Fteria Apartments, Lygaria, Crete
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Fteria Apartments lies at the bay of Lygaria. It consists of studios as well as apartments which give room to 3-4 persons. The area is quiet and ideal for families.
Fteria Apartments Reviews
" pleasantly suprised as booked last... "
Submitted By: Mrs LR Cronin- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My partner and I have just returned... "
Submitted By: Miss L Parkinson- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" We would recommend the Fteria... "
Submitted By: Mr M JohnstonThe location of the apartments is lovely, overlooking Lygaria Bay and with very attractive gardens throughout the complex. The beach is less than a minute away and the sea is calm and good for swimming although swimming shoes are helpful to avoid slipping on the stones in the shallows. The tavernas are really good value and friendly, we ate at Sirocco more than the other two.
The pool is great, perfect situation overlooking the bay and big enough for a decent swim. If the apartments were full it might get crowded but it was quiet during our stay so this wasn't a problem.
The whole area is quite hilly so be prepared for this, Agia Pelagia is 20 minutes walk away but worth it for a few more shops and wider choice of restaurants. The beach at Agia Pelagia although long is narrow and crowded. Lygaria beach is better.
Both Lygaria and Agia Pelagia are starting to get quite heavily developed now, obviously Agia Pelagia is much the bigger place but Lygaria is not a deserted backwater, quite a few greek holiday homes are springing up but its not overwhelming. Both resorts are used by locals and package tourists and there aren't many Brits, its the usual mix of Dutch/French/Germans/East Europeans which is probably no bad thing.
You need a car if you want to leave the area so hire one beforehand and be prepared for the "fun" of driving in Greece! Lygaria is well situated for touring the island and is only 20km from the airport. Having seen quite a few other resorts Lygaria stands comparison with anything else we've seen on the north coast (including around Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos) and is miles better than most of the Malia type package resorts. If you want full english breakfasts, bars, nightclubs and satellite TV go there not Lygaria!
The apartments are basic and the lack of air con is a minus, even with the windows open and the shutters closed it gets hot at night which makes sleeping difficult. Watch out for the mozzies too! If you want luxury look elsewhere but they are well maintained and perfectly adequate.
All in all we paid £300 each for a week including flights and accomodation so frankly at those prices this a great deal and you could pay much more and do far worse than Fteria and Lygaria.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" I've been to Fteria Apts for the 9th... "
Submitted By: Miss W BrinkmannI can't believe that some people here are complaining about the apartments.. they are clean, you get new towels every second day (more often that you would change at home) and a new bedding once a week!
And if some people say that they were bored and couln't go out, maybe they should have asked for more information about the place before they went there!
I can recommend this location for everybody who really wants to relax on holiday and who enjoys calm, sun and a wonderful, beautiful sea!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We went on holiday here towards the... "
Submitted By: Mr G + H PanigadaIf you do fancy something more busy and touristy, Agia Pelagia is a hilly 20 minutes walk away from Lygaria.
For only a few euros there is an air conditioned bus which takes you to Heraklion city. The bus stop is a steep up hill 15 minute walk + doesnt run on time, but enjoyed the scenery whilst waiting. There is a huge market on Saturdays which is packed with fresh fruit, veg and t-shirt souveniours etc. Also at Heraklion bus station they offer affordable excursions.
We look forward to returning to Fteria appartments this year.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:On the Beach
" Just returned from the Fteria apts... "
Submitted By: Mr Thomas GrahamApart from this the village of Lygaria is nice and quiet with a nice couple of tavernas.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:On The Beach
" Anyone looking for a relaxing, quiet... "
Submitted By: Mrs M JonesOn the downside, this is a very quiet area. There are only 3 tavernas - all of which however, I would recommend. There are only 2 mini markets which carry only basic foodstuffs. There is no where to change currency. Over the hill you can walk to Agia Pelagia which has more tavernas, a few shops, money exchange and a slightly larger supermarket. The walk will take you about 20mins - beware it is quite steep!
We were self catering. The apartments have no air conditioning (we were aware of this so took a fan with us). Cooking facilities comprise of 2 hobs and a fridge. There is no grill, oven, microwave or kettle.
Having said all of the above, we absolutely loved the holiday as it had all that we were looking for. A relaxing holiday, where you can either snorkel in the bay, or lay by the pool. There is also a scuba diving school at the entrance to the apartments.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" I loved these apartments. The view... "
Submitted By: Miss D KnowlesThe lady who owns the apartments tends to keep her distance, but as long as you respect her property and pass pleasantries when you see her then she is fine.
One word of warning, there is a steep hill which is the only access to the apartments, although short it takes your breath away.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" What a wonderful holiday, our first... "
Submitted By: Mr A BaberVery good studio/apartment clean and comfortable in beautiful location and set in lovely well maintained gardens. The view of the bay from our shaded patio/terrace was a perfect place to start each day.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The pool was excellent and superbly located and the self service bar was much appreciated.
Taverna Scirrocco was good but confess we wandered the pleasant 20mins over the headland to Agia Pelagia on several occasions and found the excellent Bazaar run by Bente Hansen and Billy, her Greek partner and ably assisted by Flavia behind the bar.
Food was good mix with influences from Mexico and Italy with a touch of Norwegian in the sweets. Do try the cocktails (Blueberry Bazaar) and you`ll find the coldest Mythos beer in the area. The beach here is also very good if a little busier.
All in all Fteria Aprts Lygaria / Agia Pelagia a great place to chill, read, eat, drink and soak up the sun with the bonus of it being only a 25min taxi run from the airport not the place for wild nights partying with the usual crowd, thankfully.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" My mother and I traveled here last... "
Submitted By: Mrs H WilsonWe are going to return this September this time with husbands and small baby in tow, so not sure that it will be quite as relaxing! If anyone has traveled here with a baby or going soon could you please find out if cots are provided and if the little supermarket stocks nappies and baby food and post a message.
I recommend taking swimming shoes as the beach is a bit rocky, but it is quite, calm bay ideal for swimming once you have got in. The Taverna Ligaria is run by a lovely gentleman who made are holiday so personal and special with his old fashioned traditional Greek service ie free Raki with every meal. I was not able to take full advantage last time but will make up for it this year.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:OT BEACH .COM
" What a great place, especially if you... "
Submitted By: Mr Aj YatesIf you want bigger and more active life then not to far to go over the hill to Agia Pelagia, about one and half kilometers. At Liguria it is a very safe beach for swimming, snorkeling, fishing from rocks, or just enjoying the sun. Quiet for couples or for people who just want to charge there batteries.
Me and my wife had a fantastic 7 days there with her sister and husband, and they had never been abroad before. But fell in love with it, and no doubt we will probably end up back there next year, thank you med hotels for letting us find such a quiet and friendly place to enjoy our holidays.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" Just back from 11 nights at Fteria... "
Submitted By: Miss M NichollsLygeria is quiet and the end of September probably even more so. Beach was disappointing and sea could be dirty at times. Only a handful of tavernas but very relaxing and no passing traffic noise.
We had a car for the whole holiday and would thoroughly recommend one. Nearby Ag. Pelegia is a steep walk over the hills, but only 5 minutes in the car. Lots of lovely tavernas - Kri Kri is good for flambe meals but more expensive. Baazar is excellent - limited menu but offering different choices from the usual Greek fare - sadly we only discovered this restaurant two days before we returned home otherwise would have definitely gone again.
September is a lovely time to go as not too hot - there is no air conditioning in these apartments which would probably be a problem in high summer.
Bali is a 30 minute drive away but definitely has the best sandy beaches in the area and really chilled out bars and cafes.
Would go to Crete again, but would probably stay in Bali.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" After a very stressful year my... "
Submitted By: Mrs J E AllmondIt is a picturesque, uncommercialised little bay with beautiful sea and a pretty little beach. There are just about enough tavernas to eat at a different one every night for a week's holiday (though we enjoyed the Sirocco and spent most evenings there!). We found these tavernas really do provide the 'Shirley Valentine' experience and their setting is incomparable and not at all pretentious. At the Sirocco the staff leave you to dine at your own leisurely pace and we never felt hassled, infact the meal tended to last the whole evening!!
The Fteria apartments are an extremely quiet and attractive little development set in beautiful Mediterranean gardens. Our balcony was surrounded by palm trees within touching distance and had superb views of the bay. The apartment was very pleasant and always clean, with very comfortable new beds and the kitchen had all you need. The shower room was good by Greek standards!
The lady who runs the complex is very pleasant if you make an effort to speak to her and she is extremely proud of her business and of her loyal and honest staff. We will definitely return to Fteria apartments and having toured the area we didn't come across many places more appealing than Lygaria.
This holiday is perfect for you if you enjoy our type of holiday - peace and quiet, sunbathing by the superb pool or on the lovely little beach, or reading on the balcony with a glass of ouzo in your hand. The highlight of the day is dining in the lovely tavernas. It definitely will not be suitable for those who want nightlife and like to party! You can go to Malia for that!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Before going we read the other... "
Submitted By: Mr D BlairYes it is steep but I am nearly 60, and found it no problem. As to the heat, just open the window and leave the shutters closed. The Ferial was good and the lady who looks after it a real gem, definitely a character, but that made the holiday.
The beach is small and does not get overcrowded and there aren't many British people there which we enjoyed. Most people were Czech or French. Only one screen in a bar at the resort and most of the time it was off. Food generally was brilliant and at the 'Tavernas Lygardia' home made. The dolmades were exceptional.
If you want more excitement there is a walk of 30 minutes over the hill to the bigger resort. We did it once, but preferred lygaria. Sea was good for snorkelling, and incredibly warm considering it was the last two weeks in September. Locals told us that the resort closes in mid October. Certainly one to consider next year.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
" Just got back from our annual chill... "
Submitted By: Mr D StobbsIt is a bit of a steep hill from the bay car park up to the apartments, but hey, keeps you fit. The lady running the place is a character. The pool was nice with again a great view overlooking the bay. Our only gripe about the whole thing was that she didn't open up the pool side bar for snacks/drinks. She kept saying not enough clients, but we think she was just lazy! Shame cause it is a great wee bar area, and maybe at other times she might open it up, but no problem, the bay is only minutes walk away.
Lygaria is perfect for chill out. Don not bother coming here if you want to party, just a few tavernas serving the usual souvlakis, one with a very nice old Greek chap who just smiles all the time and one of the others with 3 waiters who just totally work at their own pace, Greek maybe time. You soon learn not to be in a rush. There's one sort of bar area that does cocktails etc, and 2 wee supermarkets with the usual supplies, a strip of beach that you can hire sun beds on if you want, we didn't bother.
The thing about Lygaria is a lot of the homes along the beach front are Greek holiday homes. The Greeks use the tavernas and there are a lot of French/Italians as well, and not too many Brits, but it's all a nice mixture. The walk over the hill the Agia Pelagia is definitely worth doing, about 20 to 25 minutes, try and time it for a cool temp moment. That bay is just that bit bigger with more bars tavernas and a few shops. We found a fantastic bar/bistro called Bazaar of the front run by a Norwegian girl and her Greek Fiancée, fantastic different food and drinks, highly recommend it.
If you want to party, go to Malia, if you want to chill out and enjoy Greece, we can highly recommend Fteria apartments and Lygaria. Yammas!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Med Hotels
