アステリナ(Asterina)

Could not ask for more, Maria and all the staff go out of their way to help, new kitchens this year, apartments are spotless, and serviced every day. The bar and gardens opposite give relaxing seating and sea views. Will be booking again for next year, just superb.

Our 3rd visit here the last time was 2016. There is now a lovely cafe / bar at Asterina. The apartment are just as good . Fantastic views from the balcony. Maria is lovely and there to help if needed. Cleaning and fresh towels alternate days. Everything you could need in apartment. Very handy for both beaches, tavernas and supermarket.

If you are looking for a relaxing time close to the sea in a a very clean, welcoming block of apartments, this is exactly what you want. The 5* Tripadvisor rating is well deserved in every way. Maria is the most lovely, helpful lady - nothing is too much trouble - and her family are also very kind and work hard to make it such a special place. Our first apartment was a one bedroom one with a sofabed in the living area. The mattress was exceptionally comfortable for Crete. The living area was spacious enough for our needs and the kitchen was well equipped - everything in it worked. The best part of the apartment though are the 2 balconies with the most amazing view over Souda Bay to Akrotiri and the airport. In the morning we had breakfast ther. In the evening we sat outside and watched ferries and cruise ships coming in and out of Souda Bay and aeroplanes taking off and landing beyond, all without any disturbing noise. It was quite magical. When it became available, we moved into the 2 bedroom apartment which of course is more spacious and both the single and double mattresses were very comfortable. Another very attractive area is the coffee shop/cocktail bar just over the road from the main building. Certainly the prettiest one in Kalyves and where we had very good coffee, homemade cake and other drinks. Designed and built by Adonis, Maria's son, it's right by the sea and has beautiful and imaginative furniture, a large pickly pear tree and a group of palms that sway gracefully in the breeze. Canvas "sails" provide shade. Steps lead down from there to a little beach where you can swim and walk some distance to other places. The little town of Kalyves is a short walk away and a good supermarket is a 5 minute drive. Access to the main northern road is simple and quick, to go to Rethymnon or Chania We've been visiting Crete for 30 years now and rarely go back to the same accommodation more than twice, but we loved it there so much I can see us becoming regulars. We stayed this time at the end of October and had plenty of sun, swimming in the sea frequently. We plan 2 stays there next year.

Of all the apartments we looked at in Kalyves, Asterina was the place that stood out to us. Nicely decorated bedroom with plenty of storage space and a comfortable double bed. Living room with a functional kitchenette, dining area and a comfortable sofa, that can be made into an extra bed and a small bathroom with a good shower. Most apartments have 2 balconies, one of which has drying facilities and both had stunning views over Souda Bay and Akrotiri. The local, well stocked supermarket (Synka) is about 100 metres away. The standard of cleanliness is excellent, with bins emptied daily, and towels and bedding changed regularly during our stay. Efficient glazing and blackout blinds ensure that the noise and light pollution are negligible. Maria and her family are welcoming, friendly and extremely helpful hosts. You don’t even have to ask, most of the time help is just offered. Greek hospitality at its best ! A café on the ground floor is open all day and serves hot and cold drinks, breakfast, as well as a range of snacks throughout the day. A lovely grassed area across the road serves as an extension to the café and as a cocktail bar, manned by the lovely and very friendly Athena. Excellent place to relax and listen to the lapping waves on the beach. It is approx. 10-15 mins walk down to Kalives village where there are many restaurants, cafes and shops to choose from. A small beach across the road leads to the larger Kiani Akti beach, perfect for a nice swim. Free parking available. Highly recommended.