The Small Venetian House, Chania, Crete - Explore & Book
"If you're planning to stay a few nights in Chania, but want a bit more independence than a hotel can offer (or some extra space for a child or two), but without breaking the bank, then bingo - you're in luck. The owners of Milia - one of our favourite mountain hideaways in Greece - have put their former home onto the rental market, and it's a steal. Spread over 3 floors, this diminutive 15th-century townhouse has been renovated with top quality furnishings, a clever layout and some cute decorative touches. You'll find an airy, beamed first-floor living space (with nifty BoConcept foldaway beds), and unbeatable Cocomat mattresses in the second-floor bedroom. Up top is a charming little roof terrace with glimpses of blue sea and tiled Venetian houses, while the ground-floor kitchen-diner has a great cooking space and a marble-topped table with retro posters evoking a 1950s Greek kafeneion. Best of all, there are free bikes for you to explore the old town, which is on your doorstep.Oh, and if you weren't planning a few nights in Chania, you should. It's a lively, historic town on Crete's north coast, with a picturesque fishing harbour, imposing Venetian sea walls, great tavernas and music bars, a decent archaeological museum for history buffs, and pretty pedestrianised lanes with pastel houses and funky shopping. We love it. Highs The location, seconds from Splanzia's leafy square and aromatic bakery, could not be better; it's also very quiet at nightThe roof terrace is a great spot for a sundowner - or for a home-cooked, lantern-lit supperIt is incredibly good value, and you can save further by eating in (but with so many excellent tavernas around, you may succumb)Unlike most house rentals, there's no minimum stayWe appreciated the small but really useful touches like free bikes, high-speed WiFi, handy recycling binsIt's not all about city living: there are boat trips from the harbour, sandy beaches 1km away, and spectacular hikes within day-tripping distance Lows You can't drive to the front door (it's a pedestrian lane), and parking anywhere round here is tricky in summerLots of steep stairs make it less than ideal for toddlersThere's no microwave or dishwasher in the kitchenThe bathroom felt a little poky by comparison with the other roomsBe aware that, after the initial meet-and-greet, you only get twice-weekly linen change (mid-stay cleaning costs extra); but owners Tassos and Mucki are on hand - and speak good English - if problems arise" - Michael Cullen
