Blue Aegean Aparthotel

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This complex is excellent. The staff are welcoming, the apartment and public areas are clean and the pool is the perfect size for the 44 apartments.
When we arrived it was quiet but when it got busier over the weekend there was still room round the pool for plenty of sun loungers. We were lucky with the weather and a mini heatwave hit on the 4th day until we left.
Its literally a stones throw from a small beach with sun loungers on it, and 3 supermarkets and a cashpoint are really close by. It can be a bit breezy on the beach but that is quite nice when there is a heatwave!
On half board there is a very limited menu, not a buffet as is usually the case. There is plenty of food but if you are fussy like my husband and sons you would be better off self-catering and choosing from the menu. As I am a vegetarian they cooked me whatever they fancied cooking and I enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the stuffed 'everythings' (tomatoes, aubergines, vine leaves) and the Greek Salads. You MUST join in the Pizza Night on Wednesday, the Pizzas are to die for.
The kids enjoyed playing pool and table tennis. There is also a gym, but as a regular gym user (51 weeks a year) I had a week off from it!
The aquarium at Gournes is worth a visit. If you are not afraid of walking, then it takes about 50 minutes to walk there along the beach road, saving yourself a taxi fare. It is much better than the Sea Life Centres in the UK.
The Acqua Plus water park (near Hersonissos) was excellent. It was a scorching hot day, but not very crowded so the kids didn't have to queue. Hence, my 12-yr old went on the slalom slide about 150 times (so he says!). I went on twice, its a bit scary at first but quite exhilarating to drop at speed with water splashing your face! The lazy river is lovely to float around in to cool off.
We took the First Choice/Thomson organised excursion to Knossos and Heraklion. Although quite expensive it was an interesting day out, as we also visited the archeological museum to see the original frescos and exhibits such as jewellery. My son was very taken with 'The Gold Bee Pendant' as he had bought a copy of one not knowing what it was.
The only downside to the holiday is the disorganised chaos that is Heraklion airport. I had been warned but still nothing prepares you for the cattle market. We were stuck outside by the reps and as our transfer was late we were at the back. But when we finally got inside to the first queue, the TCX flight to Leeds which left 1 hour and 10 minutes later than ours were already queuing inside (next to us) and checking in bags. That is not fair and there is no excuse. Then when we got to the desk (20.55) for our 21.00 flight, they had a problem with our seats that they had to sort out. So once it was sorted they had to escort us through scanners and security, rushing us through for the plane. But then we had to queue again to board. We left 40 minutes late as the Pilot had to wait for a runway slot. But whose fault was it? The reps or the airport? Its disgusting and really dampened the holiday. Maybe some people are laid back and not bothered or are just used to it. But we are used to the (reasonably) efficient service in Spanish airports and just couldn't believe it.
However if you are determined to put up with this, Crete is a wonderful place and the people are so helpful. You will be guaranteed a great holiday at the Blue Aegean.

We had a two-bedroom apartment at the Blue Aegean and it was probably one of the best apartments we have stayed in.
Both bedrooms are very spacious, one with a super king-size bed and the second with twin beds, and there is more than ample storage space for clothing. The living/dining/kitchen is also spacious and although there is no oven, there is a microwave and kettle. There is also a TV.
As the whole of Greece was suffering from a heat wave whilst we were there, air conditioning was essential. This was very expensive but well worth the money given the conditions and there is a separate unit in each room which could be set individually with the remote control.
The apartments are clustered around a very nice pool where there were plenty of sunbeds and parasols available. There is also a nice bar which serves food all day and every day there is a happy hour with half price beer and wine.
In the evening there is a modest entertainment programme. There is also a tiny supermarket where the prices are comparable with those of the larger supermarkets in the resort.
The staff deserve a particular mention as they are all very helpful and also very nice people.
There are some very nice restaurants in the immediate vicinity, the best one being Mylos which has a better range of authentic Greek food than most of the others, as well as extremely good pizzas cooked in a wood oven.
This part of the resort is very suitable for families with children up to young teenager, but probably not for older teenagers or twenty-something’s as there are no nightclubs or rowdy bars. People looking for a livelier holiday would be better based in the heart of the resort.
We don't usually return to the same place twice as the world is a big place, but we would return to the Blue Aegean as it was a very relaxing holiday, and the resort of Gouves was much nicer than the larger resorts along the coast.

We have returned from a superb holiday.
For our first visit to Greece we decided on Crete, and stayed at the Blue Aegean in Gouves. We had come across reviews of the place on the “net” and decided to try it.
Kiri and Manolis were the first to welcome us upon our arrival. This place is very friendly and the apartments are clean and maintained to a high standard.
If you have younger kids then they will also have great fun here. The breeze from the sea is very welcome helping to keep you cool in the heat of the day.
Stella the barmaid and waitress works extremely hard and is a joy to talk to. In fact all the team are hard working and do their best to ensure you have a fantastic time.
The small white church, just a few minutes from the apartments is the site of many weddings and we saw a few during our holiday.
During the soothing, comforting coolness of the evening, as the sea breeze gently calms the most nervous of brides and the reassuring orange glow accompanying the sun as she gently sinks beneath the waves giving way to the moon, is the most popular time to become man and wife.
A trip to the island of Spinalonga, from Ag Nik, is a must and Karen your guide, originally from East Kilbride and now in residence in AK, brings the tour to life. You cannot help but be moved as this lady, explains the history of the island. We are so glad we made the trip.
The book, "The Island" by Victoria Hyslop is about Spinalonga and can be bought locally to read while relaxing by the pool reliving your trip to the colony.
We will return as we really enjoyed ourselves. So if you are looking for somewhere to go in Greece, then Crete and the Blue Aegean should be at the top of your shortlist.

I have just returned from the Blue Aegean with my husband and two daughters aged 13 & 9 after spending 2 glorious weeks there. It was our first time to Greece and we all absolutely loved it. We are booking up to go back next year with more family members!
All the staff are sooo friendly and helpful, the food is to die for and the apartments are extremely clean. I have never been to a place that made us feel like everyone is part of one big happy family. Gouves itself is a quite place with plenty of shops and places to eat, the beach is lovely and clean and there is always someone selling food and drinks so you don’t even have to get off your sun bed!
We have all come back with lovely tans and feeling extremely relaxed, so if your out there next August we may see you there!

We are a family of five, my husband, myself, our son aged 9, and two daughters aged 7 and 5. We have just returned from a week at the Blue Aegean Aparthotel. Our holiday has been brilliant, easy and hassle free from the start. The apartment was clean, safe and provided everything we needed.
The small complex is geared for families, the majority of guests were families, although there were couples of varying ages. The pool is clean and a good enough size to cope with lots of people in there at the same time. The playground is safe and well kept. Our kids went to the hotel run kids club just once, they were the only ones in it! But still had a good time! (We went in school term time). The entertainment is good, (you do not feel pressurized into taking part).
The hotel does offer themed nights with a meal included, no pressure here either. All staff are very friendly and helpful. Shop sells everything you might need. Good location, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets all near by. Gouves "centre" a pleasant, easy, flat, 15 minutes walk away. Two nice clean beaches very close to apartments.
We had a fantastic time, lovely atmosphere between guests. Very easy to stay here with young children. Would definitely recommend it to friends, and have no hesitations about returning!

As a Travel agent from the West Midlands...My family and I are always fussy about our holidays...so we were so happy to have found the Blue Aegean Apartments in Gouves. Wonderful accommodation. Pool area oozing with fun n laughter...in fact every aspect of this small complex was 10 out of 10.
I think the X factor came in the form of Andreas the Manager and the staff there who all make your family holiday worthwhile...Many many thanks to you all. See you all soon.

It’s the Revell family from Glossop! Most of you know us as my dad used to have quite a few laughs with Andrea’s! We are so disappointed that we didn’t get to you this year because the whole holiday was well good! I loved Andrea’s he was mint! Stelios he was brill with my little brother! I spent all my time in the swimming pool with my friends that I met there. Manilos was so kind he made us all feel very welcome. The swimming pool was a good size, kids reps were brilliant and were helpful when you needed a break! Stelios’ food from the kitchen was very nice. The shop was good too and at least you didn’t have to walk very far! Aswell I’ll have to mention the poolside cricket, which was very good, and it was a good idea too! Hope I will see you next year !

We visited the Blue Aegean at the height of the season from 3rd to 17th August 2004.
On arrival, we were greeted by Andreas, hotel manager, entertainer, and all round good guy. Once the bags were deposited, we were offered a welcome drink at the bar. This was the start of what was to be the best family holiday we had had in 20 years of travelling abroad. (Up to 3 times a year I might add).
The accommodation was first class and the service even better. It is difficult to put your finger on just what makes the Blue Aegean so special. Perhaps it is the children’s reps, always attentive; the hands on owners, always there to deal with any little hiccup; the superb facilities and infrastructure, tasteful and sumptuous or the ‘can do’ staff from the gardener and receptionists to the bar and restaurant staff.
What is clear is that this little corner of Crete has the ‘X’ factor. For a family holiday for kids from 3 to 80 you will not find a better welcome, more attentive staff or a safer environment in which to chill, relax and have fun!
P.S. We have already booked for next year as have a significant number of the other guests we met. See you on 9th August 2005 everyone! We can’t wait!