Within a short walk from the centre of Ilia, Sarpidon is a colourful complex of self-catering units featuring a lovely pool with poolside bar-restaurant. It also includes a lounge area and a play room with billiards and electronic games. The air-conditioned studios and apartments are tastefully furnished and open out to a private balcony. Each includes a kitchen or kitchenette with dining area and an en-suite bathroom with bathrobes. At the poolside bar-restaurant, you can enjoy refreshing drinks, cocktails, as well as snacks and meals throughout the day. BBQ and karaoke nights are organized on a weekly basis. The nearest beach is 1,000 meters away. The picturesque town of Agios Nikolaoss 17.4 miles away, while Heraklion International airport is at 19.9 miles. Free private on-site parking is available.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Sarpidon, located at Sokratous 5, Malia, 70007, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Sarpidon, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Sarpidon are revisited so often.