at one of the several great eateries."

30/01/2017

30/01/2017

19/09/2016

We are happy to announce our collaboration with artist & art teacher John Heldey for his forthcoming painting holidays. These are a great opportunity to practice your painting with experienced and renowned teacher while enjoying Cretan nature at its best. For more information do not hesitate to contact us or head straight to John's website: http://www.johnhedley.org.uk/painting-holidays/4591454242

Artist (Printmaker/Painter), based in North Wales, UK.

20/08/2016

Crete, a gourmand's paradise...

24/08/2015

Gorgeous Cretan sunsets enjoyed best in the historical harbour of Chania

21/08/2015

Peaceful bays for peace of mind...

15/05/2015

Destination expert Marc Dubin of The Telegraph writes about his favourite beaches in Crete. Here are his recommendations http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/greece/crete/35970/Crete-beaches.html

An insider's guide to the best beaches in Crete, including the top spots for golden sands, windsurfing and jet-skiing, and what to do at Váï , Paleóhora and Mýrtos. By Marc Dubin, Telegraph Travel's Greece expert.

15/12/2014

The serenity of the Aegean sea - at all seasons

10/09/2014

“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea.”
― Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek

08/09/2014

I sat by the crashing waves on a stoney beach where turtles come out to lay their eggs. Accompanied by the smell of the sea, the fresh breeze and raw Cretan nature I enjoyed a gourmet meal of stuffed courgette flowers and a traditional Cretan Daccos salad. All this made with love in the kitchen of happy family living near by… This is Crete. Simple and beautiful- the way life was meant to be.

03/09/2014

Gavalochori is the perfect starting point for your road trip through Crete. A myriad of routes will lead you to spectacular panoramic views..

24/07/2014

For those in Western Crete - we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the filming of Zorba the Greek with a screening in Kokkino Chorio (10 mins drive from Gavalochori) where this beautifully, liberating, adrenalin rushing classic film was shot. We leave you with the best of Anthony Quinn and of Crete http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UV6HVMRmdk

Film Zorbas dance Syrtaki,Ballo Greco Syrtaki musica Mikis Theodorakis