Summary: Villa Manika is a recently renovated villa located in a secluded location close to Sitia town and a short drive from the best beaches in eastern Crete. Fully furnished with utmost attention to detail. All bathrooms are en-suite. The villa lies within a tranquil estate surrounded by flowers, palm trees and an olive grove. The property is west facing and offers panoramic views of Sitia bay and a magical sunset. The private heated pool size is 12.6x5.4 meters and is open all year round. Central heating and heated pool makes it ideal for winter holidays. The Space: The property consists of 4 en-suite bedrooms accommodating up to 8 guests. All rooms have direct access to terraces with pergolas. There is central heating on the whole property. Master bedroom: A queen size bed, hidden lightning features, a walk in closet and a spacious and stylish en-suite bathroom with shower Bedroom 2: A queen bed and a stylish en-suite bathroom with shower Bedroom 3: 2 bunk beds (ideal for children) with en-suite bathroom with shower Bedroom 4: A queen bed and a stylish en-suite bathroom with shower The common area consists of a large living room with fireplace and ample sitting space, a large dinner table and a separate TV room with large sofa. The TV is wall mounted and can be easily turned towards the living room and kitchen area. Kitchen 1: A stylish and practical partition counter separates the kitchen from the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances and utensils. The spacious island counter offers space for all your cooking needs. The kitchen window leads to the north-west facing terrace with a spacious dinner table and fabulous sea views. Kitchen 2: The second kitchen is independent and located in the bottom floor of the house. It is fully equipped with all appliances and utensils. The garden consists of an olive grove, flowers and various ornamental trees. There is a Weber coal BBQ which can easily serve up to 8 persons. The pool is heated during the winter months and offers spacious swimming area for the whole family. Guest Access: The guests have exclusive access to the property The Neighborhood: The house is situated 5 kilometers from the town of Sitia and the local airport and 350 metres from the seashore. The local beach is 4km away while other magnificent beaches are situated 20-40 minutes drive. A few words about Sitia region Sitia is a town situated in the far east of Crete, in the prefecture of Lasithi. It lies to the east of Aghios Nikolaos and to the northeast of Ierapetra. It lies in a region unspoiled by mass tourism. Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style. In the town but especially in the region's villages you will enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine made with quality local olive oil and other local produce. During the day you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in Sitia beach or in the numerous untouched beaches lying towards the Eastern tip of the island. What to do in Sitia For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Sitia's archeological museum display's exhibits dating back to the Neolithic era in 3,500 BC while the medieval fortress of Kazarma, situated at the top of Sitia is a reminder of the town's medieval past. Furthermore, the folklore museum exhibits items from the past century such as weavings, woodcuts and other everyday life items. During the evening you can visit one of the numerous small restaurants ("Rakadika") situated along the town's fishing port, which serve delicious variety plates along with Cretan spirit "Raki". And if you are up to it you can continue your night out until the early morning hours in one of the local bars and clubs. What to do in the region Archaeology / History / Religion On your way to Vai and Erimoupoli you will pass from the monastery of Toplou. Here you can visit the monastery's museum with items dating back to the Ottoman empire period up to the Second World War. In Erimoupoli bay you can visit the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. Further to the south east, Zakros is one of the four major Minoan palaces unearthed in Crete. The ruins of the palace await you at the lower entrance of the Zakros gorge. Beaches To the east of Sitia lies Europe's only natural palm forest of Vai. In a short distance from Vai lies the bay of Erimoupoli with the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. To the south east of the region lie the long sandy beaches and warm waters of Kserokambos . There are numerous other deserted beaches we can help you discover. Sports For windsurfing enthusiasts the world renowned Kouremenos beach is a must visit. The club offers equipment hire and lessons. For the hardcore athletes, the Faneromeni bay offers excellent wave conditions (depending on the weather). Here you will need to bring your own kit. Mountain bikes are a fun way to explore the region's endless olive groves. Spring and autumn is the best period for this since the weather is cooler during the day. Hiking The areas rugged terrain offers numerous gorges that are walkable with no special equipment. First and foremost the 4km Richti gorge, near the village of Mesa Mouliana will dazzle you with the year-round waterfalls and dense vegetation all the way down to a deserted beach. The 4.5km gorge of Zakros starts at the village of Ano Zakros and meets the sea next to the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. It is one of the most impressive gorges in Crete with steep sides and dramatic rock formations. It is also known as the Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their dead in caves high up on the gorge's sides. The 3.5km Chochlakies or Karoumes gorge ends in the magnificent and isolated bay of Karoumes. Culinary Delights In Sitia's "Rakadika" and small taverns scattered in villages throughout the region you can try, apart from local meats, also some delicacies of the region cooked in locally produced olive oil, like "chochlious" (snails cooked either with tomato or vinegar and rosemary), "omaties" (stuffed pig intestines), "anthous" (stuffed courgettes) and other. When you visit Toplou don't forget to grab a bite in the monastery's small tavern and purchase organic products from the monastery's extensive agricultural produce (honey, olive oil etc). Getting Around: How to reach Sitia : Direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion: A number of companies operate direct flights to Heraklion from various major European cities, especially from April until October. Flights through Athens: Olympic and Aegean Airlines operate frequent daily flights between Athens and Heraklion. There is also I direct flight to Sitia airport (not on a daily basis). Ferry boat from Piraeus port (Athens) to Heraklion or Sitia: Daily high speed ferries to Heraklion. There is also a slow ferry leaving from Piraeus directly stopping at a number of other ports before arriving in Sitia. Car rental: All major international car rental companies operate in Heraklion airport. Car rental service also exists in Sitia but is limited Interaction with Guests: We will help you plan your holiday and make the best of your days in villa Manika. Upon booking you will receive a comprehensive list of local tips and a map with points of interest. We remain at your disposal throughout your stay for assistance and advice