Bella Vista, Stalis, Crete
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Situated in a quiet location within the hills behind Stalis with pleasant surroundings. Nearest supermarket 300m. Nearest taverna/restaurant 500m. 700m to the resort centre. Not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. loading...
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Bella Vista Reviews
" great "
Submitted By: dixy1964
one of the best holidays i have had.The appartments were very good,clean and well equiped and our hosts Costas and Maria were very friendly and would do anything for you. Although the location is up a steep hill the views were magnificent and it is only a 10 minute walk to the centre of the resort.The bars in the resort are very friendly especially one called Spot which is ran by Olga and Yannis( one to look out for)
The pool at the appartments is large unlike i have read in other reviews and the poolside bar is good for a few beers and serves good food.This is not the place for people who have trouble walking but for the rest i would highly recommend.
The pool at the appartments is large unlike i have read in other reviews and the poolside bar is good for a few beers and serves good food.This is not the place for people who have trouble walking but for the rest i would highly recommend.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" 3 star x x x "
Submitted By: nettie19
i would highly recommend staying at the Bella Vista, the appartments were spacious clean and newly refurbished with 2 balcony's and a sun terrace.The bar and pool area where of a good size with plenty of sunbeds and a pool shower.The views over stalis were magnificent as its about a 10 minute walk into the town itself, which is full of great bars and tavernas.The owners and staff of Bella Vista where very friendly and helpful providing good food and service,and the bar was open until 2.00am.I would definately stay here again as the appartments were the best we have stayed in greece,after reading previous reviews i was very wary about staying here but it just proves don't believe everthing you read.We met some lovely friends especially 3 Geordies and bulls eye.
Advice: you do have to relatively fit to walk back up the hill, but you can grab a taxi for 7 euro's
Activities: mario's was my favourite taverna, and the internet bar, relax, and the irish bar where great
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" It was perfect our holidays "
Submitted By: Laura Roberts
I have made my holidays the last two years in July, in the Hotel Bella Vista Stalis.
It was our second visit. It was perfect our holidays. My apartment and the same all the other are full renovated comfortable, spacious, with modern baths.Pool big, clean, with a lot sunbeds and umbrellas.
Lovely cleaning and special rooms. Very quiet place for relax, special panoramic view to the sea and to mountains.
Great for families with children and couples .
Kostas and Maria and Staff very friendly
We had a nice time and I will come back and this year.
It was our second visit. It was perfect our holidays. My apartment and the same all the other are full renovated comfortable, spacious, with modern baths.Pool big, clean, with a lot sunbeds and umbrellas.
Lovely cleaning and special rooms. Very quiet place for relax, special panoramic view to the sea and to mountains.
Great for families with children and couples .
Kostas and Maria and Staff very friendly
We had a nice time and I will come back and this year.
Advice: I will come back and this year.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" what can i say about bella vista,a... "
Submitted By: Mr P BUTCHER
what can i say about bella vista,a lot actually a very disappointing room although very clean it had strong smell coming from the toilet the beds where so hard it was like sleeping on concrete. as for being self catering thats a joke there was just a 2 ring cooker that sat on top of the work top this was next to useless there was no toaster or microwave to help with preparing meals.the air conditioning system could only be used if you payed 4 euros a day for it.there was lot of ants that liked to share the work tops most days.we had a balcony with a table and chairs but to gain access to it you had walk down a flight of steps then walk up two flight of steps due to how the appartment was built.Now down to the location we allways new it was on a hill side but it was steep the walk to the beach took around 20mins thats fine going down hill but coming back when its a very hot day is a different matter just walking back up the hill drains you then you have to climb lots of steps to your room this i found very tiring you definitely need a hire car or get a taxi but at 7 euros this is expensive but better than walking back on the whole it did not spoil are holiday but would not reccomend it to anyone i would not be going back to bella vista at stalis again.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Loved it. The view from the pool area... "
Submitted By: Mr C Lindsay
Loved it. The view from the pool area or balcony over the bay is terrific.I wanted an apartment at the top of the complex but looking at the stairs when we arrived I'm glad we were in the one just above the bar. The pool was clean - and very deep - the apartment was good although the small cooker blew up halfway through. Food was available from the bar day or night and the staff were great. This complex is quite a walk out of town so be prepared, especially for the heat in the afternoon when it's all uphill on the return journey, but taxis are readily available to and from Stalis or Hersonnisos. Stalis has a lot of restaurants but the staff do go out onto the street and will try to get you inside as you walk by - some of them can be quite forward.
The only downside was the twin row of apartments just above the road - the "cheap seats". We had a number of young men staying there whose ambition was to get drunk, wreck their apartments and swim in the pool in the early hours, so it led to a lot of confrontation between them, the reps and the staff - we were blissfully unaware and slept well every night only to get the news next morning. Otherwise, the Travel Rep was first class, the pool usually empty, and the food plentiful and not too expensive. I'd recommend it.
The only downside was the twin row of apartments just above the road - the "cheap seats". We had a number of young men staying there whose ambition was to get drunk, wreck their apartments and swim in the pool in the early hours, so it led to a lot of confrontation between them, the reps and the staff - we were blissfully unaware and slept well every night only to get the news next morning. Otherwise, the Travel Rep was first class, the pool usually empty, and the food plentiful and not too expensive. I'd recommend it.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Good points first - Great hill top... "
Submitted By: Mr D Martin
Good points first - Great hill top view / clean pool
Now the bad!
First day we arrived the owner tried to hard sell us air conditioning after I wished to rent a safe - initially I thought he said 8 euros for air condidtioning but after repeating himself a few times what he ment was 84 euros complete rip off - I did not take him up on his offer and if you leave your door a gap in the day and close everything at night and purchase a mozzie plug in over their {5 euros} you wont get any bites - no need for air con.
Unfortunatley for us this was only the beginning lol - when we got to our appartment the toilet would not flush - I took a look and the water valave had been turned off so turned it back on and got drenched in toilet water and the basin started leaking over the floor -NOT NICE - we reported this to the rep the next day and they in turn told the owner who arranged for his worker to fix it - accept when he came he said no fix till monday as shop closed - we thought ok as it was saturday we can live with that and the owner did offer us a move to a smaller appartment but as we had paid for a bigger one I refused. Anyway the whole week went by and they never fixed it so we had to fill the system with the shower water as if you left your number 1's and 2's in there unflushed for more than a few hours the place stunk.
On top of this the cleaner did not clean and the floor was still wet 24/7 and we got 1 towel change.
The Pool is alot smaller than the picture you see on the web or in the brochure so be warned - but it is clean.
As we where staying in one of the high appartments right at the top of the hill it was a nightmare to walk up there as it has 4 sets of stairs and no one helped us carry are bags when we arrived - the balcony had a great view but is a haven for pigions and they left their poo's everywhere and this was not cleaned at all so you really did not want to sit out their night or day.
Entertainment wise - sorry people it dont get much better - apart from a barbie you can go on on the Friday costing 14 euros each! {we did not bother as you can have a feast for that in stalis centre in any eating place} well there is no other entertainment.
Remember this is ment to be a 3 star accomodation - NO CHANCE - I have stayed in higher quality 2 star in stalis before where they gave you free local food snacks and raki - needless to say those appartments were very bizzy and people stayed for a drink there
As for Bella Vista all you get is a dirty look every night you head into stalis town or where ever to get some cheaper quality foods and have a good drink - if you stay in the appartments area you can expect the bar to be dead from 6pm onwards and shut by 11pm - no wonder as the drinks and food cost more than they do in the main town centre.
Oh there is 1 pool table but it costs 2 euros a go
If you do stay here get a quad bike {Cheapest option} cost us 80 euros for 5 days with insurance included - costs about 6 euros for half a tanks - we used 18 euros in petrol over the 5 days and when everywhere
A car will set you back 60 - 80 euros for one day - think about it.
But you need one of these or you will be crippled within a few days time
Reps try to get you to avoid renting a quad but just be sensible if you get one as your standard insurance doesnt cover riding a quad normally - hence the reason you get insurance when you rent the bike { This will only cover the person on the agreement you sign so be warned.
But your covered other than that - just remember to wear your helmet as the police do spot checks and we saw lots of people getting tickets for not waering them {you have been warned}
Also dont drink and drive and remember drivers over their dont drive to are standards and make sure you leave room infront of you when you brake as taxis and mopeds cut you up regually.
A meal for 2 - starter/main course / 2 drinks with cost from 20 - 30 euros depending what you have
Beer is 1.5 - 4 euros
Cocktails are 5 -7 euros
A fried breakfast is 3 - 7 euros
Places to go forgive the spelling but to the left of stalis you have great beaches at hereklious and to the right malia and then sisso are great
The beaches in herekilous are the best we saw though - but be careful when stepping into the sea as there is quite a lot of laver rock on the seabed and its sharp - so buy some flippers when you get there.
Stalis is a great place for couples and families and dont worry quads are now banned in stalis town after 8pm {you still get a few until the police catch them} but mostly its car/bike free now
There are loads of bars / food places to many really lol - there are some fairly lively bars which get going after 10.30pm but nothing to hardcore and the shops stay open till 12pm mostly.
If your between the ages of 18 - 28 ish and want to party all night and go on the pull well your better suited going to Malia - but if you do stay in Stalis its only a 10 min taxi ride but can cost you 10 - 15 euros one way
If your a couple or family and want a relaxing holiday with the option to party the odd night stalis is perfect as madness in malia is only a short taxi ride away - dont be put off it is full of teens and 20's and they are all party mad and drink like fish but it can be good fun to go their on a night out and experience how the mad half live!
Malia is quite pricey though as you get offers like a buy a drink and get 5 free but it costs your 15 euros - so be prepared.
The weather when we went end of August first week Sept was 40 - 45 degrees a day - the websites before we went said it would be 27 degress to 30 tops
So take high factor cream!
It can be cloudy some mornings but by the afternoon is very hot have fun its a great place and even if your unlucky enough to go to bella vista you will still have a great time
Now the bad!
First day we arrived the owner tried to hard sell us air conditioning after I wished to rent a safe - initially I thought he said 8 euros for air condidtioning but after repeating himself a few times what he ment was 84 euros complete rip off - I did not take him up on his offer and if you leave your door a gap in the day and close everything at night and purchase a mozzie plug in over their {5 euros} you wont get any bites - no need for air con.
Unfortunatley for us this was only the beginning lol - when we got to our appartment the toilet would not flush - I took a look and the water valave had been turned off so turned it back on and got drenched in toilet water and the basin started leaking over the floor -NOT NICE - we reported this to the rep the next day and they in turn told the owner who arranged for his worker to fix it - accept when he came he said no fix till monday as shop closed - we thought ok as it was saturday we can live with that and the owner did offer us a move to a smaller appartment but as we had paid for a bigger one I refused. Anyway the whole week went by and they never fixed it so we had to fill the system with the shower water as if you left your number 1's and 2's in there unflushed for more than a few hours the place stunk.
On top of this the cleaner did not clean and the floor was still wet 24/7 and we got 1 towel change.
The Pool is alot smaller than the picture you see on the web or in the brochure so be warned - but it is clean.
As we where staying in one of the high appartments right at the top of the hill it was a nightmare to walk up there as it has 4 sets of stairs and no one helped us carry are bags when we arrived - the balcony had a great view but is a haven for pigions and they left their poo's everywhere and this was not cleaned at all so you really did not want to sit out their night or day.
Entertainment wise - sorry people it dont get much better - apart from a barbie you can go on on the Friday costing 14 euros each! {we did not bother as you can have a feast for that in stalis centre in any eating place} well there is no other entertainment.
Remember this is ment to be a 3 star accomodation - NO CHANCE - I have stayed in higher quality 2 star in stalis before where they gave you free local food snacks and raki - needless to say those appartments were very bizzy and people stayed for a drink there
As for Bella Vista all you get is a dirty look every night you head into stalis town or where ever to get some cheaper quality foods and have a good drink - if you stay in the appartments area you can expect the bar to be dead from 6pm onwards and shut by 11pm - no wonder as the drinks and food cost more than they do in the main town centre.
Oh there is 1 pool table but it costs 2 euros a go
If you do stay here get a quad bike {Cheapest option} cost us 80 euros for 5 days with insurance included - costs about 6 euros for half a tanks - we used 18 euros in petrol over the 5 days and when everywhere
A car will set you back 60 - 80 euros for one day - think about it.
But you need one of these or you will be crippled within a few days time
Reps try to get you to avoid renting a quad but just be sensible if you get one as your standard insurance doesnt cover riding a quad normally - hence the reason you get insurance when you rent the bike { This will only cover the person on the agreement you sign so be warned.
But your covered other than that - just remember to wear your helmet as the police do spot checks and we saw lots of people getting tickets for not waering them {you have been warned}
Also dont drink and drive and remember drivers over their dont drive to are standards and make sure you leave room infront of you when you brake as taxis and mopeds cut you up regually.
A meal for 2 - starter/main course / 2 drinks with cost from 20 - 30 euros depending what you have
Beer is 1.5 - 4 euros
Cocktails are 5 -7 euros
A fried breakfast is 3 - 7 euros
Places to go forgive the spelling but to the left of stalis you have great beaches at hereklious and to the right malia and then sisso are great
The beaches in herekilous are the best we saw though - but be careful when stepping into the sea as there is quite a lot of laver rock on the seabed and its sharp - so buy some flippers when you get there.
Stalis is a great place for couples and families and dont worry quads are now banned in stalis town after 8pm {you still get a few until the police catch them} but mostly its car/bike free now
There are loads of bars / food places to many really lol - there are some fairly lively bars which get going after 10.30pm but nothing to hardcore and the shops stay open till 12pm mostly.
If your between the ages of 18 - 28 ish and want to party all night and go on the pull well your better suited going to Malia - but if you do stay in Stalis its only a 10 min taxi ride but can cost you 10 - 15 euros one way
If your a couple or family and want a relaxing holiday with the option to party the odd night stalis is perfect as madness in malia is only a short taxi ride away - dont be put off it is full of teens and 20's and they are all party mad and drink like fish but it can be good fun to go their on a night out and experience how the mad half live!
Malia is quite pricey though as you get offers like a buy a drink and get 5 free but it costs your 15 euros - so be prepared.
The weather when we went end of August first week Sept was 40 - 45 degrees a day - the websites before we went said it would be 27 degress to 30 tops
So take high factor cream!
It can be cloudy some mornings but by the afternoon is very hot have fun its a great place and even if your unlucky enough to go to bella vista you will still have a great time
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Just recently arrived back from a 2... "
Submitted By: Miss L Seddon
Just recently arrived back from a 2 week stay at the Bella Vista. Was very impressed with the accomodation once we had been moved from a room at the bottom of the hill (as we were not happy with it - found a cockroach) right to the top. We stayed in a 4 person room, there was only 2 of us. We had a fridge, 2 cooking rings, use of plates, cutlery etc, you have to pay for air conditioning and safety deposit boxes but we didnt use either. The cleaner who is very friendly cleans maybe every day?! But changes the sheets and towels maybe twice a week. Had spectacular views right outside the front door and the apartment was very clean and modern. We had too balcony/seating areas, one at front and the other at the back out the bedroom door. Be prepared for the stairs though, especially if your near the top!!! They're a killer, and the walk into Stalis takes about 15-20 minutes, not too great coming back in the dark, A car is definiely a good idea!! Theres a small shop about 400/500 metres away which sells the basics, and one a bit bigger about 1000 metres away, and then a lot on the stalis beach road.
The owners of the hotel are very very nice and always very friendly, wanting you to enjoy your stay. They prepared a BBQ for us one night. The pools lovely, rather deep and a lot of bugs get in but just kick them away! We always got a sunbed, at whatever time of day! No one can see into the pool area, it is very quiet and peaceful with views to the sea.
Wasnt all that impressed with Stalis as a resort, it is definitely aimed at tourism and every restaurant serves the same food (with pictures!!!) which can get quiet tedious, but if you love mixed grills and everything served with chips you'll enjoy!!! The beach is sooo so busy covered in sunbeds and not much open sand space.
Overall had a lovely holiday, really enjoyed staying at the Bella Vista, it is a lovely peaceful family run place. Definitely not recommended for people with walking difficulties, but them stairs definitely make you fit!!!!! If your a couple or a small family looking for a relaxing holiday with sunshine you will enjoy.
The owners of the hotel are very very nice and always very friendly, wanting you to enjoy your stay. They prepared a BBQ for us one night. The pools lovely, rather deep and a lot of bugs get in but just kick them away! We always got a sunbed, at whatever time of day! No one can see into the pool area, it is very quiet and peaceful with views to the sea.
Wasnt all that impressed with Stalis as a resort, it is definitely aimed at tourism and every restaurant serves the same food (with pictures!!!) which can get quiet tedious, but if you love mixed grills and everything served with chips you'll enjoy!!! The beach is sooo so busy covered in sunbeds and not much open sand space.
Overall had a lovely holiday, really enjoyed staying at the Bella Vista, it is a lovely peaceful family run place. Definitely not recommended for people with walking difficulties, but them stairs definitely make you fit!!!!! If your a couple or a small family looking for a relaxing holiday with sunshine you will enjoy.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" A nightmare of a holiday! Hated... "
Submitted By: Miss E Mitchell
A nightmare of a holiday! Hated it...The holiday company sold us a different accomodation based in Sissi but sent us to this one! Then the complaint was ignored by the company as it was an error in the brochure...same name wrong apartments!
We booked a holiday with entertainment...there was only a BBq one night. Then if you did go out you had to walk up and down a huge hill!! What if I had been disabled would they have expected me to deal with the hill!! I never booked this holiday and I never asked for the huge hill!
We stoped in the villas at the front and woke up every morning with cockroaches in our apartment! The fridge that didnt work, and my partner dmaged his back because the sprinkler was sprayed all over the steps instead of the plants! We asked for a balcony but never got one instead we had to share with a couple that liked to sleep naked with all the shutters open!! The bathroom was disgusting!
Our bed was covered in ants all day and night and all the walls! I did hear through other holiday makers that the other rooms were ok just NOT the ones on the front even they were disgusted at our rooms! This was by far the worst holiday I hav ver been on!
THE tour operator took no blame neither did the holiday agent for sending us on this holiday! it's disgusting that we had to fork out all that money for a holiday never chose!!
We booked a holiday with entertainment...there was only a BBq one night. Then if you did go out you had to walk up and down a huge hill!! What if I had been disabled would they have expected me to deal with the hill!! I never booked this holiday and I never asked for the huge hill!
We stoped in the villas at the front and woke up every morning with cockroaches in our apartment! The fridge that didnt work, and my partner dmaged his back because the sprinkler was sprayed all over the steps instead of the plants! We asked for a balcony but never got one instead we had to share with a couple that liked to sleep naked with all the shutters open!! The bathroom was disgusting!
Our bed was covered in ants all day and night and all the walls! I did hear through other holiday makers that the other rooms were ok just NOT the ones on the front even they were disgusted at our rooms! This was by far the worst holiday I hav ver been on!
THE tour operator took no blame neither did the holiday agent for sending us on this holiday! it's disgusting that we had to fork out all that money for a holiday never chose!!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" this was the best holiday ive ever... "
Submitted By: Miss Louise Zalesny
this was the best holiday ive ever been on, it was amazing the apartments were beautiful apart from the ant but they never botherd you. Maria and Kosta were lovely too but rale will always have a place in our hearts. There was four of us that went and ended up in a group of nine, met loads of lovely people.
The beach was lovely and the sea very clear. The waterpark was cool although i did loose my hearing after someone dunked me under.
The pool was fantastic,very clean and the view from our balcony was amazing, you could see the beach. Although the stairs were tiring i wouldnt have complained about anything.
Rale is the best ever and we still keep intouch with him, we will defo go back because it was so relaxing.
The beach was lovely and the sea very clear. The waterpark was cool although i did loose my hearing after someone dunked me under.
The pool was fantastic,very clean and the view from our balcony was amazing, you could see the beach. Although the stairs were tiring i wouldnt have complained about anything.
Rale is the best ever and we still keep intouch with him, we will defo go back because it was so relaxing.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" My partner and I are in our late... "
Submitted By: Miss S Lee
My partner and I are in our late twenties and had a fantastic time staying at the lovely Bella Vista Apartments in Stalis. The views were amazing from the apartment, the pool was clean and the staff were really friendly and spoke English well, so many thanks to Kostas and Maria for such an enjoyable holiday. Most of the guests were either families or couples staying there.
They have a pool bar area which opens until the guests want to go to bed and plays music until late - our apartments were close by the bar but once we closed the door we couldn't hear any music. Mostly English people stayed there but a few Dutch and German people too. The apartments (we had a 4 bed for two of us) were spacious and clean. We had a proper bathroom to and patio area, kitchen and dining area (which doubled up as two extra beds if 4 people were sleeping), cooking utensils (although limited), fridge. The safe and air conditioning are payable as extras and the air con unit was only in the bedroom - every time you opened the door it automatically switches off.
The apartments are about a 15-20 minute walk to the nearest beach, and we walked up and down this hill about 3 times in a day! Quad bikes and car hire seem readily available, and the quads can be quite annoying and loud (but even worse in Malia). The bus stops are close by to Hersonissos and Malia, however, we booked 3 excursions and had to get the pre-booked coach from bus stop 25 (near Nana Beach Hotel) which is about 20-25 minutes walk from the apartments - but the trips were really good value for money (we did Knossos, Spinalonga and the Cretan night). The Olympic reps were also really good and let us swap a trip to another day as we missed one because the instructions to the bus stop were unclear and we went to bus stop 26 which was closer to the apartments only to realise that it was not in use, and the rep meant bus stop number 25.
Overall we had a lovely trip and wished we'd stayed for 2 weeks instead of the 1 and would highly recommend Bella Vista Stalis apartments to couples and families.
They have a pool bar area which opens until the guests want to go to bed and plays music until late - our apartments were close by the bar but once we closed the door we couldn't hear any music. Mostly English people stayed there but a few Dutch and German people too. The apartments (we had a 4 bed for two of us) were spacious and clean. We had a proper bathroom to and patio area, kitchen and dining area (which doubled up as two extra beds if 4 people were sleeping), cooking utensils (although limited), fridge. The safe and air conditioning are payable as extras and the air con unit was only in the bedroom - every time you opened the door it automatically switches off.
The apartments are about a 15-20 minute walk to the nearest beach, and we walked up and down this hill about 3 times in a day! Quad bikes and car hire seem readily available, and the quads can be quite annoying and loud (but even worse in Malia). The bus stops are close by to Hersonissos and Malia, however, we booked 3 excursions and had to get the pre-booked coach from bus stop 25 (near Nana Beach Hotel) which is about 20-25 minutes walk from the apartments - but the trips were really good value for money (we did Knossos, Spinalonga and the Cretan night). The Olympic reps were also really good and let us swap a trip to another day as we missed one because the instructions to the bus stop were unclear and we went to bus stop 26 which was closer to the apartments only to realise that it was not in use, and the rep meant bus stop number 25.
Overall we had a lovely trip and wished we'd stayed for 2 weeks instead of the 1 and would highly recommend Bella Vista Stalis apartments to couples and families.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" Mum, Dad & 2 Kids (14,12)
Mum, Dad & 2 Kids (14,12)
These apartments are excellent (and have been refurbished for 2007) the pool is large and fresh water. Maria & Costas the owners could not be more friendly and helpful and Rales the barman/chef/entertainer is great fun.
Food at Bella Vista is fantastic, especially Maria's stuffed tomatoes and food on their BBQ night is a must. The location is up a hill, but you need a good walk after eating so much!! There is a supermarket 400m down the hill for supplies.
There are plenty of restaurants in town. We found Minos (walk along front towards Malia on right hand side) to be the best, friendly staff and the best potatoes, cooked to a traditional family recipe apparently.
The Crepe Man is worth a visit, the kids will love the crepes and his smiley face while he cooks. Shop around for sun lounger locations as prices do vary. Visit the aqua splash water park but book through agents in town. We loved Bella Vista so much we are going again this summer. Have booked direct this time, after all what do the tour operators actually do while you are there?
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" It was my first time in Crete and... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Morphitis
It was my first time in Crete and wasn't sure what to expect from it. We arrived to the apartments at 4am and Maria (apartment's owner) welcomed us and informed us about everything, we really appreciated that because it was really early.
We have to say that the owners at Bella Vista Hotel are the most friendly, helpful and kind people I have ever had in a hotel. The rooms were super clean and the views spectacular. We had views from the sea, the mountains and Stalis village.
Stalis is a really nice place to go, it is a lot quieter than the surrounding areas. There are really good restaurants. The best one without doubt is Maria's Golden Beach, where you are going to have a really good time and if you are not shy, you can even dance the Greek dancing around the tables.
The only thing we wouldn't recommend to do, unless you are a teenager who wants to have fun, is go to Malia, it is like a nursery for 17 year old people.
Having said that, I really recommend people to go to Bella Vista Hotel, I'm 100% sure they won't regret. I hadn't had holidays like that for a long time and we have to thank Bella Vista for that.
Thanks
Adam and Deborah
We have to say that the owners at Bella Vista Hotel are the most friendly, helpful and kind people I have ever had in a hotel. The rooms were super clean and the views spectacular. We had views from the sea, the mountains and Stalis village.
Stalis is a really nice place to go, it is a lot quieter than the surrounding areas. There are really good restaurants. The best one without doubt is Maria's Golden Beach, where you are going to have a really good time and if you are not shy, you can even dance the Greek dancing around the tables.
The only thing we wouldn't recommend to do, unless you are a teenager who wants to have fun, is go to Malia, it is like a nursery for 17 year old people.
Having said that, I really recommend people to go to Bella Vista Hotel, I'm 100% sure they won't regret. I hadn't had holidays like that for a long time and we have to thank Bella Vista for that.
Thanks
Adam and Deborah
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
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Apartments are good in comparison to other places we have stayed in Greece, quite large and clean. Fridge, double hob and coffee peculator. Decor really nice, seem to have gone the extra mile with the finishing touches. TV should you need it although there's a lot more interesting things outside the door.
The view is stunning although you pay for this by having to climb the hill and steps... this gets easier the more you do it and is more fun than joining a gym....We ate and drank as we pleased and both came back lighter according to the Wii fit!
Air con was 70 Euro's for two weeks, may have been able to do without as the windows all have pull down mosi nets
Pool area is nice, though the bar prices are a little steep in comparison to the town prices, take a walk into town... kick back at Zygos and watch the world go by, make a friend of the owner and his wife and get free ouzo with every beer.
I'd recommend the 9 Muses for good honest Greek food in Stalis or for a special treat take a taxi into old Hersonissos and try Gallinis, yet again great Greek hospitality, atmosphere and food.
If you are staying around Stalis, Agios Nickolas is a beautiful place. Eating above the town overlooking the lagoon is beautiful in a restaurant called Cafe Neo. Sissi is also pretty and you can swim in the harbour. Lassithi Plateau is worth a drive up into the mountains (if you're brave enough, the roads are quite scary). Knossos seemed like a tourist trap and a bit of a let down but generally we had fun and met lovely people wherever we went.
From the apartments the beach is a 10 minute walk. We liked the loungers at Nemo as the guy there was really friendly and the sea rock free.
We had a great time at the Bella Vista, as a base you couldn't have asked for more...not a place for the less able-bodied but definitely worth it for the views.
Advice: Friendly, mid-size town, good beach, fun bars, no real night clubs, good restaurants,a bit expensive
Activities: 9 muses, Zygos
Good for: Beach