All year

"Karydia" is normally for two persons (one double bed), but extra beds for children are possible. "Elia" has a double bed on the ground-floor level, and there are two single beds on a small mezzanine. For safety reasons, I would not recommend it for families with very young children. "Rodia" is on two levels, with a double bed on the ground-floor level and twin beds on the first floor level. It has two bathrooms. It is not suitable for families with toddles either. 

Athermigo is normally only rented as a whole. It is indeed ideal for three couples or families. Suites are rented individually upon request. 

A deposit of 10% of the total price of the stay is required at the time of booking. The hotel may ask for a further 30% deposit at the time of reservation. The remaining 60% must be paid in full up to 3 weeks before the departure date.

Villa Athermigo is in a tiny hamlet in the hills of northern Crete, in the province of Hania, about 15 km from the town. It is a wonderful rural area, featuring several beautifully preserved historical villages. The sea is only a few km from the hotel and there are several beaches nearby. They are ‘organised’, so perfect if you like to have a sun bed and an umbrella, less perfect if you prefer to be on a beach you don’t have to share with too many others. 

From the town of Hania, take the motorway in the direction of Rethymno and Iraklion. After about 13 km, take the exit for Vamos and Kalyves and follow signs for Vamos. After about 5 or 6 km, turn left towars Gavalochori. Then, after a bit over 2 km (1 km before Gavalochori) turn right towards Agios Pavlos. As you enter the hamlet, you see Athermigo on your left. (There is a tiny parking space.)

Verdant hills, sleepy little villages, wonderful beaches, olive groves, wild mountains, deep gorges and also a historic town, this western province on the island of Crete has it all.

Start with the capital Hania. Skip the modern part and stick to the historical centre. Set within centuries-old fortifications and built amphitheatrically around its picturesque old harbour, its history dates back to the Minoan period. Throughout the centuries it has been under Roman, Arab, Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish rule. The old Venetian harbour is always full of life. The only lull is in that short interval between the ending of the last animated discussions on the terraces lining the waterfront, and the arrival of the first fishermen that come to take their brightly painted caiques out to the sea. The narrow, pedestrian backstreets are a tad quieter, but with little boutiques and art shops, cafés and small restaurants, they too are usually bustling with life. It is a place where you could easily spend two or three days wandering around the narrow alleyways and sitting by the sea. Your walks will take you past the old fortifications, Turkish hammams and minarets, churches and monasteries, and several museums worth a visit (the Archaeological Museum and the Naval Museum are particularly interesting).

Large parts of the coast west of the town are lined with beaches, most are good; several are downright amazing. On the northwest finger, take the 9km dirt road north, which will take you to Balos beach. White sand, shallow turquoise water, we’re talking lagoon. There is a very similar beach, Elafonisi, near the south-western tip of Crete. Both beaches are must-sees, but keep in mind that in the summer they get very very busy, especially Elafonisi where tourists arrive by the busload, literally. If you come in the high-season, just spend a few hours early or late in the day, and if you’re there in-between, try and ignore most of what is happening around you.

The countryside of the province (and rest of Crete!) is very beautiful. In fact, the northern coast is a bit too developed and touristy to my taste, but what always amazes me that all you need to do is drive a few kilometres inland, and you’re in a landscape dominated by hills and olive trees, with totally unspoilt, traditional villages scattered throughout. Further south, you’re in the mountains. The White Mountains in the south-eastern part of Hania have peaks reaching over 2400 m. The whole area is a paradise for hikers. There are several amazing gorges you can traverse; the Samarias Gorge is famous. It is the longest and also one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe. The walk through it takes around six hours, starting at an altitude of 1050 m and ending by the sea. Don’t go unprepared; it is best to go with a guide who will also organise the transfers.