Arrival, Check-in and Luggage at Amazing Villas in Crete
Arriving somewhere new after a flight is the part of a holiday where small unknowns feel largest. Where exactly is the house? What if the plane is late? What happens if you land at nine in the morning and check-in is in the afternoon?
These details are planned with Argyris before you travel, so you know what to expect when your arrival day comes.
By Argyris Skordilis, owner and host · Updated
About Two Weeks Before You Arrive
Roughly 14 days before your arrival date, you receive your arrival information in one place:
- Directions to the villa you have booked, with the map link for that specific house
- Notes on the route and what to expect as you get close
- Check-in details
- A request for your flight details and the time you expect to reach the villa
- A question about anything practical you may need, such as a cot, a highchair or whether you need to plan an essential supermarket stop before reaching the villa
Before arrival, you also receive an express check-in link, which allows you to provide the guest information required for your stay before reaching the villa.
If anything is unclear, reply and ask Argyris.
Check-in Is from 15:30
Check-in begins at 15:30. Check-out is at 11:00.
The time between check-out and check-in is used to clean and prepare each villa properly. Check-in from 15:30 allows the villa to be ready for your stay.
If You Arrive Earlier in the Day
Flights to Crete often land in the morning, and it is normal to reach the island long before check-in.
If that is your situation, tell Argyris in advance and he will tell you what is possible on your dates. An early luggage drop can sometimes be arranged, so that you can leave your bags and spend the day without them. Whether it is possible depends on when the previous guests depart and on the cleaning schedule for that day, which is why it needs to be arranged in advance rather than requested on the day.
One thing worth being clear about: a luggage drop is not early check-in. Leaving your bags does not mean the villa is available to use before 15:30. If early access is important for your travel plans, ask well in advance. It may not be possible on a changeover day and cannot be guaranteed.
When You Leave the Airport
When you set off from the airport, please send Argyris a message on WhatsApp (+30 698 085 5085). From Heraklion Airport the drive is about an hour (approx. 73 km), from Chania Airport about 75 minutes (approx. 79 km).
That message helps Argyris estimate when you will reach the villa and coordinate your welcome.
If Your Flight Is Delayed or Your Plans Change
Send an update when you know.
Delays, missed connections and changed pickup times are normal parts of travel and can be handled more smoothly when Argyris has an update. Send a short message as soon as practical.
If You Are Arriving Without a Car
If you are not hiring a car, it is worth thinking about your first evening before you set off for the villa.
For a private transfer, ask Argyris and he can suggest a transfer company. Final availability, vehicle, price and terms are confirmed with the provider, and payment is made directly to them.
If you are travelling to the villa by private transfer, consider arranging an essential supermarket stop on the way, particularly if you expect to arrive late. Ask Argyris in advance what is practical for the villa and route you have booked.
If you have booked directly, a Cretan Breakfast Basket is already waiting for you when you arrive, providing a few local essentials for your first mornings.
Different Villas, Different Arrival Details
Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini are located in Asteri Village, while Villa Argiris is in Stavromenos. The approaches, parking arrangements and entrances differ between the villas.
For that reason the directions and access notes you receive are written for the villa you have actually booked. Please use the map link sent to you rather than a general search for the brand name, which will not reliably bring you to the right house.
Facts checked against our four villa pages · Last reviewed by Argyris Skordilis, owner of Amazing Villas in Crete.
Frequently asked questions
What time is check-in at the villas?
Check-in begins at 15:30 and check-out is at 11:00. The time in between is used to clean and prepare each villa properly.
What happens if my flight lands in the morning?
Tell Argyris in advance and he will tell you what is possible on your dates. An early luggage drop can sometimes be arranged, depending on when the previous guests depart and on the cleaning schedule for that day, so it needs to be arranged beforehand rather than requested on the day.
Is a luggage drop the same as early check-in?
No. Leaving your bags does not mean the villa is available to use before 15:30. Early access may not be possible on a changeover day and cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Send Argyris a short update as soon as practical. Delays, missed connections and changed pickup times can be handled more smoothly when he knows about them.
Can I find the villa by searching the name in a map app?
Please use the map link sent to you for the villa you have booked. A general search for the brand name will not reliably bring you to the right house, because Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini are in Asteri Village and Villa Argiris is in Stavromenos.
What is the express check-in link?
Before arrival you receive an express check-in link, which lets you provide the guest information required for your stay before reaching the villa, so that the arrival itself is simpler.
Before You Travel
Send Argyris your flight details and expected arrival time, complete your express check-in, tell him if you hope to arrive early, and mention anything practical you need at the villa.
More Plan Your Stay guides
- Your First Evening in Asteri or Stavromenos
- First 24 Hours Food Checklist for a Crete Villa Stay
- All Plan Your Stay guides
- Villa AsteriThe Carpenter’s House · 8 guests · children’s pool · Asteri Village
- Villa Kitron6 guests · every bedroom en-suite · Asteri Village
- Villa Myrrini6 guests · children’s pool · Asteri Village
- Villa Argiris8 guests · one level, sea views · Stavromenos
- Compare the villasAll the facts side by side
