# Villa Alexandrou — Complete Property Information

> A luxury five-bedroom stone villa in Kalamitsi Alexandrou, Apokoronas, Crete, purpose-built for remote workers and digital nomads. Direct booking platform at https://www.villa-alexandrou.com — no OTA commissions.

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## Property Overview

Villa Alexandrou is a restored 19th-century Archontiko (Cretan mansion) in the traditional village of Kalamitsi Alexandrou, Apokoronas, western Crete. Originally built circa 1890, the villa was carefully restored in 2001 and 2005 with a philosophy of "Preserve the Soul, Upgrade the Life" — retaining original Venetian stone arches, cypress beam ceilings, and 60cm-thick limestone walls while adding modern infrastructure for remote work.

The villa is specifically marketed for digital nomads, remote workers, startup teams, and small groups seeking productive long-term stays in a quiet Mediterranean setting with verified infrastructure. With 5 ensuite bedrooms and capacity for up to 10 guests, it doubles as a private off-site venue where the entire team lives and works under one roof.

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## Complete Property Specifications

### Internet & Connectivity
- **Provider:** Starlink Gen 3 Satellite
- **Download speed:** 220 Mbps average (verified via Speedtest.net)
- **Upload speed:** 25 Mbps average
- **Latency:** 25-50 ms
- **Availability:** 24/7, 365 days/year
- **Coverage:** Mesh Wi-Fi across all rooms and courtyard
- **Power backup:** UPS on router and mesh system, approximately 3 hours during outages
- **Suitable for:** Video conferencing, screen sharing, large file transfers, simultaneous multi-user access

### Workspace
- **Desk:** Standing desk, 140 x 70 cm, adjustable height
- **Monitor:** External monitor (per request)
- **Power:** 6 power outlets + 2 USB-C at desk
- **Lighting:** Natural light from stone-arched window + task lighting
- **Environment:** Quiet area of villa, zero traffic noise, 60cm stone sound insulation

### Heating & Climate Control
- **Central heating:** Full oil heating system with radiators in every room (November-March)
- **Fireplace:** No
- **Thermal mass:** 60cm stone walls maintain stable 21°C baseline
- **Air conditioning:** Split-unit AC in all bedrooms and living areas (June-September)
- **Pool:** Available through November

### Bedrooms & Living Spaces
- **The Master Suite:** King bed, mountain views, ensuite bathroom with rainfall shower, desk space by window
- **The Courtyard Room:** Double bed, direct pool access, ensuite bathroom, original cypress beams, blackout shutters
- **The Garden Room:** Twin beds (joinable as king), ensuite bathroom, olive garden view, quietest room in villa
- **Kitchen & Living Area:** Full oven, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, cookware, open-plan living, smart TV
- **The Courtyard (Avli):** Walled sun trap, private pool, sun loungers, outdoor dining table for 8, lemon trees, bougainvillea, full Wi-Fi coverage

### Building
- **Construction:** 19th-century Venetian-style stone masonry
- **Restoration:** 2001 and 2005
- **Walls:** 60cm thick limestone (natural thermal insulation)
- **Ceilings:** Original aged cypress beam structural supports
- **Architecture:** Venetian stone arches throughout
- **Floor area:** 235 sqm
- **Bedrooms:** 5 (3 Doubles with split-level + 2 Twins)
- **Bathrooms:** 6 (5 ensuite, 1 shared)
- **Living areas:** Dual ground-floor lounges
- **Max occupancy:** 10 guests
- **Pets:** Allowed

### Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke detector
- First aid kit
- 24/7 emergency numbers posted on-site

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## Complete Pricing

### Peak Season (July — August)
- **Nightly rate:** 370 EUR/night (Direct Booking) / 400 EUR (OTA)
- **Includes:** Air conditioning, private pool, outdoor dining courtyard, weekly cleaning

### Shoulder Season (June & September)
- **Nightly rate:** 320 EUR/night (Direct Booking) / 350 EUR (OTA)
- **Includes:** Air conditioning, private pool, outdoor dining, weekly cleaning

### Low Season (October — May)
- **Nightly rate:** 225 EUR/night (Direct Booking) / 250 EUR (OTA)
- **Includes:** Heating oil (fair use), Starlink 220 Mbps internet, utilities, weekly cleaning, bed linens and towels, dedicated workspace with external monitor

### All Stays Include
- Starlink internet (220 Mbps)
- Utilities within fair use
- Final cleaning
- Bed linens and towels
- Free private parking

### Payment
- Stripe secure checkout
- 30% deposit to secure booking
- Off-Season (Oct-May): Balance due on day of arrival. Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival (deposit retained otherwise).
- High Season (Jun-Sep): Balance due 60 days before arrival. Free cancellation up to 90 days. If cancelled 60-90 days before, the deposit is converted into a credit valid for any future off-season booking. If cancelled under 60 days, no refunds.
- All major credit and debit cards accepted
- Currency: EUR
- No OTA commissions on direct bookings (save 15-20% vs Airbnb/Booking.com)

### Area Pricing Context
- Area median (Vamos/Apokoronas): 152.50 EUR/night

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## Complete FAQ

**Does Villa Alexandrou have fast internet for remote work?**
Yes, Villa Alexandrou provides 220 Mbps Starlink Gen 3 satellite internet that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The connection is fast enough for video conferencing, screen sharing, large file transfers, and simultaneous use by multiple remote workers. Starlink delivers consistent speeds even in the rural Apokoronas region where traditional broadband options are limited.

**Is Villa Alexandrou heated in winter?**
Yes, Villa Alexandrou has a full central oil heating system that keeps the entire villa at comfortable temperatures from November through March. Crete enjoys mild winters with daytime temperatures often reaching 15-18°C, but evenings can be cool. The central heating ensures you can work and relax in warmth regardless of outside conditions, making the villa ideal for escaping harsh northern European winters.

**Can I work remotely from Crete at Villa Alexandrou?**
Villa Alexandrou is specifically set up for remote work. The villa features a dedicated workspace with a standing desk and external monitor (per request). Combined with 220 Mbps Starlink internet, the setup supports full-time remote work including video calls, pair programming, and async collaboration across time zones. Crete is in the EET time zone (UTC+2), which overlaps well with both European and partial US East Coast working hours. Greece also offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU remote workers.

**Is there a dedicated workspace at Villa Alexandrou?**
Yes, the villa includes a dedicated workspace with a standing desk (140x70cm), external monitor (per request), 6 power outlets and 2 USB-C ports. The workspace is positioned in a quiet area of the villa with natural light from a stone-arched window and task lighting for evening sessions.

**What is the internet speed at Villa Alexandrou?**
Villa Alexandrou offers Starlink Gen 3 satellite internet with an average download speed of 220 Mbps. Upload speeds average 25 Mbps, which is sufficient for video calls and uploading large files. Latency is 25-50ms, suitable for real-time applications. The Starlink router and mesh Wi-Fi are connected to a UPS providing approximately 3 hours of backup during power outages.

**Is the pool at Villa Alexandrou available in November?**
The swimming pool at Villa Alexandrou is available for use through November. This makes the villa particularly attractive for autumn stays.

**What is the winter climate like in Apokoronas, Crete?**
Apokoronas enjoys a mild Mediterranean winter with daytime temperatures of 15-18°C and lows rarely dropping below 8°C. Crete gets around 300 days of sunshine per year, and even in January you can expect clear, bright days. Rain comes in short bursts rather than prolonged grey spells. The Apokoronas region, sheltered between the White Mountains and the Cretan Sea, is one of the warmest areas on the island in winter.

**Is Crete a good destination for digital nomads in winter?**
Crete is an excellent winter destination for digital nomads. Villa Alexandrou provides 220 Mbps Starlink internet, a dedicated workspace with external monitor (per request), and UPS backup for uninterrupted work. The cost of living is significantly lower in winter, with monthly stays from 3,500 EUR including utilities and heating. Crete is in the EET time zone (UTC+2), overlapping with European business hours. Greece offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU remote workers.

**How much does it cost to stay at Villa Alexandrou for a month?**
Monthly winter stays (October through May) cost from 3,500 EUR/month. This includes Starlink internet (220 Mbps), heating oil, utilities, weekly cleaning, bed linens and towels, and access to the dedicated workspace with external monitor. No hidden fees when booking directly.

**Does Villa Alexandrou have power backup for remote work?**
Yes. The Starlink router and mesh Wi-Fi system are connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that provides approximately 3 hours of backup during power outages. This ensures your internet connection stays online during grid interruptions.

**Is Villa Alexandrou available for long-term stays?**
Yes. Monthly bookings are welcomed, especially during the winter season (October through May). Long-term stays include discounted monthly rates from 3,500 EUR/month, heating oil, weekly cleaning, and all utilities. The villa is purpose-equipped for extended stays with a fully equipped kitchen, dedicated workspace, and reliable infrastructure.

**Is it quiet?**
Yes. Kalamitsi Alexandrou is a traditional village with no nightlife or tourist noise. The villa is surrounded by olive groves on a pedestrian lane with zero traffic. 60cm stone walls provide natural sound insulation. Background sounds: birdsong, goat bells, church clock on the hour.

**Do I need a car?**
Yes, a car is recommended. The village is rural and not served by frequent public transport. Vamos (nearest town) is a 5-minute drive for groceries, cafes, and services. Beaches are 7-8 minutes by car. Chania is 35 minutes. Free private parking is provided at the villa.

**Is it suitable for a team or startup offsite?**
Yes. The villa accommodates up to 10 people with 5 ensuite bedrooms — no shared bathrooms, no friction. 220 Mbps Starlink handles the whole team on simultaneous video calls. A dedicated workspace with standing desk covers focused solo work; open common areas and the courtyard work well for group sessions and whiteboarding. At €3,500/month in winter, the entire villa costs approximately €350/person for a 10-person team — less than a coworking desk membership in Lisbon or Berlin. No nightlife, no tourist noise: Apokoronas is built for deep work. Full workspace details at https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/workspace

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## Team Retreats & Startup Offsites

Villa Alexandrou is well-suited for engineering sprints, startup offsites, and remote team retreats — particularly during the low season (October–May) when the pricing makes the economics compelling.

### Why It Works for Teams

- **Private venue:** The entire villa is yours — no shared hotel lobbies, no interruptions
- **5 ensuite bedrooms:** Every team member has a private room and private bathroom
- **10-person capacity:** Fits a typical founding team, engineering squad, or small agency
- **220 Mbps Starlink:** Verified speeds handle the whole team on simultaneous video calls, screen shares, and large uploads
- **Dedicated workspace:** Standing desk, external monitor (per request), 6 outlets + 2 USB-C, natural light
- **Common areas for group work:** Two ground-floor lounges, courtyard with outdoor dining for 8, full Wi-Fi throughout
- **Self-catering kitchen:** Fully equipped for group cooking — reduces per-person daily cost significantly
- **Pool through November:** Structured decompression; better than a ping-pong table

### Team Economics (Winter)

| Team size | Monthly cost | Per person / month |
|-----------|-------------|-------------------|
| 10 people | €3,500 | €350 |
| 8 people  | €3,500 | €438 |
| 6 people  | €3,500 | €583 |

Includes: Starlink internet, heating, utilities, weekly cleaning, workspace with external monitor.

Compare: A coworking desk in Lisbon runs €250–400/month per person — before accommodation.

### Workspace Details

Full workspace specifications at https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/workspace

## Location & Logistics

### Address
Kalamitsi Alexandrou, Apokoronas, Chania, Crete, 73003, Greece
Coordinates: 35.382112, 24.220287

### Character
Quiet rural Apokoronas, between the Cretan Sea coast and the White Mountains. Protected traditional settlement. No nightlife, no tourist buses, no construction noise. Surrounded by olive groves.

### Distances

| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Winter Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vamos (town, cafes, shops) | 3-4 km | 5 min | Year-round |
| Parasia Taverna | 1.5 km | 2 min | Weekends in winter |
| Traditional Cretan tavernas | 4 km | 5 min | Fri-Sun in winter |
| Georgioupoli (beach, restaurants) | 6 km | 8 min | Year-round |
| Almyrida (beach, tavernas) | 5 km | 7 min | Year-round |
| Chania Old Town | 30 km | 35 min | Year-round (coworking, museums) |
| Chania Airport (CHQ) | 35 km | 40 min | Year-round |
| Nearest supermarket | 3-4 km | 5 min | Year-round |
| Health center (Vamos) | 4 km | 5 min | 24/7 Year-round |
| Pharmacy | 4 km | 5 min | Year-round |
| Bank / ATM | 4 km | 5 min | Year-round |
| Heraklion Airport (HER) | 140 km | 2 hr | Year-round |

### Nearby Landmarks
- **The Softas:** Ottoman-era underground water cistern with stone arches (5 min walk)
- **Cave of St. Anthony:** Cave-chapel with carved stone face in Vryssanos valley (15 min hike)
- **Blue Well:** Village square in Kalamitsi Alexandrou
- **Trail APO-07 "The Enchanted Forest":** 2.7 km route through Roupakias Forest (elevation drop 280m to 42m)

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## Blog Articles

All articles written by Manolis (host/owner), published at https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/blog

1. **Winter in Apokoronas** — https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/blog/winter-in-apokoronas
   Living in Crete during the mild winter months. Climate details, what to expect, and why Apokoronas is viable year-round.

2. **The Art of Raki** — https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/blog/art-of-raki
   Cretan raki culture and tradition. The social ritual, how it's made, and where to experience it.

3. **Starlink Installation** — https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/blog/starlink-installation
   How we brought high-speed satellite internet to a traditional Cretan village.

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## Legal & Compliance

- **EOT License Number:** 1042K10000002200
- **Privacy Policy:** https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/legal/privacy (GDPR compliant)
- **Booking Terms:** https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/legal/terms
- **Imprint:** https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/legal/imprint
- **Data retention:** 5-year booking record retention per AADE (Greek tax authority) requirements
- **Cookie consent:** Analytics only with explicit consent; essential cookies only by default

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## Booking & Contact

- **Direct booking:** https://www.villa-alexandrou.com/book
- **Website:** https://www.villa-alexandrou.com
- **Airbnb:** https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/648563986798498507
- **Booking.com:** https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/villa-alexandrou-kalamitsi-amygdalou.en-gb.html
- **Email:** info@villa-alexandrou.com
- **Phone:** +30-693-979-4399
- **Check-in:** 15:00 | **Check-out:** 11:00