Villa Giannis is in Houdetsi, a beautiful village about 23km south of the city of Heraklion, Crete. It’s a peaceful spot that’s known for its wine with olive trees and vineyards and traditional Cretan music. Well worth a visit are the water fountain in the village centre and the folklore museum of music with traditional instruments from all over the world. There’s also a gorge leading to the Sacred Monastery of the Madonna nearby – magical natural scenery full of tall trees and plenty of running water.
For history lovers, if you drive 12km south-west of Houdetsi, you’ll reach the Monastery of Saint George, built around 1600. There’s also the impressive Monastery of Agarathos, 14km east which is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete or the castle of Nikiforos Fokas, 14km northwest.
In Heraklion itself, the capital of Crete, there’s plenty of things to see and do.
The Palace of Knossos, just outside the city, is a vast archaeological site dating back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization and includes frescoes and baths. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th-century Koules fortress, and there’s the Heraklion Archaeological Museum has an extensive collection of Minoan art. Heraklion isn’t all about out ancient sites though with top-notch restaurants serving Cretan cuisine, boutique shops and a lively nightlife. It’s also home to one of the richest markets in the Mediterranean where you can get traditional Greek products like olive oil, honey and herbs.
Heraklion’s bragging rights also continue with its serene beaches. The stretches of sand in this central part of Crete’s north coast range from the lively hangouts in Malia to the rugged bays of the deserted island, Dia. You can swim, snorkel, take part in water sports like sea kayaking and scuba diving or jump on a boat trip. Moreover, a modern golf course both for beginners and advanced players is not far away from the city of Heraklion, in the area of Hersonissos.