Helios Apartments, Agios Nikolaos, Crete

Hotel Information

User Rating:
10 / 10
(15 User Reviews)
Hotel Class: Helios Apartments Studios ReviewsHelios Apartments Studios ReviewsHelios Apartments Studios ReviewsHelios Apartments Studios Reviews

Hotel Description:

This pleasant accommodation is set on rising ground above the main road, just under 4 kilometres from the centre of bustling Aghios Nikolaos. There’s a swimming pool set in attractive gardens, a bar, snack bar, mini-market and reception, and the local bus stops close by. The spacious apartments vary in size, sleeping 2, 3, or 4 to 6 people, and most have a sea view. All apartments have air conditioning payable locally. Reached by a number of steps, they are not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
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Helios Apartments Holiday Reviews

Helios Apartments Reviews

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" Helios Apartments Still Open Book Direct! "

Helios Apartments are still up and running but you must book direct through Mike on his Email as below.
Contact Details
Email: [--]
Office: [--]
Location: Crete - Agios Nikolaos - Area Havania
I Have stayed at these apartments for the last 8 years - The most relaxing holiday ever with a family run place that treat everyone like (Kings and Queens).
Cant say enough about them!
Just book and i know you will enjoy your holiday - This is the only way to book and is the only way that Helios Apartments can take bookings as no Travel agents are involved.

Advice: A lovely place and friendly people

Activities: Elotia Taverna, La Strada, Kri-Kri - The list is endless

Good for: Beach 

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" I am coming to Crete this year with... "

I am coming to Crete this year with my fiance. I have been to Helios twice before and it has been amazing. I have noticed a lot of people keep refering big Mic. What they say is true he is a legend. I nearly beat him at pool too.
Going to Hotel Crystal this year as Kosmar have whacked the prices up for Helios this year.
I'm totally going to stop by and see Mic though.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
  • Board Basis:Select
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" The best relaxing holiday i've had.... "

The best relaxing holiday i've had.

Don't go to the Candia bar they put drinks on your bill that you never had!!!!!!!

Michael is the best bar man i've ever seen (at helios bar) he plays a great game of pool....you name it, he can make it and you drink it.

Its a great place to stay just off the town, and the taxi is only 6 euros to the town centre. But buddy up with somebody who's going the same way as you are and half the cost. We did it several times.

The best place to eat here, who also deliver to your apartment, is La Strada. When you're on holiday you always have your favourite restaurant that you want to go back to, this restaurant is that restaurant!

When you read this, trust me, I'm a fussy person about where I stay and where I eat.

A 5 minute walk, even with children, you have 2 beautiful restaurants nearby, so no need to go to the town every night. And the beach is only 10 minutes away too.

This place is the bee's knees.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" We had a wonderful holiday at the... "

We had a wonderful holiday at the Helios Apartments. Michael and Arenya are lovely. Arenya makes very scrummy (and cheap) food, also manning the reception during the day and Michael is the perfect host in the evenings at the pool bar, he is very pleasant and great fun too. (I think we all had a bit of a crush on him after a while).

The apartments were spotless and the sea views were fantastic from every balcony. Gardens were nicely kept with fruit trees (pomegranates & figs) and flowers everywhere. The pool was a little cool, but much needed in those temperatures! The atmosphere of these apartments makes everyone want to be friendly and we (the guests) had some great evenings together by the pool bar.

The nearest beach is just 10 minutes walk way (down hill) and very picturesque, although a little bit pebbly as you enter the water. The beach bar also provides some low-cost and very tasty meals. Only draw back is that you have to walk back up to the apartments from there and then up the steps (phew!).

We agree that the Elotia is a very good place to eat (and so close by) as is Olga across the road from Elotia. However, once we had eaten at La Strada (in Ag Nik) who actually pay for your taxi there themselves, we had to return to it again and again.....it is excellent! We also visited Neon, which was over-priced and nothing special, although the view is nice from there. Many delicious lunches were had in various seaside restaurants sampling local delicacies and drinking the local rose wine. Lovely views from everywhere we went.

Went on the boat trip (from Ag Nik Harbour) to Spinalonga. This was thoroughly enjoyable and so cheap at just 8 Euros. Buses were cheap and a taxi from the apartments to central Ag Nik was just 6 Euros.

In short, Helios is well worth a visit.

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" A really lovely place to stay!... "

A really lovely place to stay! Beautiful sea views and very relaxing. Me and my boyfriend have never been to Crete before but would recommend going there as it has a very friendly atmosphere and you can make the holiday as lively or as relaxing as you wish.

To get into the centre of Ag Nik you can either get a taxi ( a very posh Mercedes ) for about 6 euros or the local bus which stops right outside. In the town there are lots of lovely restaurants and on our last evening we found a wicked bar called Sorrento which we really recommend!
Enjoy!

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Hi just got back from the Helios... "

Hi just got back from the Helios Apartments had a great holiday, weather was great. Michael will try and make your stay as good as he can. The apartments are very large and you will need the air conditioning as it is roasting all the time. The pool is very deep but very clean as is the whole place. When my family were in Crete we met Keith the bald headed man from Scotland he is a lot of fun he goes there every year in June. We ate out every night, the best restaurant is the Kri Kri. They are very good for prices. For 5 of us it was about 50 euros. Also go across the water from the Kri Kri to the Spillia and Cave for dinner and drinks or just go to next door to the Kri Kri to the gallery for a free pool table and a bowl of nuts and good entertainment.

Overall we had a great time in Crete all thanks to Michael and family.

I would recommend this holiday to anyone.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Wow, what a holiday! My boyfriend and... "

Wow, what a holiday! My boyfriend and I were looking for a nice quiet out of the way holiday and we got one; not too far away from everything and yet not too close as to be constantly annoyed by the noise. So let’s start at the beginning.

We arrived at the apartments at 3 in the morning from Glasgow, were shown straight to our room and settled in for a little sleep before starting the relax therapy. Woke up to an amazing view which was totally unexpected, sea view and due to the apartments being high up, we could see for miles over the sea and the surrounding mountains.

The Helios Apartments are set almost in a little cove, surrounded by the mountains on three sides and by the sea on the other. Due to the apartments being on the side of the hill there are a good few steps leading up to the actual main part of the apartments.

I would say about around three flights of stairs leading up, bearing in mind if you are on the top floors there are another few sets to go, although we never found it hard going as let’s face it, you’re not in a rush anyway your on holiday.

The pool was adequate although rather deep, good enough for a few lilo's and a little dip to cool off. Very clean and well maintained.

Bread delivered everyday for around 80 cents which is handy, the closest supermarket is a minute walk away although we found the best supermarket to be around a ten minute walk away although they do stay open very late so a stroll down in the cool night air doesn't do anyone any harm.

There are three restaurants close by, the best being the Elotia (try the Elotia Lamb) if you’re not up for a walk. If you are up for a walk, around a 30 minute walk towards Agios Nikolas is the Kri Kri. Absolutely brilliant, we ate there three nights out of our weeks holiday.

The average price of the meals was around €40 which included starter, main meal, desert, pint of beer and a jug (half litre) of house wine - €4, yes €4 for so much wine, let’s just say the walk back to the apartments was interesting (and let’s face it girls, the walk will burn off your desert so no need to miss desert!!!)

There are taxi services which we didn't bother taking as the night temperature were ideal to have a nice stroll in, however to walk into Agios Nikolas in the mid day sun would be too much!

There is also a local bus service to Agios Nikolas and to Elounda which only cost us €1.60 for two one way into the centre. Taxi costs around €6 although you could barter with them.

There is a local market in Agios Nikolas on Wednesdays, which is brilliant for little nik naks and especially good for fruit, we got 4 tomatoes for 30 cents, which is around 20p and the they were awesome! There are other things that the tour operators offer of course.

Finally, in holiday was a really good one, the owners are really nice and "Mike" - his adopted English name is a good laugh. Thanks for a good holiday!

P.S. There was none of this getting up at 4 in the morning to snag a sunlounger, plenty to go around!

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" After five fab holidays at Helios,... "

After five fab holidays at Helios, we've booked again for this year. Michael and Rania are brilliant and always up for a laugh, the only problem we have is that we seem to go when the (Baldy man) or (Bandana man) is there I think they call him Keith.

A beer and wine drinking monster and very dangerous with a water pistol in his hands, however not all things can be perfect and he seems to like the shade a lot, a bit like his character and Rania soon puts him on ice.

As the previous review says, the apartments are spotless and have everything you could need during your stay with unbelievable sea views. The welcome you receive from day one is second to none; it really is like a second home. Rania's breakfast of special omelet is a must try and you will never look back.

Plus great local cuisine known as Elotia is only a 10 minute walk from the apartments.
The best place to have a late drink is at Michael's pool bar, with great drinks and first class hospitality.
.
I don’t know why I’m telling you all this because it just makes it harder for me to rebook when they are full next time I want to go.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Just returned from our second holiday... "

Just returned from our second holiday at the Helios with friends. Michael and his family made us feel so welcome, we had many happy nights at the bar.

Recommend a trip to Elounda, with its beautiful beach, and lovely fish restaurants - especially the floating one! Agios Nikolaos has many lovely places to eat, try the Neon, with its lovely food and beautiful views over the lake.

Would definitely go back again.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Just had a great holiday in Agios... "

Just had a great holiday in Agios Nikolaos mainly due to the superb accommodation that enhanced the experience of the beautiful harbour town. The apartments were clean and well presented, the pool was the best pool I have ever had the moist privilege to be in and the atmosphere of the place was surprisingly appealing.

Normally a self catering Apartment is just a base for me but I found that me and my girlfriend spent most of our time there during the day. Helios is exceptionally well run, staff are friendly and polite and all capable of knocking up a mean Souvlaki on request. We even spent a couple of nights there, either before heading into town or after returning, trying to beat Michael at pool and socializing with the other guests.

There was a good mix of families and couples and even one or two lone holiday makers all from diverse backgrounds; England, Holland, America etc all getting along famously. I was really taken with the place and do not hesitate in recommending Helios to anyone looking for peaceful, relaxing and easy accommodation. Even famous people might be seen there; I'm sure I saw Stifler ;-)

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" After four fantastic holidays at... "

After four fantastic holidays at Helios, we've booked again for this year. Michael and Rania look after us so well, apartments are always clean and too comfortable, it's hard to get out of bed after a night at the bar with Michael.

We are always made so welcome, it's like a second home. For good food (apart from Rania's breakfasts and lunches) try Elotia - a 10-15 minute walk, great welcome and fantastic food. where Akiles will always make you welcome.

Only one fault keep meeting a guy called Les and have to drink loads of local wine.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Heaven! I can't say enough good... "

Heaven! I can't say enough good things about this place. The apartments are perfect, everything that you would need for a relaxing holiday. The air conditioning is a big bonus. The family who run the apartments are just amazing, nothing is too much trouble for them, very obliging and friendly. The pool bar offers food all day which is simple but excellent.

If your looking for somewhere relaxing with good accommodation then this is your place. The pool is small BUT spotless! Perfect views over the bay in the mid day sun watching the boats going to and from Agios to Elounda with a cold beer in your hand.....what more could you ask for.

We have visited this accommodation many times and it will always be a firm favourite of ours.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" I really enjoyed are 2 weeks at... "

I really enjoyed are 2 weeks at Helios Apartment because it is a family run place and the people are really welcoming. There was a nice swimming pool in the ground so you could have a nice dip after the sea.

There are nice seas near by and there are shops and towns nearby. There are nice restaurants near by so in the evening you can walk down for your meal. Again i can say that the people are very welcoming.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" My wife and I have just spent our... "

My wife and I have just spent our second fantastic holiday in Crete at the same apartments and again we had an absolutely fantastic holiday. The staff are extremely friendly and sociable and there is nothing they will not do to help. Apartments are spotless and comfortable and over the winter will be re-furbished by the owners which can only make them even better.

Pool is ideal for either just lazing around in or if you feel a bit more energetic, swimming. Plenty of sun loungers to go around and several sun canopies for when it gets really hot. There are sun terraces which overlook the pool too! Bar food is always available during the day and whilst simple it is always well prepared and delicious.

Plenty of variety within 10-15 mins to spend an evening out with The Candia particularly popular with local hotel & apartment guests. Public beach with 5 minutes walk of apartments is ideal for those who want change of scenery from pool.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar

" Myself and my boyfriend Keith had a... "

Myself and my boyfriend Keith had a fantastic time at Helios Apartments. Staff were very friendly and always had time to chat with us. Our room was really clean with a nice big balcony. Swimming pool was not too big but nice to have quick dip after swimming in the sea. Very relaxed atmosphere.
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Plenty of places to eat. Candia was our best place that we went to just 10 minutes walk plus various other bars and restaurants. Beach was only 8 minutes walk (Shingle) not too crowded and plenty of sun beds with lovely views - cannot wait to go back. <br>

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Kosmar
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