Platanias Sophia Beach Apartments

We have just returned from a fantastic two week holiday at the Sophia Beach Apartments in Platanias! We only booked two weeks before we went and so, naturally, we were a little wary of how they would be. No worries at all. The apartments are large and situated on a lovely, leafy "avenue" leading up to the pool and bar.

In the brochure, it states that the pool is shared and we were concerned that it might get overcrowded, but it never did. The beach is literally 20 steps away from the pool - you couldn't ask for anything better. Now the boring stuff is out of the way, let us tell you what (or more to the point, who) really made the holiday.

The wonderful Greek family who own and run the apartments and pool bar.

Right from the minute we arrived, they gave everyone a warm friendly welcome and as she has an excellent command of the English language, we had a very interesting introduction to the area and facilities. Later in the evening, when we went for our evening meal there (don't be fooled by the words "pool/beach bar") we were treated to outstanding cooking, courtesy of a very modest man who could match any celebrity chef! Every day virtually, we were given "tasters" of traditional Greek food and loved everything - we even had stuffed flowers one night! If you are not the adventurous type when it comes to food, the chef is more than happy to make nuggets and chips, chicken etc.

However, I would urge everyone who goes there to give his food a try and if you do, you will not only be surprised at the quality but the chef will encourage you to try more as he adores cooking. We, as a family, are not fussy eaters when it comes to things like spices etc, and can honestly say that nothing we were given was too "foreign" and therefore suitable for all. We only ate out twice in the fortnight and didn't enjoy either experience and vowed to eat only at the apartments as the quality cannot be matched neither can the prices - far cheaper than in the town.

On our last night, my husband instigated a water fight between himself, the staff and another couple we had meet there. However, in the excitement, the Grandma of the owners got drenched - luckily she took it all in good fun and laughed it off - not many 77 year olds would have done though.

The general staff at the apartments are also very polite and welcoming. The cleaners come in every day apart from Sunday and our cleaner did an excellent job of cleaning the apartment and always left the towels in a fancy pattern on the beds!

The apartments are literally a 4 minute walk to the main strip where there is an array of tourist souvenir type shops and plenty of restaurants and bars.

A bus trip in Chania (pronounced Hania) is only 1.6 euros and takes 20 minutes approx and there you can get high street fashions, bags, shoes etc. Be warned however, try to go to Chania after 4 in the afternoon as the heat really stifles you around the harbour - where most of the restaurants and bars are - as the white flags on the floor reflect the heat and there is little shade.

We are going back to Sophia Beach Apartments next year as we couldn't have asked for nicer hosts.

The lady on reception is apparently a guest that just won't go home! Loved it so much we are going back next year. Also, some advice, it's best to go into Chania for nightlife.