Agios Nikolaos Vacation Rental apartment

We've just come back from a relaxing hot summer getaway at Villa Gerani. It's situated pretty much halfway between Aghios Nikolaos & Elounda. The accomodation although pretty basic & very Greek, was more than adequate. There was a cooker, fridge freezer, kettle and toaster in the kitchen. This was all we needed as we only ate breakfast and the occasional lunch in the property. It was all clean and well maintained. The air conditioning in the bedrooms, which is included in the price, was a Godsend as the temperature reached 40's a few times. Olga herself was very friendly and welcoming, as were the rest of her family. The pool area, where we spent most of our time, was clean and well maintained, with fantastic views. I would recommend the property to anyone who is fit and healthy, likes walking, peace & quiet, & lovely flora and fauna as Villa Gerani is at the top of the complex with approx. 70 steps. We took our 3 year old and he had no problems getting up the steps. Although my 80 year old Nan did have to take her time! And the view is well worth it when you get there! We ate at the Kafenion Avolema next door a couple of times. You have to go up a few steps but its lovely fresh food. It's not like your usual restaurant/taverna. They don't have a menu, innstead Manos (who speaks excellent English) tells you what he has cooking and you choose. We had excellent Greek salad, Cheese Pies, Dakos, Snails, proper chips!, bekri meze and bbq'd pork. Well worth a visit, don't be afraid! We also had great meals in Elounda at Nikos Fish restaurant on the square (they do lovely shrimps in bacon), and Olondi, which is on the sea to the right of the square. I can recommend the seafood risotto from here.
The villa is a great base for sight seeing on the east of the island. Ag. Nik and Elounda are a few miles either way. You can go to Spinalonga to see the last leper colony in Europe, well worth a visit. The Lassithi Plateaux is within easy reach if you are hiring a car. And some great beaches can also be found nearby. We went to Havania beach late in the afternoon and the water was perfect, and swe didn't pay for sunbeds.
All in all we had a fabulous time and would recommend the villa and go back ourselves!