Villa Contessa is a labor of love. Charming with an arboretum feel. Simple clean lodgings for the frugal traveller keen on archaeology and medieval villages. Fan, security box cost extra. Rooms cleaned every third day. George the proprietor is super. Love George. VC's quiet location on top of the historic district with marvelous sweeping views of the mountains leading to the Lasithi plains from its wells situated bougainvillea wrapped balconies, makes it special. The place is a serene respite from the devastation of the main party street of downtown Malia, which is Bleeker street meets Key West with ghastly ATVs and no civic controls. Corner store next door perfect for cold water, fruit, Malia is under appreciated for its un-Arthur Evans'd Minoan ruins, ecological beauty and its proximity to the mountains of Eastern Crete. Its Minoan Necropolis is impressive. Good base to explore North Eastern Crete. Potamos beach excellent sandy beach. Milatos Cave a must along with Zeus Cave, Lasithi Plateau and Agios Nikolaus. All within 45 minutes of Malia- hence VC is strategic. Also, great restaurants, the Petrino Garden, The San Giogio, Nostimo and Alexis Tavernt. Athina is the local reliable car rental lady. Immersive labyrinthine pleasure walking to VC. Safe and fun for teens to wander unchaperoned around VC. We will be back soon.