Sunrise Apartments

Our apartments were changed by Kosmar at the last minute to the Sunrise. The apartments are basic but clean and the owners are friendly enough. There is a supermarket across the road and a few restaurants nearby (don't be fooled in to thinking the restaurants in Koutouloufari are cheaper than in Hersonissos centre because the one we went to was overpriced and nothing special). The Sunrise is ok if you like to stay around the pool on your holiday.
If, like us, you like the beach and to see a bit more action, the Sunrise is probably not for you. Kosmar describe the Sunrise as being a 15 minute stroll to the beach, which it is, on the way down the hill. On the way back up however it is more like a 30 minute hike up a mountain, which in the heat of Crete in July is no joke. Me and my boyfriend resorted to hiring a 'death trap' of a scooter to save us from dying of boredom in Koutouloufari.
The other annoying thing at the Sunrise were the maids. Don't get me wrong, it is good to have your apartment cleaned every day but we were rushing around every morning to get out of our room before the maids came.
To be fair, had the Sunrise apartments been in Hersonissos we wouldn't have had a problem. Quiet Koutouloufari just wasn't our cup of tea and the location of the resort spoiled our holiday a bit. If Kosmar had placed us near to our original choice of apartments in Hersonissos we would have had a great time.
Check out the aquarium in Hersonissos, its really small, no bigger than a house really but you only pay 5 euros to get in and then you can go as many times as you like throughout your holiday. All the animals are rescued animals. The people who work there are really nice and they let you hold the lizards and snakes. its a good place to go on your last day while you wait for your coach - good for kids.

We enjoyed two lovely weeks with the Sunrise Family (although it got blooming hot...47 degrees!)
I'm trying not to say the same as everyone else, but will probably repeat a bit as it was just so good
As everyone else has said - the perfect position for a short stroll to some fantastic restaurants, the sunrise family, the resort bar and can whip you up some fairly lethal but yummy cocktails, and there are a few good bars within walking distance too.
The main town of Hersonisos, is as everyone else has said a fair walk down hill (we mostly used a taxi, €5, as it was too hot to walk it) which is crammed with tacky tourist shops, but a giggle if you fancy some lively nightlife.
Plus all the boat tours go from the Hersonissos harbour. We'd definitely recommend the tour with the 'Tiki, Tiki' man - you can book it from the Dutch pancake shop in Koutouloufari and they'll collect you at 11ish in a minivan and take you down to the harbour. You have a half day trip (which to be honest doesn't take you anywhere earth shattering, but it's very relaxing and the guys that run the tour are very entertaining) and then they bring you back, all for €15 each which is a bargain in my books.
I'd also recommend getting up into the hills (by air conditioned car) as there are some stunning views, plus you can potter around locally and find the Golden Beach behind the Hotel Maris in Hersonnisos, which although a slightly shingle beach is very pretty and very relaxing.
Enjoy! We did and we will be back....

1 reader found this review helpful

We got there at 6 o'clock in the morning and the sun was rising. When we looked out of the balcony we were over the pool and we had the most amazing view of the mountains either side and the sea directly in front.
The apartment was clean. It had storage but no drawers. The bathroom was small but it served its purpose. The kitchen had a fridge with freezer compartment, hob, toaster, kettle and plenty of utensils with a price list for each thing if there were any loss or breakages! It was very hot, with no air, and the air conditioning was an extra - charged at 6 euros per day or a fan for 2 euros.
The staff were friendly and helpful. They were assertive towards people’s behaviour too - on our second night we had some very noisy new people in but they gave them a warning promptly and there was no noise after that. Everywhere we went the people spoke very good English so there were no communication problems.
The location of the apartments is good for people who are going to hire a car or enjoy walking. The village is 2 minutes round the corner with lots of restaurants and a great friendly atmosphere on a night. The village is extremely clean and traditional with beautiful little streets and buildings. It was a little too far out from the beach for us, it took about 15 minutes but the way back was a killer walking uphill in the blazing sun.
The town of Herssonsis is about 15 mins walk away and is filled with clothes shops, gift shops and bars. On a night out it is mad on the front, the main street is full of bars and takeaways, a bit like a small Malia or mini Ibiza. It cost 6 euros in a taxi back to the apartments.
The downside to this accommodation was that we arrived at 6am on Saturday morning and weren't due to leave the apartments until 23:45 the following Friday night. They told us we had to be out of our accommodation on at 12 midday on the Friday, so we had to hire another room to get a shower etc for 25 euros. This should have been included as we didn’t have a full week in the end.

All in all it was lovely accommodation with a decent sized pool and plenty of sun beds. I would go to Crete again but would stay closer to the beach and bars of Hersonissos.

1 reader found this review helpful

A family run business, amazing, friendly, great for kids, clean, honestly go and see for yourself. 10/10.
The village is 30 seconds away and full of shops and restaurants.
Hersonossis is a 15 minute stroll away at night a nice walk in the calm of night after the afternoon sun. Hersonossis is bustling day and night with shops and bars with plenty to look at, and never miss the Thursday bbq in the Sunrise, amazing Greek dancers etc.
Go on live a little, enjoy. I did.

2 readers found this review helpful

Had a great fortnight at the Sunrise. The "Sunrise family" are great hosts, helpful, friendly and welcoming. Granddad’s raki is a must and the Sunday BBQ is good value and good fun.
Fairly basic apartments, but clean, well equipped and good size. Pretty gardens, lovely pool, and good pool bar with good range of drinks, snack meals and sky sports.
I recommend watching cricket test matches from an inflatable chair, in the pool, with a Mythos beer in hand!
Koutoloufari is a great place if, like us, you don't want too much crowds - but if you do a 20 minute walk or €4 taxi ride gets you to Hersonissos and all the crowds and noise you could wish for.
The village has plenty tavernas/restaurants/bars and enough shops for most people.

2 readers found this review helpful

Recently back from a wonderful week at Sunrise apartments in the very beautiful village of Koutoufoulari.
Apartments are everything we had hoped for having read the reviews on this site. Idyllic setting with stunning sea and mountain views.
We booked a week before we went and, although we didn't ask for it (or pay the hefty supplement that the travel agent wanted) we had a sea view. Also, we had booked for a studio but in fact had a large apartment with separate bedroom! Luck of the draw I guess. We had a bedroom with a balcony with sea views and mountain views from the living/kitchen area. It was great to see the goats coming down the mountain in a morning. 'Listen for the bell' my husband used to say!
Spotlessly clean accommodation and well cared for gardens and pool.
The village of Koutoufoulari is just a 2 minute walk away and offers an excellent range of tavernas, cafes, bars and shops. Keep walking and you come to Piskopiano, a bit louder than Koutouloufari but pleasant all the same. Try heading off the main road up into the winding backstreets into the mountainside for a taste of real Crete.
Hersonissos was a disappointment. After the 20 mins walk downhill into the main resort we couldn't wait to get back up to our peaceful haven. Fine if you want bar after bar of rowdy crowds, or streets full of souvenir tack. The beaches were crowded and backed onto the main road or were overlooked by restaurants and bars. Didn't spot any secluded beaches. Best avoided if, like me and my husband, you like some peace and quiet on your holiday.
Handy bakery and supermarket just on the main road opposite the apartments.
Sunrise owners very helpful. We arrived around midnight after a delayed flight and were relieved to find some groceries... tea, coffee, milk and a bottle of chilled water in the fridge. Also some bread rolls, butter and crisps. A very thoughtful and much appreciated gesture.
Spoke to many guests who had returned year after year to these lovely apartments and I can see why. Maybe too quiet for small children, although there is a small play area but not a lot else to keep small children entertained.
We will be back!

2 readers found this review helpful

We booked our break allocation on arrival so always heart in mouth, pleasantly surprised with place, had room with a sea view. Apartments are adequate, bathrooms have showers and the water doesn’t get warm until the sun heats it up, so cold showers in the morning but found it refreshing as it gets very hot even by 10am.
Opposite the apartments there is a bakery and shop selling groceries and all your booze requirements, but for a better deal go to the co op shop down the hill after your day out and use the savings to pay for your taxi uphill.
The apartments are on a hill, and it is quite steep, we hired a quad bike for 3 days for 60 euros in the village from a Dutch company, and used it to visit Stalis, Malia and local area. If you are young consider this and weigh up against 3 days of taxi fares, roads are quite safe.
The staff are very friendly and make you feel very welcome, it is a chilled atmosphere with I think exclusively British people, we saw no other nationalities, bar snacks and drinks are reasonable and up in the village there are some great restaurants, make sure to visit Mezes run by Christine and Alex, originally from Newcastle and her Greek husband for some fantastic food without the feeling of being rushed or hustled. We had 7 course meal for 2 for 29 euros, the dining experience lasting over 2 hours.
If you want to relax, unwind in a peaceful environment with the nightlife a short journey away then this is for you.

1 reader found this review helpful

We have been before. What a lucky find. Our little heaven on earth. Great family, good clean accommodation. The number of people we met who feel the same.
Please do not take any notice of the lady who said the beds were not comfortable. They are, with normal mattresses just like home. You are spoilt for choice with eating places and you can go local. Just ask for Davids, it is superb, real Crete.
Plenty of places to visit. Try Sissi, a boat trip or short taxi ride away (for the same price) a gorgeous Mediterranean haven. Perhaps I shouldn’t tell anyone and keep it for ourselves. Next year you have to book through Kosmar, although nothing will change. Fantastic.

1 reader found this review helpful

We had a fantastic week here. the apartments are really clean and comfortable with everything you need. You will find some basics in the fridge when you arrive, bread milk etc, also tea, coffee and sugar. The family who run the apartments are very friendly and will do all they can for you.
Lovely village with lots of tavernas to choose from, we went to a different one every night and all were good. Bakery and supermarket opposite the apartments. There is a good bus service, just a short a short walk down the hill to the main road in Hersonissos, to Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos, well worth a visit.
If you are feeling adventurous hire a car and go to the Lasithi plateau, out of this world. high up in the mountains, with many traditional Cretan villages. Would definitely recommend these apartments.

1 reader found this review helpful

Stayed at Sunrise twice before and going again for week in May.
Very good clean accommodation. Friendly staff. One of three villages which are lovely to stroll through day or night. Villages have good selection of traditional, friendly restaurants.
Hersonissos is good for night life(if you are into that) though we only go for the shops.
Good bakery opposite for fresh bread and pastries.
A good location giving choice for those wanting a relaxing or lively holiday.