Description Cretan Blue Rising: Nea Alikarnassos

Right on the seafront in Alikarnasos, this ground-floor apartment puts the Cretan Sea at arm's length – literally outside the door. The terrace hot tub is the obvious draw for evenings, when the light drops and the water turns gold, but waking up to uninterrupted sea views from the bedroom window is its own quiet reward. The kitchen and living area open directly onto the terrace, making it easy to move between inside and out. Knossos Palace is an eighteen-minute drive, and a free bus service stopping around 300 metres away connects you to Heraklion city centre without needing a car.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with a baby, your host can provide a cot. You'll need to request it in advance.
* While this home is on the seafront, the closest beach, Karteros, is around 6km away – you'll want a car or taxi if a sandy swim is on the agenda.