It’s wonderful to see someone’s dream come true. Dutch owners Marc and Monique had always wanted to create a cool but comfortable adults-only (21+) retreat in Greece - and Galini Breeze is just that. Set 10 minutes' walk above a pretty fishing town and beach, their contemporary Cycladic buildings slope up the hill like giant sugar-cube steps. Each detached studio for 2 is minimalist and chic, cleverly designed with sleeping/living areas and abstract artwork dotting white-washed walls. Smart outdoor sofas are shaded by slatted roofs; stairs lead up to private roof terraces with striking views to the ocean. Atop the hill there is a villa for 4, sharing the same pared-back design and serene panoramas, but with the added bonus of a private pool. For studio-goers there's a shared swimming pool that feels like a swanky beach club.
Galini Breeze is just for grown-ups: those who like escaping the crowds, relaxing by the pool, taking boat trips to offshore islands or hiking through gorges to spectacular beaches. Supper is a stroll down to quaint Agia Galini and its abundant restaurants; nights end with stargazing and sipping homemade raki - your gift for booking through i-escape. Divine.
Highs
- Marc and Monique are hands-on, heartfelt owners with an obvious love for Crete
- It's great value, and the views are astounding
- Everything is within walking distance: the beach, bars, restaurants and shops, yet the location is wonderfully peaceful
- Each studio has 2 private terrace spaces; the patio is perfect for breakfast, while the roof terrace is ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink
- A thoughtful assortment of snacks and a bottle of local wine are provided on arrival
Lows
- The walk back from Agia Galini is mostly uphill and could be a struggle for some - though you could easily walk down and taxi back
- No meals provided but all studios have a basic kitchenette for light meals, and the villa has a full kitchen and BBQ
- Though the pool is heated, it's not particularly warm
- Crete's south coast is further from the airports (1.5-2 hrs' drive), but wilder and more spectacular than the north
Best time to go
Southern Crete is perfectly warm in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) - a perfect time for a romantic holiday. The property is usually closed from mid-October to mid-April.
Our top tips
Friendly Agia Galini has a cultural association that organises summer festivals - foodies may want to check out the Fishermen’s Feast in June; for music-lovers, there's a folk dancing festival in July and loads of traditional Greek music concerts in the second week of August.
- Boutique Resort
- 4 studios for 2; 1 villa for 2-4
- Self-catering; restaurants a walk away
- Adults only
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
- English-speaking caretaker
Rooms
The 4 romantic studios are styled after their surroundings: sea, trees, hills and sky. Each has a living area, a double bed, a well-equipped kitchenette, and 2 outdoor sitting areas: a roof terrace with amazing views and a pergola-covered patio. The furniture was specially imported from Holland because Marc and Monique wanted top-quality products, which they struggled to find on Crete. Bathrooms are modern with polished concrete; all have large walk-in showers and separate toilets. Everything feels very high-end.
The blue room, Coast, has the smallest patio and is closest to the communal pool. Further up is the green room, Forest, and beside it, with the largest patio, is slate-coloured Mountain. We stayed in whitewashed Sky, which is the furthest studio up the hill and felt the most private of the 4.
Set behind Sky is a lovely, private villa for 2-4 people; thanks to its prime location at the top of the hill it has exceptional mountain and sea views, which can be soaked up from the private pool or roof terrace. It's made up of 2 interconnected suites, so you can either take it with one bedroom (for a couple) or take both (for up to 4) and enjoy having double of everything: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, even 2 kitchens (1 full, 1 kitchenette). This creates a nice sense of privacy and separation, even in a shared house; perfect for two couples travelling together or an adult family who'd appreciate their own space.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
In the morning, guests can rustle up breakfast in their kitchenettes. In each studio there's a hob (but no oven), fridge, sink, kettle and toaster if you fancy cooking simple meals. The villa has a full kitchen in addition to its kitchenette, with an oven and microwave, plus a BBQ on the terrace. If you fancy a lazy start to the day, the nearest taverna that serves breakfast is a short walk away.
A welcome pack of snacks, like olives, carob-sticks and fresh fruit, and a local bottle of wine are provided upon arrival. For lunch and breakfast provisions, there are supermarkets in the nearby village of Agia Galini, 10 minutes' walk away. The on-site bar is staffed for morning coffee or evening beers; outside these times there is an honesty bar by the pool to keep you refreshed.
The village has plenty of cheerful tavernas, where barbecued lamb and grilled fish are the specialities. Marc and Monique have lots of great recommendations; we recommend the souvlaki at friendly Taverna Kosmas.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Fridge
- Kitchenette
- Restaurants nearby
- Welcome hamper
Activities
- Unwind and rejuvenate. Swim in the heated pool, snooze on a sunlounger, read on your shaded terrace in the heat of the day and sunbathe on your roof terrace
- Wander around the traffic-free streets of Agia Galini, a charming cliff-climbing village perched over a pretty harbour with a sandy beach
- Board a boat cruise to the Paximadia Islands - snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and picnic on barbecued fish by the beach caves
- Visit the fascinating ruins of Phaistos, an ancient Minoan city and palace complex that dates from the Bronze Age
- Hike through the beautiful Patsos Gorge: the 2-hour walk through plane trees and spring water ends at the cavern church of St Anthony's
- There are gorgeous beaches 20-40 minutes' drive away: Agia Georgios: a hidden gem with a great café for Greek Salads; Triopetra, with its dramatic rocks; the sheltered bay of Agios Pavlos; and the old hippy hangout of Preveli, where naturists are welcome. Mark and Monique have parasols, wind breaks and snorkelling gear to borrow
- Hire a bike and cycle around the rugged countryside - trips can be arranged to a neighbouring goat or olive oil farm
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Swimming
Kids
The houses at Galini Breeze are adults only (21+).
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Galini Breeze is just outside the small fishing town and resort of Agia Galini on Crete's south coast.
By Air:
Fly to Heraklion (1 hour away) or Chania (2 hours).
From the Airport (or Port):
Galini Breeze can arrange transfers, or there are regular buses, but you'll probably want to hire a car. Each studio has a parking space; the villa has 2.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis 68.0 km HER
- Chania Souda 115.0 km CHQ
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 9 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape