WELCOME TO MANTRAKI APARTMENTS
Offering reasonably priced holiday apartments in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece with custom made holidays always available."
Located in a central position in the beautiful town of Agios Nikolaos, Mantraki welcomes you throughout the year and offers a wide variety of customised holidays to enhance your visit. Within 50m of Ammos beach and the main square, it is an ideal base to explore Aghios Nikolaos, famous for its lake and harbour area and the first major resort on the island of Crete. Mantraki also offers a bar/snack bar area with satellite television and internet access.
Enjoy the relaxed and laid-back way of life and the stunning views of the Thripti Mountains which provide a micro-climate unequalled in Greece. Visit the surrounding villages and see the traditional shops and local people going about their daily lives. The area is ideal for couples of all ages who want time to spend together, perhaps in a romantic high quality restaurant or maybe just watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Mirambello.
We're here to make your holiday special
Under British management, Steve and Viki will be pleased to provide information about the area and assist with car hire and organised trips. We have years of experience of the area and can advise on how to find everything yoou need to have an unforgettable holiday in Agios Nikolaos and the surrounding area. Crete offers a wide variety of activities and boasts one of the healthiest diets in the world. Walking, scuba diving, sailing and archaeological special interest trips can be organised for individuals or groups with our professional guiding team.
Prices
PRICES HELD FOR 2006 !
RESERVE YOUR APARTMENT BEFORE 31/12/05 AND SAVE OVER 8% ON YOUR 2006 HOLIDAY
Prices start from 30 euros per apartment per night (based on two sharing) during the winter period and are calculated according to group size and seasonal variations during the summer. Low season (April, May, June) from 275 euros. High season (July, August, Mid-September) from 350 euros.
Mantraki Apartments
The Mantraki was built and designed, some 20 years ago, by the Lymbritis family in the traditional Cretan style and has recently undergone a major re-furbishment. It still maintains the feel of the Mediterranean in the times when mass tourism was in its early days. The comfortable apartments are fitted with modern fridges and cooking facilities but maintain that rustic feeling that attracts so many visitors to the island. Each apartment can sleep up to 4 persons and comprises a bedroom with double, twin or two single beds, lounge/dining area with kitchenette and double sofa bed, shower/w.c and a private balcony. Satellite television, internet access and bar/snack bar facilities are available in the ground floor lounge for the use of our visitors.
Sun, Sand and Sea
Agios Nikolaos and the surrounding area has more "Blue Flag" beaches than anywhere in Greece. The clear, crystal water is perfect for snorkelling and swimming and the beaches range from long sandy beaches such as Almyros, to small rocky coves where you can enjoy total solitude. The nearby resort of Istron has three wonderful beaches and is only a short distance from the town by car or bus. When weather conditions permit Istron, Kalo Horio is also a popular windsurfing destination.
Choice of the the Rich & Famous
The BBC series "The Lotus Eaters" was filmed in Agios Nikolaos in the 70's and a short distance away is the small fishing village of Elounda where some of the biggest stars in show business such as Robbie Williams, Cher, Whitney, Houston, Michael Douglas, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Duncan from Blue choose to spend their holidays. The area is also famous for being the location for the filming of the series "Who pays the Ferryman?" which first bought the world's attention to the stunning natural beauty of this arera.
Almyros Beach, shallow, sandy, and great watersports!
Swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling in the idyllic surroundings of eastern Crete are not reserved for holidaymakers. The traditional "siesta" time is often substituted for a few hours on the beach in the height of summer.
The nature reserve at the southern end of the beach is the source of a cold water spring which flows out into the sea. Perfect for cooling off when things get just a little too hot!
Agios Nikolaos
The town is famous for the "Bottomless" Lake Voulismeni which is surrounded by friendly Tavernas and Restaurants. The Lake is the legendary bathing place of Artemis & Athena in Greek Mythology. One theory suggests that the lake is joined by an underwater passage to the island of Santorini or Thera which was partially destroyed by a volcano in around 1450 B.C.
The lake at Agios Nikolaos, just a short walk from Mantraki. It was thought to be bottomless but was measured at 64 metres deep by the famous underwater explorer Jaques Cousteau and his team. It is reputed to contain WW2 tanks and is the focal point of the town. At Easter there is a spectacular firework display at midnight and every person around the lake lights a candle until the entire area is bathed in light. It has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Remember, Greece does not always celebrate Easter at the same time as other countries.
Days out
If you want to get out and about you are in the ideal position. You can visit the legendary home of the Minotaur, half man, half bull and discover the wonders of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Deserted beaches are to be found on the south-east coast of the island and there are small villages to be discovered everywhere. A trip to the island fortress of Spinalonga is a must. The last leper colony in Europe, it saw the last of the lepers leave as recently as 1959. Boat trips can be arranged to the island from Mantraki. Don't forget, you can hire a driver for the day if you would prefer to look at the views instead of concentrating on the roads.
The "Minoan" palace of Knossos is just one of many fascinating archaeological sites on the island. Knossos, excavated by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, was the origin of the myth of the Minotaur, half man, half bull. The Labyrinth of mythology is thought to refer to the palace besause of its maze of rooms, which in bronze age times must have seemed fantastic. The double axe symbol ( Labrys) of the civilisation may be the root of the word "labyrinthos" or "labyrinth". Why not take a trip of discovery and find out much more about the origins of such legendary tales.
Custom Holidays
The management of the apartments can offer walking, scuba diving (PADI, CMAS, IANTD, BSAC approved), mountain biking, sea fishing, sailing and various sightseeing trips to archaeological sites such as Knossos, Phaistos, Gortyn, Lato and Gournia. Scuba diving activities range from beginners courses to divemaster and master scuba diver courses for qualifications.
Sightseeing flights can be arranged upon request for spectacular aerial views of the island and its coastline, which can also be an opportunity for aerial photography. Another interesting option is the "local life " trip which features a donkey operated olive press and local wine tasting, along with a trip to the traditional Cretan villages of Kritsa and Mochlos.
Individual guides are also available on a daily basis to chauffeur you and your friends or family to your chosen destinations in an air conditioned car with professional guiding en-route. One of the most popular tris is to the famous Lassithi Plateau where you can visit the Diktaean Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, King of the Gods of Olympus. Legend and Mythology abound on the island of Crete.
Airport Transfers can be arrange airport transfers in an air conditioned taxi at reasonable prices. The journey time from Herakleion is approximately 40 minutes using this method.
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