SPITI ATHINÀ

       ABOUT SPITI ATHINA

• What type of accommodation is Spiti Athina?
  Spiti Athina is a holiday home for 6 people with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms:
  - 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom upstairs
  - 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom downstairs. 
  It is peaceful house in a traditional Cretan village, ideal for people who enjoy authenticity, simplicity and the rhythm of local life.

• Who is Spiti Athina suitable for?
  it is suited for couples, groups of friends and families with children that can already swim.

• What makes Spiti Athina different from other holiday homes in Crete?
  Spiti Athina is a beautifully renovated traditional stone house, located just 100 metres from the village square with its grocery shops, bakery and a few welcoming tavernas. The house offers a large private swimming pool (6 × 10 m) and lovely views from the terrace.
  
  LOCATION & SURROUNDINGS

• Where exactly is Spiti Athina located?
  Spiti Athina is located in the village of Gavalohori, in the beautiful Apokoronas region of Crete, between the two charming cities of Chania and Rethymnon.

• How far is it from the sea or the beach?
  The nearest beach is in Almyrida, about 3.5 km away. There are several other beautiful beaches nearby. Kalyves, for example, has two lovely sandy beaches.

• How far is it from the nearest village?
  Spiti Athina is located just 100 metres from the village square of Gavalohori.

• Is a car necessary?
  A car is not strictly necessary, as you can buy most daily essentials in the village and there are three tavernas within walking distance. However, if you would like to explore the island, renting a car is recommended.

• Are there grocery shops in the village?
  Yes, there are 2 minimarkets near the village square, at about 100 m from the house. 

• Which are the closest airports?
  Chania Airport is about a 30–40 minute drive away.
  Heraklion Airport is about a 2-hour drive.

• What is there to do in the area (nature, culture, hiking, etc.)?
  Beautiful walks start directly from the house. The Maps.me app is very useful for discovering walking routes in the area. And on the village square you will also find a map with marked hiking trails.
  
  Apokoronas is one of the greenest and most authentic regions of Crete, with traditional villages, olive groves and beautiful views of the White Mountains.
  
  THE HOUSE & COMFORT

• Is the house suitable for children?
  Only if they are able to swim. The pool is very large and deep (from 1.40 m at the shallow end to 2.10 m at the deepest point). For safety reasons, we therefore only accept guests with children who can swim.

• Is the house suitable for people with limited mobility?
  Guests with limited mobility may be able to stay in the bedroom on the ground floor and use the bathroom with toilet on the same level. Please note that there is a small difference in height between the terrace and the main living area/bedroom.

• Is it safe to drink the tap water? Tap water is certainly safe for brushing teeth and cooking. We also drink it and experience it as very safe. But many people prefer to drink bottled water, which is easy to buy in the village.

• Is there air conditioning or heating?
  Yes, there is air conditioning in every bedroom and heating in the main living area for the cooler season.
  Spiti Athina was built with very thick natural stone walls that help keep the house cool in a natural way.
  Air conditioning is provided for extra comfort during warm nights, but we kindly ask guests to use it responsibly: please use it only with windows and doors closed, and preferably only during your siesta or at night. In this way we all help to respect this place and the environment.

• Is there Wi-Fi, and how strong is it?
  Yes, the house has very good Wi-Fi. The connection is fast and stable and suitable for normal internet use, video calls and streaming.

• Are there power cuts on Crete?
  Occasional short power cuts can happen on Crete, especially during storms or very hot days. They are usually resolved quickly. Usually it is a general problem, but please check the main switch on the electrical board behind the door in the storage room.

• Is the house suitable for longer stays?
  Spiti Athina is primarily designed as a holiday home for shorter stays. While longer visits are of course possible, the house may be less practical for extended stays.

• Do the nights cool down in summer?S
  Summer evenings are often pleasantly cooler, especially when a light breeze comes from the sea.

• Are there beach chairs and umbrellas at the swimming pool?
  Yes there are enough beach chairs for all our guests and there is also 1 umbrella + and an oleander bush that gives shade in the afternoon. Usually there are also air mattresses left by other guests that you can use on the water.
  
  CONVENIENT STAY

• What are the check-in and check-out times?

• Check-in is from 3:00 pm. Check-out is before 11:00 am.

• How do we get in?
  There is a key safe near the entrance. We will send you the code for the key safe a few days before your arrival.

• Is there someone on-site to welcome you?
  There will be no one on-site to welcome you, but access to the house is simple and easy.

• Are bed linens and towels included?
  Yes, bed linens, towels and beach towels are included.

• Is there a washing machine?
  Yes, there is a washing machine available.

• Is there a hairdryer and basic amenities?
  Yes, there is a hairdryer and hand soap is provided.

• What should you bring yourself?
  Please bring your own shampoo and shower gel.

• Are there mosquitoes?
  As everywhere around the Mediterranean, mosquitoes can be present, especially in the warmer months and around sunset. All windows are fitted with mosquito nets so you can safely ventilate the rooms in the evening. In the hallway cupboard you will find electric mosquito repellents (plug-in) as well as mosquito coils for outdoor use while dining on the terrace.
  
  PEACE & RESPECT

• Are parties and events allowed?
  Parties and events are not allowed at Spiti Athina. The house is meant to be a peaceful place for relaxation, and we ask our guests to respect the quiet character of the house and the village.

• Is quiet during siesta-time important?
  Yes. According to Greek law, quiet hours apply between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm, which is traditional siesta time. During these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum.
  
  Living in a traditional village also means sharing its rhythms. Very occasionally there may be a local Cretan village celebration, sometimes with music late into the night. And, like in many Mediterranean villages, you may sometimes hear dogs in the distance at night. For most guests, these are simply part of the authentic atmosphere of village life on Crete.
  
  BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

• How can I book?
  If your preferred dates are available (see Rates & Availability) you can book directly with us. We will ask for your full name, address, mobile number and email address, after which we will send you the rental agreement. 
  The booking is confirmed once we have received the signed contract and the advance payment (50%).

• What is the minimum stay?
  In July and August, the minimum stay is 7 nights.
  During the rest of the year, the minimum stay is 5 nights.

• Can I change my stay after booking?
  Changes after booking may not always be possible, but we will of course do our best to see what can be arranged.

• How far in advance can I book?
  Bookings can be made up to one year in advance.

• Are there special rates for longer stays?
  There are no special rates for longer stays. However, for bookings of 10 nights or more, a complimentary mid-stay cleaning is included for free
  
  PAYMENT & CANCELLATION

• How does payment work?
  Payment can be made by bank transfer (IBAN) within Europe, free of charge. Guests from outside Europe can pay via PayPal. You will find these details in the rental agreement.

• When do I have to pay?
  A 50% advance payment is required to confirm the reservation.
  The remaining 50% balance is due one month before arrival.

• What is the cancellation policy?
  In case of force majeure, and provided the necessary supporting documents are submitted in time, the following rules apply:

• If the full rental amount has already been paid:
  The guest may choose between a refund of the balance (excluding the deposit) or a one-time rescheduling of the stay at no additional cost.
  The deposit (50%) remains retained by the landlord.

• If cancellation occurs before the balance is paid:
  The stay may be rescheduled once free of charge.
  The deposit (50%) remains retained by the landlord.

• Is a security deposit required?
  No security deposit is required. We trust our guests to treat the house with care. In the unlikely event that something is damaged or broken, we kindly ask guests to repair, replace or compensate for it.
  
  HOUSE RULES

• Are pets allowed?

• If you bring or adopt a dog during your stay, the dog may stay outside during the day and sleep in a bench or basket in the living area at night. Pets are not allowed in the bedrooms or on the first floor.

• Even though there are sometimes cats around the house, they should not be allowed inside the house.

• Is smoking permitted?
  Smoking is not allowed inside the house.

• Are additional guests allowed?
  The house is most comfortable for up to 6 guests. In exceptional cases, one additional person may be accepted in one of the bedrooms, provided the owners are informed in advance.

• Is the house suitable for young children?
  Spiti Athina is not suitable for small children. The pool is large and deep throughout, and there is no fence between the terrace and the pool. For safety reasons, the property is therefore not suitable for families with young children. In addition, no baby or child equipment is provided (such as a crib, baby bath, high chair or potty).. We recommend Spiti Athina for adults and older children who can safely and independently navigate this environment.
   

• OUTDOOR LIVING & ATMOSPHERE

• Is there a garden/patio?
  There is a small garden with a large olive tree, a mulberry tree, four citrus trees and a pomegranate tree.

• Is there shade around the house?
  Yes. There is a shaded terrace under the vines, as well as a parasol and an oleander bush near the pool that provides shade in the afternoon.

• Is there privacy at the swimming pool?
  Yes. The bushes, trees and surrounding walls provide good privacy around the swimming pool.

• Is outdoor cooking possible?
  Outdoor cooking is not possible, but the kitchen has a view on the terrace and pool. And there is a barbecue available. Please be very careful with fire, especially during the summer months when the landscape can be very dry.

• Is there a place for silence or yoga?
  Yoga can be practised next to the pool. For meditation or deeper silence, we would recommend finding a quiet spot in nature or in one of the nearby olive groves.
  
  Please treat the house and its surroundings with care, as you would your own home.
  
  COOKING & DINING

• Is the kitchen fully equipped?
  The kitchen is rather small, but it is practical and well equipped. It is perfectly possible to prepare delicious meals, especially since fresh and tasty ingredients are easy to find in the village and the surrounding area.

• Is there coffee (espresso/filter/Greek)?
  There is a French press available for making coffee. Of course, many guests also enjoy having their morning coffee in one of the local tavernas.

• Are basic supplies provided upon arrival?
  You will usually find some basic supplies such as coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Often there is also olive oil, balsamic vinegar, stock cubes and other small essentials available.

• Which kitchen machines are available?
  The kitchen includes a smoothy machine, a blender, a water cooker and a citrus press, 

• Are there good tavernas nearby?
  There are three tavernas in the village:

• Giorgos, on the main square – a very traditional place with simple and delicious home-cooked food.

• Monica’s Tavern (Taverna Gavalianos), also on the village square – serving tasty traditional homemade dishes.

• Taverna Arismari, in the small road leading to the museum – another lovely place for traditional Cretan cooking.
  In the nearby villages of Almyrida, Kalyves and Vamos you will also find many good places to eat. We will happily send you our favourite recommendations before your arrival.

• Is vegetarian/local food easy to find?
  Yes, vegetarian dishes are very common in Cretan cuisine. Many starters and salads are naturally vegetarian. A special recommendation is Taverna Tzitzikas in Armeni, which offers organic and vegetarian dishes. It is also a wonderful place to visit on hot days, as a cool stream runs alongside the terrace.