Artemis Maisonettes - Agia Roumeli
Location: At the south coast of Crete, idyllically situated at an impressive bay and in the background embraced by overwhelming mountain slopes, we find the unique village of Agia Roumeli. The atmosphere and friendly character of Agia Roumeli attract not only foreign visitors, but Cretans as well. Therefore the last years’ development has resulted into a pleasant, rather small holiday destination with just a handful of houses, some little streets with one or two mini-markets and souvenir shops and terrific local taverns serving delicious dishes and fresh fish. Hugh hotel complexes are not to be found in Agia Roumeli. The simple and cozy style of the village is intensified by the small hotels, pensions, maisonettes and rent-room houses and the fact that one cannot reach Agia Roumeli by normal road, but just by foot passing the famous Samaria Gorge (18km walking) or by boat (from Chora Sfakion, Sougia or Paleochora). The few cars owned by the original villagers are just used to carry daily supplies to the restaurants and the road “network” measures only a total length of 2,5 kms. Every midday groups of exhausted Samaria-walkers meet and gather at the restaurants, after the passage of the gorge. This time of the day the village represents a lively picture of colorful and satisfied people, swarming off over the little streets and resting on the beach. However in the afternoon, when the last boat leaves, the quietness recaptures the place and the village belongs again to the locals and the rather few guests staying overnight. Worthwhile to do is the fairly easy walk (the so-called “Lazy Way”) starting off in Agia Roumeli to enter the Samaria gorge from the south side and continue to reach “the Iron Gate”, the narrowest pass of 3m side and 300 to 700m high from both sides. The Samaria Gorge was proclaimed a National Park of the White Mountains of Crete in 1962.
On the very clean, optically silver-shiny, pebble beach of Agia
Roumeli one can rent sun beds, umbrellas and pedaloes and enjoy a
refreshing swim in the waters of the Libyan Sea. Medical service is
available in Agia Roumeli. During the summer season (and depending on
the weather circumstances), twice daily there is a boat connection via
Loutro to Chora Sfakion and once per day towards the other side via
Sougia to Paleochora. The transfer duration from the airport of Chania
to Chora Sfakion (75kms) is about 2 hours crossing the White Mountain
range, followed by a boat trip lasting 1 hour to bring you to Agia
Roumeli.
Location accommodation: The Maisonettes Artemis have been
built at the outskirts of the small village, attractively and quiet
situated, not exactly on the walking route. The distance to the beach
is just 50m. Restaurants are located in the direct surroundings.
Rooms: The modern building offers a total of 12 maisonettes (max. 2-4 persons), all comfortably and tastefully furnished with wood, creating a friendly and cozy atmosphere. The living/sleeping area is provided with a sofa bed, to be changed easily into a normal sleeping place for the night, a kitchenette, the bathroom with douche/WC and the balcony. Wooden stairs brings you up to the sleeping area, traditionally furnished with typical Cretan built-in single or double beds. All units have air-condition*.
Service: Cleaning 3 x weekly. Change of linen and towels 2 x weekly.
Remarks: Reservations on Room Rate basis. Baby cots* are
available upon request. Special to mention is the hospitality offered
by the young and friendly couple which owns the accommodation. The
Maisonettes Artemis and the idyllic place of Agia Roumeli ensure you of
a pleasant and mostly relaxing holiday address.
* extra charge, to be paid directly on the spot to the owner
