Located in Heraklion, EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience is connected to a shopping centre. Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and Heraklion Museum of Religious Art are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Heraklion Central Market and Dedalou Shopping Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Pankritio Stadium or Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium. Snorkelling and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing nearby. Visit our Heraklion travel guide
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience
Along with a rooftop terrace, this apartment building has a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include tour/ticket assistance and a garden. Each apartment boasts a fireplace and offers free WiFi and a kitchen. Guests can appreciate conveniences, such as a fridge and a microwave, and other amenities include a furnished balcony and a flat-screen TV. Housekeeping is available on request.
EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience offers 4 accommodations with fireplaces and minibars. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Accommodation at this 4-star apartment has kitchens with full-sized fridge/freezers, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit, designer toiletries and hairdryers.
This Heraklion apartment provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). Business-friendly amenities include laptop-compatible safes and safes. Additionally, rooms include espresso makers and coffee/tea makers. Housekeeping is offered on request and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.
A children's pool and a seasonal outdoor pool are on site.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Blackout drapes
Guidebooks
Housekeeping on request
Laptop-compatible safe
Restaurant dining guides
Tour and ticket assistance
Location highlights
Connected to a convention centre
Connected to a shopping centre
In a historical district
In the suburbs
Near the airport
Things to do
Children's pool
Ecotours nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
2 floors
4 units
Built in 2005
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Individual decor
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Host will greet you, lockbox
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Cots (infant beds) are not available
Payment types at the property
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A tax is imposed by the city and collected at the property. This tax is adjusted seasonally and might not apply all year round. Other exemptions or reductions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 November to 31 March, EUR 0.50 per accommodation, per night
A tax is imposed by the city: From 1 April to 31 October, EUR 2.00 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 1039Κ91002883901
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
The seasonal pool will be open from 15 April to 10 October
Does EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Is EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience?
Checkout is at 11 AM.
Where is EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience located?
Situated near the airport, this apartment building is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Agios Myronas Church and within 9 miles (15 km) of General University Hospital of Heraklion and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas. Tylisos Mansions and Tylissos are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
EXPLOR Mansion - Inclusive Experience Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
10
Cleanliness
9.2
Location
9.8
Staff & service
9.8
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 65 reviews
10 - Excellent
60
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 65 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 65 reviews
6 - Okay
3
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Pina
21 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a wonderful stay at the Rafkos mansion. Stelios the owner took us wherever we needed to go and we had delicious meals at one of the local restaurants. It would be wise to have a car because it’s in a village about 30mins. from Heraklion. Stelios is the definition of Greek hospitality!
Amazing host. Amazing hospitality.. Definitely recommend. Quiet and peaceful place
Yoana
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kathrina Therese
2 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
What a view - Rafkos Hill Mansion!
We had 2 wonderful nights at Rafkos Hill Mansion with our two boys age 10 and 12. The owner was very accomodating and friendly and gave us great tips on restaurants and local attrations. We highly recommend this accomodation and location - this is the real Crete and the prices in the area reflects that. Thank you Rafkos - we loved your place!
Kathrina Therese
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Christian
24 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Highly Recommend
My wife and I truly enjoyed our stay, 5/5. The host Stelios is very welcoming, helpful and kind. The mansion is beautiful, our room was amazing with a private balcony and the pool looks over the valley and Heraklion. Go to the village restaurant Stelios recommends, it was one of the best meals my wife and I have ever had.
I saw a review complaining about a dog, the property has a fence around it and a gate so I don’t understand the complaint. I also didn’t hear or see a dog and the area seemed perfectly safe.
Christian
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dominique
27 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
George et Irini sont des hôtes hyper accueillants. L'appartement est superbe, très bien placé, au calme. Il faudrait pouvoir mettre 6 étoiles ! Je recommande sans réserve
Небольшой отель на 4 номера,расположен в на склоне горы в пригороде Ираклеона .Просторные,великолепно оборудованные номера,чистый воздух,тишина.Красивый вид. Отличный сервис.
Et fantastisk fint sted med utrolig vennlige folk. Stella og Stelios, eierne av stedet sørget for en enestående opplevelse. Kjempe gode frokoster! Vi vil tilbake, helst med en gang ;-)
Really enjoyed our week at Vergis Epavlis. Stella and Stelios were fantastic the breakfast was amazing - traditional Greek food all home made with local produce with something different each day. The room (angles) was great - very clean, quiet, good WiFi and comfy bed.
Accommodation was around 30min from airport in a nice quiet traditional village which had a few shops and excellent kebab takeout!
Thanks again for great stay.
The property has 4 villas and is run by Stella who is a fantastically friendly , welcoming and generous host . Our villa , Flowers , was generously sized with a large terrace . Although comfortable it was not as luxurious as the reviews lead us to believe . The toiletries were sparse and very ordinary and the bottom sheet of the bed was too small to fit the bed .A car is essential as the location is very remote The nearest taverna is a good 15 minute walk away uphill and if you want a nice beach you’ll need to get on the main coast road which is a 20 min drive away .Stella and her helpers will cook you a lovely breakfast each day and offer you more cakes and desserts than you can probably manage to eat !
quelques mots pour résumer cet endroit magique... Hospitalité, gentillesse et toujours aux petits soins ..les propriétaires sont un couple charmant qui prennent soin de vous et vous raconte la grèce sans modérations .... chaque matin est un plaisir de les retrouver ils sont de bon conseil et vs avez l’impression d’être en famille. Stella nous a gâté chaque jour avec un breakfast différent et bien copieux.
Les chambres sont très propres et très confortables. la piscine très agréable
je ne vois pas de points négatifs hormis qu’une voiture est indispensable pour s’y rendre car situé dans les montagnes
If you visit Crete, you must stay at Vergis Epavlis. Away from the busy city, this piece of heaven is set in the gorgeous village of Agios Myronas. Mr Stelious and his wonderful wife Stella own and operate this boutique gem. Nothing was too much trouble, they anticipated and exceeded all levels of generosity, hospitality and kindness. We were treated like family and brought into their beautiful world. Stella is a wonderful cook and made new dishes each day for her guests, showcasing the best of local, organic, delicious Cretan dishes. Recommendations on what to see and do, were made freely as well as history lessons of this beautiful island and country. Restaurant reservations were made for us and we were driven to and from said Tavernas. We stayed in the Rafkos, Presidential room. Stunning. All the amenities you need and more, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Great pool. Mr Stellious connected the TV to additional channels so we could watch the World Cup live. Very kind. A bottle of wine on arrival, daily edible treats, pool that overlooks an incredible vista. Amazing. Staff were lovely and professional. Vergis Epavlis cannot be spoken of highly enough. Stunning in every way. Stelios, Stella are to be congratulated for what they have created and maintained. A place you will never forget and will revisit often. Thank you for a wonderful stay it was the highlight of our holiday in Greece. Stunning.
A wonderful, small "hotel" with just 4 very comfortable and immaculately clean suites, which are a (separate) part of the owner's house - they all have their own front door. Stelios and Stella are incredibly helpful owners - spending time advising on where to go in Crete; guiding you to the local taverna (excellent, and amazing value for money) on your first evening - nothing is too much trouble.
The views are amazing - from all the rooms and from the dining room where you have breakfast every morning - which is great and freshly prepared. And you're also encouraged to take any extra that hasn't been eaten with you to have for lunch later that day.
In terms of location, it's very central in Crete and it's very quiet. So - if you want to be in the middle of the action, don't stay here. But if you want a beautifully kept, quiet and very civilised place to stay, it's fantastic!
If I could give this beautiful, family-run hotel a 10-star rating I would! My family and I were warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by our hosts, Mr. and Mrs Vergis, even though we arrived quite late into the evening. We were treated like family throughout our stay, beginning with a delicious, home-cooked breakfast the following morning. After breakfast, Mrs. Vergis gathered us around and gave us an overview of the island, along with her personal recommendations on what to see and where to dine. We took a short drive to the lively town of Knossos and visited the Minoan ruins. Our perfect day ended with a perfect meal at our local village’s taverna.
Our spacious room was immaculate, modern and very well appointed, with many extras like thick bath towels, robes and a large jacuzzi tub. We enjoyed the privacy of our beautiful patio as well as the stunning surrounding gardens and large, well-maintained pool. We felt safe at all times and were very well cared for by our hosts. Needless to say, we can’t wait to return to this “slice of heaven!” Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Vergis for a most memorable and heartwarming stay.
We stayed for 5 nights with our 2 daughters. Amazing location with panoramic views of Crete all the way to the sea (tip - get directions, don't just rely on Google maps). Stella and Stellios couldn't have been better hosts and made us feel at home the whole time. Breakfast was amazing. I hope we get the chance to come back some day!
A beautiful location with outstanding service. Like a home away from home. Stella and Stelios are the perfect hosts going out of the their way to make your holiday special. Everyday not only did they provide us with lunch and a lifts to and from the local village but they also returned with local produce or delicacies whenever they returned from their daily tasks. I took my mother for a surprise birthday treat and we were well and truly spoilt. Nothing but praise from us.
Had a lovely week with Stella and Stelios at Vergis Epavlis. As the hotel is so small, we had the pool to ourselves all week - it felt like we had rented a private villa - for the fraktion of the price. Stella and the girls serve breakfast in the morning and Stella makes sure you get the chance to try some Greek specialities if you like. We stayed in the "eros" room, which is more like an apartment, including fridge/ freezer and stove. (not that we used it for more than storing our extra beers and wine).
Having a car is a must, as it is situated up the mountain side with only the village restaurant within walking distance (500m uphill, so no flip-flops). If you are looking for a complete rest away from busy hotels, kids roaming around etc. this is the place to go. If you are not driving or must walk to the beach and night clubs etc - this is not the place.
Stunning room, every bit as good as the photographs. Personalised service, Stellios and Stella were perfect hosts and treated you like family, the staff too were fantastic. Amazing food at breakfast with a huge selection of fresh ingredients including a cooked dish prepared every morning and usually an extra treat to be taken away for later in the day. Good location for all corners of Crete.
We had the best stay at Vergis Epavlis. You could not meet better owners/hosts than Stelios and Stella - nothing was too much trouble. We are two adults and two children - their recomeendations were spot on, we ate at fabulous restaurants and most importantly relaxed. If you want down time this is the most scenic, quiet and peaceful place to go. Highly recommend. Car is essential if you want to explore/honour for dinner.
Vergis Epavlis surpassed all our expectations. The location is idyllic and only 25 mins from Heraklion.
The proprietors Stella and Stelios , welcomed us with heartfelt hospitality and made our stay unforgettable.
As vegans we were catered for impeccably by the lovely Stella who was given a bit of a challenge but one that she rose to brilliantly. Freshly cooked breakfast each day with delicious local produce.
The facilities enhanced our stay,our suite "The House of Angels" was stunning with amazing views from our private balcony.
We loved the pool, again with amazing views and a perfect place to cool off and relax after a day of exploring.
We will definitely return to this piece of paradise in a stunning mountain location in a beautiful and friendly village.
The grounds contain so many different types of fruit trees also. Figs, Pommegrante, Plums, Lime, Lemon and Pear..all of which we were encouraged to take as much of as we want. My personal favourite was the Fig tree near the back of the swimming pool.
All and all, a fantastic holiday in Crete. No hesitation in recommending this place. My first time in Crete but certainly not my last...
There is lots to be desired. Internet was spotty at best, breakfast was very limited, showers were from the 80's, owners acted happy when we got there, when we paid and when we left. Lots of fake smiles. If you're looking for a five star, look elsewhere.
It is an amazingly beautiful villa, well maintained, tranquil and spacious, offering amazing view of the mountain.
Mr Stelios and Mrs Stela, who are owners of the villa, are extremely welcoming and respectful. We had email correspondence before our arrival, and the responses are always prompt and helpful.
The villa is located in a mountain village about 25 mins driving distance from Heraklion city center and from the airport. You do need a car to get around and in our case, we took taxi everywhere. My family went on holiday during high season in July, as we wanted to avoid the touristic crowd to have quality family time yet have good access to city center, the location was perfect for us and we were happy about the choice.
In the morning the villa would offer great breakfast with organic home made food prepared by the hostess and during the evening, Mr Stelios would drive us to nice restaurants in the village and pick us up after the dinner.
We stayed in the villa for 5 nights, and even went to Santorini for 2 days. We had such a wonderful and pleasant stay at the Villa. Many thanks to Mr. Stelios and Mrs. Stella make our stay unforgettable. We absolutely loved the place and would love to go back. See you soon!
xxxx
This property is run by family and they are very nice and helpful. Its about 30 min drive from airport. Felt very homely and relaxed and they even allow us to stay as late as we like during checkout day. They gave us good reccomendation of local area and attractions.
A wonderful hotel (though in the UK we would call it a traditional Guest House) where the guests are made to feel like family friends. Our room (suite) was very large and despite being anew build contained plenty of character through the use of period furniture and decor. Breakfast was unique and homemade, which was a welcome relief from the predictable cheese, ham, and pastries on offer at seemingly all other hotels. The pool looked inviting however being late October it wasn't warm enough to use but can imagine in the warmer months being a lovely feature, swimming with panoramic views of the olive trees in the valleys. The location of the hotel is quite remote which is great for a restful stay however a rental car is pretty much a necessity as there is no local public transport.
This hotel is exceptional! The rooms were fabulous, the staff were more than attentive and the owners were simply generous and lovely. My wife and I have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and, as of late various locations in Europe only at 5 star hotels in the past 20 years. I can say without hesitation that Vergis Epavlis was by far the most accommodating and safe destinations we've been to. The owners not only helped us with directions and itinerary alterations but they invited us to a local feast at their friends home which was near the hotel. Cretan hospitality is something I read of but was not expected- these people really care about their guests! I have never once felt so secure to leave the room unlocked with our money and passports etc. It was simply the most outstanding 5 night stay we could imagine. Incredible view of Crete's largest city, absolutely quietest room and facilties. Possibly the most memorable stay we've had and this is no exaggeration!
Nous avons passé 8 jours dans cet hôtel pour un voyage d'agrément avec mon épouse.
Nous sommes arrivés le 3 septembre tard le soir à l'aéroport d'Héraklion où l'hôte nous attendait. Nous avons loué une voiture ce qui nous a permis de visiter l'île à notre rythme : le site de Knossos, le musée archéologique d'Héraklion, la station balnéaire d'Agios Nikolaus et plusieurs plages reposantes dont celle de Lygaria à 10 km à l'ouest d'Héraklion.