Almeritha Holidays
If you're happy to hang loose and rely on life's simple pleasures, pretty little Almeritha is sure to win your holiday heart.
A former fishing village which hasn't been spoilt by over-development, Almeritha offers the classic Greek Island holiday experience. You won't be dancing at discos until dawn. But if you like the idea of lazy days on the beach, the odd splash of watersports and evenings spent with a glass or two of 'retsina' and a plate of grilled swordfish in a friendly local taverna - this is the place for you. Backed by the White Mountains and flanked by undulating hills, the main beach is a good-looking stretch of sand with shallow seas where the kids can enjoy safe splashing about. And to escape the fierce heat of the midday sun, you can take refuge in one of the bars next to the beach and enjoy an ice-cold beer or a refreshing iced tea. Inland, the beautiful countryside begs to be discovered, too. Stately cypress trees punctuate the groves of silvery-green olives, and the rolling fields are blanketed with multi-coloured wild flowers in spring. This is also wine country, and most of the houses in the villages of Gavalohori, Douliana and Aspro have 'patetiri' or wine press, where the ripe grapes are stamped into submission during the autumn. For a day out, take a boat trip to the tiny island of Karga just a few miles out into the bay. Or head for the nearby village of Plaka, which has picturesque, flower-decorated houses and splendid views of the White Mountains. Also worth a visit is the quaint little village of Kokkino Chorio, featured in the classic film 'Zorba the Greek'. Peaceful, yet with plenty to do - come and discover this gorgeous Cretan gem. After all, they do say the best things come in small packages Holidays in Almeritha are holidays in a stress-free zone. This sleepy place has just enough development to provide all mod cons … and nowhere near enough to disturb you with discos, nightclubs or rowdy revellers.
In Almeritha, holidays are balmy days on a beautiful beach, where the sands slope gently into a clear blue sea …sailing out to the little island of Karga - a fabulous focal point in the bay …driving to local villages and hamlets - picturesque Plaka and old-world Kokkino Chorio, so Greek it was the chosen location for Zorba …hiring a bike to cycle to secluded coves.
Along with a scattering of bars and tavernas - where a leisurely lunch is still deliciously cheap, holidays in Almeritha come complete with ample gift shops to mooch in, a dramatically scenic White Mountain backdrop, and a range of watersports in the heat of the summer. Holidays to Almeritha could be in the peace and privacy of your own apartment - accompanied by gorgeous views if you've chosen the Villa Artemis for your self-catering stay ... Or enjoying the service, facilities and cool Cretan style of the Almerida Beach Hotel.
A relaxing spot that couples and families would revel in, this former fishing village is a rather recent entry to the 'resort' category, so shoulder-to-shoulder hotels are notably absent. While there may well be late deals for last minute holidays, in Almeritha you'd probably be wiser to plan ahead.