*** As featured in The Sunday Telegraph Travel Section.

Prices in 2024 range between € per Week and € per week, dependent upon the time of year.

1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom.

Private swimming pool (8m x 5m & depth 0.80m to 1.50m)

Free Unlimited WIFI Internet Access

Sleeps a Maximum of 5 Persons.

EOT (Greek Tourist Board) License Number: MHTE 1042K 12 2K 02701 11

Maza Cottage enjoys a privileged and peaceful location in the heart of the countryside, yet only 2kms from the many amenities in the pretty riverside village of Vrisses, and 7kms from the dune-backed sandy beaches near the seaside resort of Georgioupolis which stretch as far as the eye can see. Located on the outskirts of the sleepy hamlet of Maza, Maza Cottage is a delightful stone retreat with glorious sweeping views across the verdant Cretan landscape to the magnificent White Mountains. A property with character and allure, Maza Cottage, and its 3 sister villas (including Horseshoe Cottage with 3 bedrooms which we also handle) has been lovingly built and furnished by its incredibly friendly and charming owner, Giorgos, on land passed down to him by his grandfather. The 5500m2 plot has been creatively landscaped so that all 5 villas harmonise with the enchanting natural landscape, and each villa enjoys a high standard of privacy and comfort. A stables, paddock, and a hennery are set on one side of the plot and horse/pony riding excursions can be arranged. A reindeer, sheep, horse, and goat are unlikely best friends who live harmoniously together at the stables and roam together in one of the fields. Cretan hospitality is world famous and Giorgos is a prime example of this. He grows a vast variety of organic fruit and vegetables and always gifts whatever is in season to our guests, along with his potent homemade wine and raki. We are proud that both Giorgos and Maza Cottage feature prominently in the following article in the Sunday Telegraph: Click Here To Read

On entering the house a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere is immediately evident. Thoughtful touches see authentic Cretan styling fuse seamlessly with modern amenities. Giorgos has blended traditional furniture made locally by skilled craftsmen, with a selection of hand-picked family heirlooms such as a tapestry wall hanging, a shepherd's crook and hand woven bag, and an ancient iron. Maza Cottage boasts many original features made from locally sourced commodities such as open-faced stonework, beamed ceilings which infuse the air with the delicate scent of cypress wood, a stone archway, and thick stone walls which keep the cottage pleasingly cool when the outside summer temperatures are at their highest. To ensure a restful holiday many modern comforts have been supplied including: free WIFI internet access; a beautiful tiled modern bathroom, satellite TV, a DVD player, a stereo system with CD player, a fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a kettle, a coffee maker, a toaster and sandwich toaster, and air conditioning units in the bedrooms and living area. The A/C units also double up as heaters for the cooler nights early and late season. There is solar powered hot water with a back-up immersion heater, and a private, gated parking area.

The majority of your holiday time will undoubtedly be spent relaxing in the restful Mediterranean garden which features colourful rose bushes, and is flanked by an olive grove on one side, and a small vineyard on the other. Taking centre stage is the good sized swimming pool which is surrounded by a well kept lawn. A large pergola over the dining terrace provides shade from the hot sun and is an ideal place from which to watch the younger members of the family playing happily on the lawn or in the pool. The garden really is the perfect spot to relax, particularly at sunset when the majestic mountains take on pink, crimson and golden hues. To make this even more idyllic you just need a cool glass of wine from the local winery and fresh local produce sizzling away on the traditional barbeque that has been built since the photos were taken. The scenery and comfortable garden furniture invite you to do nothing more taxing than sitting back and taking in the panoramic views, either in the brilliant sunshine during the day, or under the breathtakingly clear star filled night sky.

As difficult as it may be to stray from the peace and beauty at Maza Cottage, the central location means that you are wonderfully placed for exploring an area which remains unspoilt by mass marketed tourism. The quaint village square is only 4 minutes walk from the cottage, and features a bougainvillea covered kafenion which has a fantastic atmosphere (particularly at night), and serves appetizing local cuisine and overlooks the Agios Nikolaos chapel, where the interior walls are covered in 15th Century frescoes. The Dourakis Winery, Lake Kournas, and the waterfalls and Roman tombs at Argiroupolis are within 20 minutes drive, the spectacular Imbros gorge and the south coast are less than an hour away, and the Venetian towns of Rethymnon and Chania, with their fishing harbours and weekly street markets, are just 30 and 40 minutes drive to the east and west.

Maza Cottage is an ideal choice for a small family or a romantic couple seeking a peaceful holiday in an attractive and private rural setting. We are not sure whether it will be the breathtaking scenery, the comfort and privacy at the villa, or the massive welcome from Giorgos and the Maza locals, that you will remember the most, but we are certain that your holiday at Maza Cottage will be unforgettable.

Villa Accommodation

Ground floor (half a step from the garden, pool terrace and the parking area): Open plan living room, kitchen and dining area, 1 shower room, 1 twin bedrooms, and 1 double bedroom.

Villa Location

Only 5 minutes walk from Maza Cottage is the centre of the tiny hamlet of Maza. A wonderful bougainvillea covered taverna that is the centre of village life is situated next to the tiny chapel of Agios Nikolaos and ruined buildings which an feature ancient olive press. 2.7km from Maza is the village of Vrysses which was built on the River Voutakas in 1925. A number of tavernas have been built under the tall plane trees on the banks of the river. Vrysses is primarily a working village that is rich in agricultural products and is famous for its cheese, yoghurt and honey. There are many shops in Vrysses including 2 bakeries, 2 butchers, 2 supermarkets, a bank, a chemist, a post office, clothing shops, a book shop, a jewellers, and a fantastic cake and ice-cream shop. The beach resort of Georgioupolis is 8km’s from Maza Cottage and it has many kilometres of sandy beaches as well as an abundance of shops, cafes, and tavernas. Set at the mouth of the Almyros River, there is a small fishing harbour and the Chapel of Saint Nicholas which set at the end of a small causeway in the sea just off the beach. Water sports, miniature golf, and horse riding are all available from Georgioupolis, and the younger members of the family particularly enjoy taking a canoe or pedalo up the river to feed the turtles in the summer months. The lovely village of Alikampos is close to Maza Cottage. Alikampos is set on a terraced hillside. The wonderful chapel of “The Koimeses” is situated in a tranquil spot below the village, overlooking a gorge that is thickly forested with conifers, olive and orange trees. Built in 875A.D. the interior walls are completely covered in impressive frescoes that date from the 14th Century. Also near Alikampos is the Dourakis Winery which produces delicious local wines. A tour around the winery and fresh home-made food are all available. The cottage is perfectly situated to explore both the north and south coasts. The road that leads to the south coast runs through Vrysses and leads to the Imbros Gorge, and then onto the Aradeina Gorge. The Imbros Gorge has higher walls that the more famous Samaria Gorge and takes approximately 3 hours to walk through. The small port village of Chora Sfakion is only 50 minutes from Maza Cottage. Here you can take ferries to Loutro or to Agia Roumeli, the village at the bottom of the Samaria Gorge. Maza Cottage is also only 20 minutes from the lovely beach village of Almyrida which is lined with excellent tavernas, cafes and gift shops, an arcade/cafe with pool tables and games machines, a scuba diving centre, paddle board and pedalo rentals, a sports station which rents out windsurfers, kayaks, catamarans, and mountain bikes. We at Villas Crete Holidays will supply you with tourist information and the contact details for suppliers of private boat rentals, boat trips, horse riding, big game fishing charters, private astronomy nights at your villa, private sightseeing flight in a light aircraft, and guided walking or coach tours. For those of you looking for even more activity, the historic town Rethymnon is only 35 minutes away by car and the stunning town of Chania is only 45 minutes away.

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Villa Amenities

Views Mountains / Olive Groves
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Microwave Oven
Fridge / Freezer
TV
Satellite TV
Air conditioned bedrooms
Air conditioned living area
CD player
Free unlimited WIFI internet access
DVD Player
BBQ
Mosquito screens to windows
Central heating
Fireplace
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
Pool Towels

YES
Welcome Basket

Number of bedrooms
2 - 1 Twin, 1 Double
Number of bathrooms 1
Bath/shower/both
Shower
   
Pool depths
0.8m to 1.50m
Pool size
8m x 5m
Type of shade by pool
Umbrellas
   
Sofa bed
NO
Maid service
2 times a week
   
Distance to nearest taverna
350m : 5 minutes on foot, 1 minute by car
Distance to nearest beach
7km : 2h on foot, 8 - 10 minute by car
Distance to nearest mini market
2.7m : 50 minutes on foot, 10 minute by car
Distance to nearest cash machine
2.7m : 50 minutes on foot, 10 minute by car
How far from airport
50 minutes
How far from nearest large town
35 minutes

Any steps? How many?

Half a step from the parking area and the garden/pool terrace in to the cottage.

How private?

Very private.

Nearest neighbour?

50m.

Villa Rental Prices

Prices are Weekly, in Euros, per villa, Not per person!

 

*** As of January 01, 2024, the Greek government have replaced the old “bed tax” with a new tax that is applied to all stays in short-term rental accommodation in Greece. The Climate Resilience Levy is a response to the devastating forest fires and floods that Greece has experienced in recent years, with the government hoping to generate extra funding that will go towards financing reconstruction, supporting victims, and increasing the country’s defences against future natural disasters.

The owners of all short-term rental accommodation are legally obliged to collect the Climate Resilience Levy as a separate tax for all overnight stays (per villa) as follows:
€10.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.

We will collect the Climate Levy with your final balance payment and it will be clearly itemised on your Booking Confirmation.

Whilst we understand the potential budget concerns of our guests, this tax/levy is beyond our control and we encourage our guests to see this as a way of contributing to the protection of the planet and the beautiful area where they are holidaying.

From :                       
To :                   
Price per week:                 
Winter 2023/24 31.03.24 Please ask
01.04.22
30.04.24
01.05.22
31.05.24
01.06.22 30.06.24
01.07.22
14.07.24
16.07.22
31.08.24
01.09.22
30.09.24
01.10.22 31.10.24
     
Winter 2024/2025 31.03.25 Please ask

The above prices shown are in EUROS, per Week. These prices include a Free Welcome Pack, representative services, a villa information book, and detailed directions to all the sights from the guide book “Crete on the Road ” by Frankie Miles.