Villa in Crete
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
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About this villa rental
**BRAND NEW**
Named after the plant which has fragrant starry-white, jasmine-like flowers, Villa Karissa is the perfect location to unwind and relax in or out of the large pool and surrounding terrace with ample areas to seek sun or shade. The calming textures and colours offer tranquil days and nights, and a soothing environment is created by the gardens encircling the villa and the mature cyprus and pine-studded hillside opposite. On the far hilltop, the twinkling lights of Douliana village are in view after the sun sets and the sky lights up a deep blue. Villa Karissa's comfy beds and boho-chic decor and fittings offer a chilled-out feel, leaving behind the busy day to day routine.
The highlight of the villa is the extremely large pool, with 16 air jets aimed to massage the back and legs, and a large terrace where a plush lounge set and cushioned sunbeds with umbrellas, offer plenty of options for stretching out and snoozing. Plus fast & reliable wifi is provided by the Starlink satellite.
Location - Agios Pavlos/Gavalohori
Villa Karissa sits on a quiet back lane just below the tiny hamlet of Agios Pavlos, a mere 900m from the small village of Gavalohori, which can be reached in about 10-15mins on foot, or a couple of minutes by car. Gavalohori boasts two excellent tavernas, a bakery and a couple of mini markets, as well as a traditional cafeneon where the locals sip their coffees, twirl the worry beads and watch the world go by in the late afternoons. A visit to the Folklore museum in the centre of Gavalohori is a must for history lovers, and right on the doorstep is an interesting stroll to peek into the old olive press and around the Roman cisterns that are above the village. Also just a short walk away from Villa Karissa, hidden amongst the trees, is the 16th century domed Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos (St Paul) from where the hamlet gets its name.
The shallow waters and sandy beach of Almerida is just a 10 min drive away, where a selection of shops, a few cafes and bars, as well as some fantastic seaside restaurants, provide a nice holiday vibe. A further 5 mins away is Kalyves, offering a butcher, fish shop and large supermarket, as well as a beach. The beautiful Venetian harbour at Chania town is approximately 35 mins drive away and well worth a visit. Exploring rugged Western Crete and the White Mountains is also easy to do from Villa Karissa.
Outside Villa Karissa
Swimming Pool - tiled 10m x 5m, depth 0.80 - 1.50m, bench with 16 air jets. Roman steps and ladder accessible.
Covered Poolside Pergola-
Sun terrace - sunbeds & umbrellas and outdoor lounge set.
Covered living area terrace - dining table and chairs.
Covered kitchen terrace - Free-standing gas BBQ and dining table with chairs.
Upper Balcony - partially covered with pergola, comfy sofa set and coffee table with glass barriers.
Inside Villa Karissa
Ground Floor - Villa Karissa
Open plan living area - L shaped sofa with coffee table, 55" Smart TV with cable channels, DVD and home cinema speakers with Bluetooth connection and WiFi. Two double sliding pocket doors looking out to the pool terrace. Air Con Unit.
Dining Area - Solid oak dining table with chairs and bench seating.
Kitchen Area - Run of fitted cupboards, 4 ring induction hobs, electric oven, built-in microwave, dishwasher, espresso maker (Nespresso original capsules) with aerocchino, double sink, large fridge/freezer. Windows look out to the BBQ terrace and entrance gate.
Twin Bedroom - Two single beds, wardrobe, dressing table with chair and mirror, one USB port at bedside, French doors leading to the pool terrace. The twin beds can be pushed together with minimal gap but not made up as a double. Air Con Unit.
Double Bedroom - 1 double bed, wardrobe, dressing table with mirror and chair, one USB port at bedside, sliding door to private terrace with table and chairs. Air Con Unit.
Shower room - Rain shower with glass partition, WC, sink with mirror and washing machine.
Upper Floor of Villa Karissa
Main Bedroom - Double bed with bedside tables, two USB ports at bedside, windows overlooking pool area and French doors to the large balcony. Air con unit.
Ensuite shower room - Walk-in rain shower with glass partition, WC with bidet sprayer with mixer tap, large counter top with sink and mirror.
Full sized dressing room with wardrobe, lounge chair, long dressing table with mirror and windows. Air con unit
Housekeeping
Your Villa will be prepared for you on arrival with fresh bath and hand towels and all beds made up.
For stays of 7 nights or more - house towels will be changed every 3 - 4 days.
For stays of 14 nights or more - bed linen will be changed every 7 days.
Pool/beach towels - one per person for the duration of your stay.
Parking
There is ample parking for 2 cars within the gates of the villa. Note that the driveway is short and steep, so following the directions is important for instructions on access.
Named after the plant which has fragrant starry-white, jasmine-like flowers, Villa Karissa is the perfect location to unwind and relax in or out of the large pool and surrounding terrace with ample areas to seek sun or shade. The calming textures and colours offer tranquil days and nights, and a soothing environment is created by the gardens encircling the villa and the mature cyprus and pine-studded hillside opposite. On the far hilltop, the twinkling lights of Douliana village are in view after the sun sets and the sky lights up a deep blue. Villa Karissa's comfy beds and boho-chic decor and fittings offer a chilled-out feel, leaving behind the busy day to day routine.
The highlight of the villa is the extremely large pool, with 16 air jets aimed to massage the back and legs, and a large terrace where a plush lounge set and cushioned sunbeds with umbrellas, offer plenty of options for stretching out and snoozing. Plus fast & reliable wifi is provided by the Starlink satellite.
Location - Agios Pavlos/Gavalohori
Villa Karissa sits on a quiet back lane just below the tiny hamlet of Agios Pavlos, a mere 900m from the small village of Gavalohori, which can be reached in about 10-15mins on foot, or a couple of minutes by car. Gavalohori boasts two excellent tavernas, a bakery and a couple of mini markets, as well as a traditional cafeneon where the locals sip their coffees, twirl the worry beads and watch the world go by in the late afternoons. A visit to the Folklore museum in the centre of Gavalohori is a must for history lovers, and right on the doorstep is an interesting stroll to peek into the old olive press and around the Roman cisterns that are above the village. Also just a short walk away from Villa Karissa, hidden amongst the trees, is the 16th century domed Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos (St Paul) from where the hamlet gets its name.
The shallow waters and sandy beach of Almerida is just a 10 min drive away, where a selection of shops, a few cafes and bars, as well as some fantastic seaside restaurants, provide a nice holiday vibe. A further 5 mins away is Kalyves, offering a butcher, fish shop and large supermarket, as well as a beach. The beautiful Venetian harbour at Chania town is approximately 35 mins drive away and well worth a visit. Exploring rugged Western Crete and the White Mountains is also easy to do from Villa Karissa.
Outside Villa Karissa
Swimming Pool - tiled 10m x 5m, depth 0.80 - 1.50m, bench with 16 air jets. Roman steps and ladder accessible.
Covered Poolside Pergola-
Sun terrace - sunbeds & umbrellas and outdoor lounge set.
Covered living area terrace - dining table and chairs.
Covered kitchen terrace - Free-standing gas BBQ and dining table with chairs.
Upper Balcony - partially covered with pergola, comfy sofa set and coffee table with glass barriers.
Inside Villa Karissa
Ground Floor - Villa Karissa
Open plan living area - L shaped sofa with coffee table, 55" Smart TV with cable channels, DVD and home cinema speakers with Bluetooth connection and WiFi. Two double sliding pocket doors looking out to the pool terrace. Air Con Unit.
Dining Area - Solid oak dining table with chairs and bench seating.
Kitchen Area - Run of fitted cupboards, 4 ring induction hobs, electric oven, built-in microwave, dishwasher, espresso maker (Nespresso original capsules) with aerocchino, double sink, large fridge/freezer. Windows look out to the BBQ terrace and entrance gate.
Twin Bedroom - Two single beds, wardrobe, dressing table with chair and mirror, one USB port at bedside, French doors leading to the pool terrace. The twin beds can be pushed together with minimal gap but not made up as a double. Air Con Unit.
Double Bedroom - 1 double bed, wardrobe, dressing table with mirror and chair, one USB port at bedside, sliding door to private terrace with table and chairs. Air Con Unit.
Shower room - Rain shower with glass partition, WC, sink with mirror and washing machine.
Upper Floor of Villa Karissa
Main Bedroom - Double bed with bedside tables, two USB ports at bedside, windows overlooking pool area and French doors to the large balcony. Air con unit.
Ensuite shower room - Walk-in rain shower with glass partition, WC with bidet sprayer with mixer tap, large counter top with sink and mirror.
Full sized dressing room with wardrobe, lounge chair, long dressing table with mirror and windows. Air con unit
Housekeeping
Your Villa will be prepared for you on arrival with fresh bath and hand towels and all beds made up.
For stays of 7 nights or more - house towels will be changed every 3 - 4 days.
For stays of 14 nights or more - bed linen will be changed every 7 days.
Pool/beach towels - one per person for the duration of your stay.
Parking
There is ample parking for 2 cars within the gates of the villa. Note that the driveway is short and steep, so following the directions is important for instructions on access.
Amenities at Villa Karissa
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Crete
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
This villa is absolutely fabulous, everything is 5 star standard.
We spent 10 nights at the villa, our family, 4 adults and 2 children, over 3 generations. It suited is perfectly, we could have our own space and also be together.
The quality of the villa and it's furniture and fittings is first class. Cleanliness was superb, housekeeping did a wonderful job, and the pool was immaculate.
We will certainly use this villa again.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
Beautiful inside and out, decoration was clean modern, light and airy. Fantastic outside area with a lovely pool loved by all, lots of seating and eating areas. Particularly liked having a very well stocked kitchen of glasses and plat
The area around the pool does get very slippy when wet, which we warned about. Two old adults slipped and nearly fell, plus one of the girls did fall, even though not running (which they were both good at not doing). Didn’t hurt herself badly. Maybe an extra bathmat to put by the sliding doors before the living area, to help with possible wet feet going into the villa?
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2025
This is an amazing villa in a very tranquil location. We only heard the crickets, birds and goats for a whole week, a truly relaxing place.
The freshly baked local cakes left for us were a real treat and very delicious.
The owner has gone above and beyond when designing this villa but it’s the finishing touches that really made it for me.
Unlike other villas the kitchen was very well stocked, not just the usual 6 of everything but at least double of everything you would need and everything matched!
Diane had also ensured hand soap was in each bathroom and kitchen plus plug in bug repellants so one less thing to worry about packing.
After spending a week here it’s going to be very hard to find another villa that matches the quality for next year’s holiday.
Would highly recommend
There was nothing that disappointed us as a family.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2025
Everything
Not a lot!
$$$$
Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(12 Ratings)
"This villa is absolutely fabulous, everything is 5 star standard.
We spent 10 nights at the villa, our family, 4 adults and 2 children, over 3 generations. It suited is perfectly, we could have our ..."
DavidDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
![Holiday Home Exterior [summer]](https://thumbs.vogo.com/480/vrbo/42394451/3b78b8.jpg)
