Kri-Kri Village Holiday Apts by Estia

If your ideal dive holiday includes a proper kitchen, outdoor space and the freedom to eat without obeying a resort timetable, Kri-Kri Village Holiday Apts by Estia has the right shape. This is a three-star aparthotel in a beachfront setting, with apartments rather than standard hotel rooms and enough variety for couples, families and small groups.

You will find a garden, a sun terrace and views that can run towards the sea, pool or garden, depending on your accommodation. English and German are spoken by the hotel team, so you can ask about the practical details without resorting to underwater hand signals at reception. The mood is straightforward: somewhere to sleep well, eat simply and spend the warm parts of the day outside.

Kri-Kri Village sits in Kokkíni Khánion, Greece, on the coast east of Heraklion. The sandy beach is about 50 metres away, close enough for a quick swim or a change of scenery when the pool has had enough of you. Sun loungers and parasols are available on the beach.

Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is about 0.6 miles away, while American Base Beach is a seven-minute walk. For meals away from the property, Taverna Arkadi is about 1.5 miles away and The Whisky Bar about 1.5 miles away. Heraklion International Airport is roughly 5 miles away by road, and the Palace of Knossos is about 6 miles away. The old city, its museums and Rocca a Mare Fortress are around 7 miles away, so you can combine a coastal base with a day of archaeology without turning the holiday into a logistics exercise.

The accommodation is arranged for people who value a little independence. Every unit has a kitchenette with a stovetop, kitchenware, dining table and refrigerator, which is handy for keeping water cold, putting together a light meal or dealing with the appetite that arrives after a long day in the sea. Private bathrooms, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer keep the practical side covered.

For two people, the Studio keeps things compact and uncomplicated, with two single beds. Couples wanting more room can look at the one-bedroom apartments, while the larger apartments and maisonette are the more sensible choice when four adults need somewhere to put themselves, their clothes and the day’s general clutter. Family rooms are available, and cots can be requested for children aged two and under; extra beds are not available.

Air conditioning is available, along with heating, so you can adjust the room after a hot, salty day rather than simply surrendering to it. A balcony or terrace comes with each unit, with sea, pool, garden or mountain views depending on the accommodation. There is also a clothes-drying rack, useful for swimwear and ordinary holiday laundry, while the tiled or marble floors are easy to live with when sand inevitably follows you indoors.

The Kri-Kri Restaurant serves Greek cuisine on a terrace, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available. Breakfast is a buffet with fresh pastries, cheese, fruit and juice, so you can make a proper start before heading out rather than relying on the emergency biscuit hidden in your dive bag. The published board basis is accommodation only, leaving you free to use the restaurant when it suits you.

There is a bar on site, plus a pool bar serving cocktails and snacks. That gives you two different ways to handle the post-dive question of whether you want food, a drink or both at once. A coffee house and snack bar are also available, and special-diet menus can be requested.

The kitchenette means you are not tied to every restaurant service. Keep something cold in the refrigerator, use the dining table for a quiet meal and save the terrace restaurant for the evenings when cooking feels like an unreasonable demand.

The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal and comes with a pool bar, so the move from water to shade can be made without a long march. Sun loungers and beach chairs are available around the property, while the garden, patio, terrace and shared lounge provide places to sit when you have finished swimming but are not yet ready for bed.

Massage treatments include full-body, back, neck, head, hand and foot massage. That is a useful menu after several days of carrying tanks, climbing ladders and pretending the kit bag is lighter than it is. The surroundings also lend themselves to an easy cycle, with bicycle hire available, and fishing is offered as another option.

For evenings when you want a little noise, karaoke and evening entertainment are available. Board games and puzzles suit a quieter night, while the nearby Cretaquarium gives you a straightforward outing that does not require a full expedition. The property also allows pets on request, which matters if your travel companion has four legs and a firm opinion about hotel policies.

Arrival starts from 15:00 and departure is by 11:00. You need to tell the property your arrival time in advance, particularly useful when your flight lands late or your plans involve a slow transfer from the airport. Airport shuttle service is available, and car hire can be arranged through the property.

Free parking is available nearby, and WiFi is free throughout the hotel. Luggage storage, a tour desk, currency exchange and express check-in and check-out are also available, which can make the first and last day less awkward when flights and room times do not line up neatly.

Cash is not accepted at the property. Smoking is not allowed, and parties or similar events are not permitted. Children of any age are welcome, pets can stay on request, and there is no age requirement for check-in.