Pegasus Resort

Standing in gloriously unspoilt surroundings just outside the small village of Agia Paraskevi, Pegasus Resort is perfectly placed for travellers who wish to divide their holiday time between exploring the wild, natural beaches of the south coast, rambling in the mountains and foothills, and just relaxing in the peaceful ambience of the hotel and its grounds. If the "Resort" part of the hotel's name makes you think of a large, impersonal complex, fear not, for nothing could be further from the truth: Pegasus is in fact a small family-run hotel with just eight guestrooms, and as such offers a warm, personal welcome and authentic Cretan charm.

The hotel consists of three attractively designed buildings, which were built entirely from natural stone and wood in order to blend harmoniously into their natural surroundings. The central building houses the onsite taverna as well as the owners' own accommodation, and either side of this are two identical accommodation blocks, each comprising three spacious rooms on the ground floor and a suite on the upper level. All are attractively furnished and decorated, combining rustic charm with modern comfort. Standard rooms have either a double bed or twin beds, as well as a sitting area with a sofa that can accommodate a third person and sufficient space for an additional bed, available on request. Each has an en-suite shower room, a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities; a local charge of €6 per day applies for the use of the air-conditioning. Most importantly, each has a terrace with panoramic views south towards Triopetra beach, Paximadia islands and the Lybian sea. The two upper-floor suites are similar in size and facilities but additionally benefit from attractive fireplaces and particularly impressive views from their balconies.

In addition to the lovely setting and comfortable accommodation, what makes a stay at Pegasus so enjoyable is the genuine hospitality offered by the owner, Kiriakos and his family. A wholesome breakfast, served on the terrace if the weather allows, is included in the basic price, and for dinner guests can enjoy traditional Cretan home cooking in the family taverna, making use of fresh produce and herbs from the hotel's own garden. In between, you can relax by the hotel's kidney-shaped freshwater swimming pool, listening to the sound of distant goat bells carried on the herb-scented breeze and marvelling at the splendid views.

Those who prefer swimming in the sea are spoilt for choice here, with some of Crete's most unspoilt beaches within easy reach using the hire car that is included in your holiday cost. Those who enjoy a short ramble and are not deterred by the uphill return can reach the nearest sandy beaches - Triopetra and Ligres - on foot in around 25 minutes; each of these also boasts a small, seasonal taverna. For the occasional change of pace, a more comprehensive range of tourist facilities can be found around half-an-hour's drive away in the resorts of Plakias to the west and Agia Galini to the east. On the way to Plakias, you will pass Preveli with its ancient monastery and lush estuary, whilst the large mountain village of Spili is approximately 20 km away. The bustling town of Rethymnon with its picturesque Venetian harbour can be reached by car in around an hour, so there is plenty to be explored when you can tear yourself away from this tranquil rural retreat.