SPITI ATHINÀ

Frequently Asked Questions

       ABOUT SPITI ATHINA
 

• What type of accommodation is Spiti Athina?
  Spiti Athina is a holiday home for 6 people with:
  - 3 bedrooms (2 upstairs and 1 downstairs) each for 2 p, and
  -  2 bathrooms (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs).

• Who is Spiti Athina suitable for?
  it is suited for couples, families with children that can already swim, and people that appreciate the Cretan way of living. 

•  What makes Spiti Athina different from other holiday homes in Crete?
  Spiti Athina is a renovated traditional village house, situated 100 m from the village square with grocery shops, bakery and some tavernas. It has a very large private pool (6 x 10 m) and a beautiful view from the terrace
  
  LOCATION & SURROUNDINGS
   

• Where exactly is Spiti Athina located? 
  It is located in Gavalohori, which is in the beautiful Apokoronas area, between the 2 charming cities Chania and Rethymnon.

• How far is it from the sea/beach?
  It is about 3,5 km from the closest beach in Almyrida. But there are more beautiful beaches around. Kalyves also has 2 sandy beaches. 

• How far is it from the nearest village?
  It is located 100 m from the village square of Gavalohori.

• Is a car necessary?
  A car is not really necessary, as you can buy almost everything in the village and there are 3 tavernas, but if you want to explore the island, a car is recommended. 

• Which are the closest airports?
  Chania Airport at about 30-40 min drive. And Heraklion Airport at about 2 hours drive.

• What is there to do in the area (nature, culture, hiking, etc.)
  It is possible to make beautiful walks from the house. The app Maps.be is very suitable for this. And on the village square you will find a map with the hiking trails.
  
  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 lowest to 2.10 m at the deepest point) so we only accept people with kids that can swim. 

• Is the house suitable for people with limited mobility? 
  People with limited mobility could stay in the bedroom downstairs and use the bathroom with toilet downstairs. There is only a difference in height between the terrace and the main area or bedroom.

• Is there air conditioning/heating? 
  Yes there is Air Conditioning in every bedroom. And Heating in the main area for in the colder season.
  Spiti Athina was built with very thick walls for natural cooling of the house. Air conditioning is provided for our guests for added comfort during warm nights, but we ask that you use it responsibly: only use it with windows and doors CLOSED, and preferably only during your siesta or at night.
  This way we all respect this place and its surroundings.

• Is there Wi-Fi, and how strong is it?
  There is very good WiFi.

• Is the house suitable for longer stays? 
  Unfortunately the house is not really suitable for longer stay
  
  OUTDOOR SPACE & AMBIANCE
   

• Is there a garden/patio?
  There is a small garden with a large olive tree, a mulberry tree, 4 citrus trees and a pomegranate tree.

• Is there shade around the house?
  There is a shaded terrace under the vines and also an umbrella and an oleander bush near the pool that provides shade in the afternoon.

• Is there privacy at the swimming pool?
  The bushes, trees and walls around the house provides privacy at the swimming pool.

• Is outdoor cooking possible?
  Outdoor cooking not possible, but there is a barbecue. However, one should be really very careful with fire, especially in the summer.

• Is there a place for silence or yoga?
  It is possible to do yoga next to the pool. However for meditation we would recommend to look for a more quiet place in nature or an olive grove.
  
  CONVENIENT STAY
   

• What are the check-in and check-out times?
  Check-in is as from 3 pm, Check-out is before 11:00 am. ChCheeck

• How do we get in?
  There is a key safe near the entrance. We will text you the code of the key safe some days in advance.

• Is there someone on-site to welcome you?
  There will be nobody to welcome you, but getting in is easy.

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

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

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

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

• Are there mosquito's?
  As everywhere around the Mediterranean, mosquitoes can be present, especially in the warmer months, particularly at sunset. All windows are fitted with mosquito nets so you can safely air the room in the evening. In the hallway cupboard, you'll find electric mosquito repellents (plug-in) and mosquito coils for outdoor use while dining on the terrace. We recommend wearing light, loose-fitting clothing at dusk, avoiding sugar and sweet drinks and bringing a personal mosquito repellent if you're prone to bites. With these simple precautions, they usually remain well under control. 
  
  KITCHEN & DINING
   

• Is the kitchen fully equipped?
  it is a rather small kitchen, but it is well equipped and it is absolutely possible to cook delicious food as good, tasty and fresh ingredients can be found easily.

• Is there coffee (espresso/filter/Greek)?
  There is a French Press. Greek people drink rather coffee in a taverna than at home.

• Are basic supplies provided upon arrival?
  You will find some coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, spices and herbs etc, And usually there is also some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, stock cubes etc. 

• Which kitchen machines are available?
  There is a smoothy machine, a blender and a citrus press, 

• Are there good tavernas nearby?
  There are 3 tavernas in the village:
  - Giorgos on the main square, really traditional, home cooked food, traditional, simple & good
  - Monica's Tavern (Taverna Gavalianos), also on the village square, tasty traditional home-made food
  - Taverna Arismari, in the little road heading to the museum, also tasty traditional Cretan home-made food.

• Is vegetarian/local food easy to find?
  All Cretan restaurants have vegetarian food, mostly the starters and salads are vegetarian
  
  PEACE & RESPECT
   

• Are parties and events allowed?
  Parties and events are not allowed in Spiti Athina
  What do you ask of guests in terms of respect for the place?

• Is quiet during siesta-time important?
  Yes, there is a Greek law that between 2 and 6 pm is siesta time. Noice should really be reduced to a minimum during that time. 
  
  BOOKING & AVAILABILITY
   

• How can I book?
  If the period is available, you can book directly through us. We will need your full name, address, mobile number and email to make a contract. It wil be digitally signed by us and send to you by email. The booking will be confirmed and the period will be blocked for you as soon as we have receive the advance payment of 50% as well as the signed contract. 

• What is the minimum stay?
  In July & August, the minimum stay is 7 nights.
  The other periods of the year, the minium stay is 5 nights.

• Can I change my stay after booking?
  Changing the stay after booking might be difficult, but we can always see what we can do.

• How far in advance can I book?
  Bookings can be made maximum 1 year in advance.

• Are there special rates for longer stays?
  For longer stays there are no special rates, but as from a booking of 10 days there will be a Midstay Cleaning for free.
  
  PAYMENT & CANCELLATION
   

• How does payment work?
   

• When do I have to pay?
   

• What is the cancellation policy?
   

• Will I get a refund if I cancel?
   

• Is a deposit required?
  
  
  HOUSE RULES
   

• Are pets allowed?
  If you'd bring or adopt a dog, he or she can stay outside during day and sleep in a bench in the living area at night. Pets are not allowed in the bedrooms and on the 1st floor.
  Even if there are sometimes cats around the house, they should never be allowed in the house!

• Smoking is permitted? 
  Smoking is prohibited in the house

• Are additional guests allowed?
  The number of guests is limited to 6 to be really comfortable. In exceptional cases an extra person can be accepted in one of the bedrooms if 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, with no fencing between the terrace and the pool. For safety reasons, the property is therefore not suitable for families with young children. Additionally, no baby or child supplies are provided (such as a crib, bathtub, high chair, or potty). We recommend Spiti Athina for adults and older children who can navigate this environment independently and safely.

• What if something gets damaged?
  
  
  
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