Agia Varvara holidays

Agia Varvara offers secluded Greek countryside, plus a couple of lively seaside neighbours a short trundle away.

Off-grid getaway

Agia Varvara – not to be confused with its inland Cretan namesake or the town near Athens – is all about seclusion. A sparse scattering of locals are dotted around, but the main event is a modern hotel – the Grecotel Meli Palace – near the seafront. It’s fronted by a curve of sand, and there’s a traditional church perched amongst the olive groves behind it. For things to do, the neighbouring town of Malia, less than 10 minutes’ drive away, ups the tempo.