Dia Apartments

Beautiful surroundings & the perfect base for exploring the eastern side of Crete. I spent a week here as a solo trip exploring the history & culture of the island - a nice bit of solitude after a busy period at work. The grounds are impeccably well maintained, reflecting the pride the owners take in this place. I was staying in a 1st floor split level maisonette with charming wooden ceiling & wonderful views across the Mediterranean & the pretty villages of Piskopiano & Koutouloufari perched on the slopes of Mount Harakas (a landmark geological feature illuminated at night & accessible by pathways for the more adventurous walker). The apartments are located between the old town of Hersonissos high up on the hillside and the old port - now a seaside resort (officially called Liménas Chersónissou) which mostly lacks the charm of the hillside villages (but the old harbour is nice for a wander). The modern resort is good for shops & is where you can catch KTEL buses (most are really comfortable coaches) that run half hourly (most days) to Heraklion to the west (c 40 mins if the express service €3.50 single) & Agios Nikolaos to the east (c 45 mins €4 single) which a pretty town surrounded by water on three sides with good beaches. The place is full of archaeology but you have to make the effort to look for it & plan an itinerary. The Bronze Age palace of Malia is just 15 mins by KTEL bus (€2 single ask for stop no 36) and just 400 metres from what I thought to be the best beach in the vicinity with a good taverna, with countryside around you as the area is pregnant with archaeology preventing mass development (thankfully!). Most of my days were spent exploring followed by relaxing by the swimming pool in the late afternoon sun enjoying the serenity of Dia Apartments under palm trees with the only disturbances being the sound of birds & the meow of a friendly black cat popping by to chill under a bush. It really is a charming place if you like to swim, read and relax …followed by an evening meal in one of the many tavernas in the hillside villages. Island life!! The Dia Apartments staff recommended David Vegera (aka David’s) which I found to be the absolute best in the area & made repeat visits. Great staff serving good traditional Cretan food. It is one of the closest tavernas (just 5 or 10 mins walk away in Piskopiano, near to the church (wonderful atmosphere with the bells ringing as you enjoy a glass of something cold). Eating out in Heraklion is also highly recommended- especially Ippokampos at the Venetian port if you like seafood (the octopus is amazing!). I had a great time at Dia Apartments - it really did exceed my expectations. A lot of that is down to the charming & friendly staff that create such a safe and enjoyable environment.

Dis apartments is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the heat. With the fresh water pool and pool side bar/ cafe. My wife and I spent 6 days within the four bed apartments,these are exceptional clean with regular maid service.They are basic as a self catering apartment with everything you need for basic needs. As with previous reviews take your own toilet roll and washing up gear. The air con is a must and priced at €50 for the 7 days. The staff are extremely friendly and are a family unit. You can walk 15 minutes to the new town and 15 minutes old town in the opposite directions. The food within both locations are excellent with bars and drinks. We’ve booked Dia apartments for 2025 as well loved it so much.

Nice pool area, pool is remarkably warm. Basic but useable apartment. Good breakfast at the bar and nice price. Do feel drinks are overpriced though and kind of encourages sneaking your own by the pool ( which is forbidden) Resort is hilly. Best restaurant in area is Mythos down the hill . Fantastic family owned restaurant. All food is fantastic with their version of Lamb Kleftiko amazing. All reasonably priced and great portions. All