Heraklion - In town

Boutique hotel with harbour views...Lato Hotel Heraklion

Our favourite for a stay in Heraklion - near to the must-see attractions of Knossos, museums and shops of Crete's main city. Lato Hotel is truly a boutique hotel - elegant, swish and stylish, professional, calm and enjoyable. Many sea view rooms and suites. Good service and convenient location.

Lato Hotel - full details

HERAKLION: Crete's biggest, bustling and noisy city. Cafes, clubs, designer shops and many cultural centres. The most important of Crete's Archaeological museums, wonderful museum of Natural History and others. Nearby Palace of Knossos, frequency of flights, ferries and access to other islands. Many nearby contrasts in pace and aesthetics - mountain villages, beaches and clubs at Amoudara or Malia/Hersonisos. Great base for shorter routes to south coast destinations such as Agia Galini, Matala and Lentas. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Near Heraklion & The region at large

Beautiful countryside inn with pool...Villa Kerasia Inn

Villa Kerasia quietly greets you - a most pleasing country house standing on the hillside. Even on the first visit it feels like seeing a trusted old friend again. Seven rooms, swimming pool and fantastic views in the wine-making heartland of Crete. Between Heraklion and the south coast; 35-50 minutes from the airport or Matala or Knossos.

Villa Kerasia Inn - full details

VENERATO/KERASIA: Venerato is the prime village in this area, just 22 km from Heraklion. This is an agricultural region of Crete with wine-making a growing and successful activity. Lush rolling hills, dry air, accessible to south coast archaeological sites of Gortyna and Phaestos, the Palliani Monastery and also the scenic villages on the drive to Amari. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Villa group with close access to Heraklion airport, earthy colours, pools and many facilities, near beach...Paradise Island Villas

A group of villas that are ideal if you want to be in or near the Heraklion area, near the sea, not far (yet definitely away from) from the crass Hersonisos, have a short drive to Aquariums, museums and sights. For many families this will solve the multi-generational quandary of different strokes, for different folks!

Paradise Island Villas - full details

HERAKLION: Crete's biggest, bustling and noisy city. Cafes, clubs, designer shops and many cultural centres. The most important of Crete's Archaeological museums, wonderful museum of Natural History and others. Nearby Palace of Knossos, frequency of flights, ferries and access to other islands. Many nearby contrasts in pace and aesthetics - mountain villages, beaches and clubs at Amoudara or Malia/Hersonisos. Great base for shorter routes to south coast destinations such as Agia Galini, Matala and Lentas. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Two traditional stone houses, in rural haven village, each 4 bedrooms with shared pool, fine views...Asion Lithos

Solid stone houses in a charming inland village, exceptionally beautiful countryside around, large pool, each with kitchen and a kitchenette, balconies, scenic routes to Zaros, Phaestos and North & South coasts.

Asion Lithos - full details

KATO ASITES/VENERATO: Kato Asites - a small charming village with equally good views and a scenic taverna and cafe above, excellent food. It is in the centre of Crete where both north and south coasts are not far away. Nearby Kerasia is a tiny village, routes for walking and driving are scenic. Rural feel, nearby Convent, archaeology, Zaros & gems of villages via scenic routes. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Sweeping sea view villas, above Agia Pelagia beach, near Heraklion...Hyperion Villas

Fully equipped - your own compact villa, with outdoor jacuzzi, a small plunge pool and every room with a view - from inside and outside! Two bedrooms with own bathrooms, indoor bar area by the pool terrace. Balconies and terraces to enjoy the views from.

Hyperion Villas - full details

AGIA PELAGIA [HERAKLION]: Just half an hour from the airport and 20 minutes along the winding main north coast road you turn downhill, towards the sea for Agia Pelagia. There is a thin sandy beach, many restaurants ranging from casual to smarter seafront fare. A bay that has consistently (protected) calm sea. Nearby villages plunge you back into traditional hospitality and history. Less than an hour along the road is Rethymno and its old town, nearer are the delights of Fodele, seat of the tiny El Greco museum. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Extravagantly lavish suites, with open countryside views, in local village near Heraklion...Vergis Epavlis

One of these four suites, plush with grand design themes and furnishings, can be the "emperor's base" for your stay in this part of Crete - or perhaps when you need easy access to Heraklion and its airport for a few days, yet want to continue breathing in the relaxing air and soothing your work-tired eyes with nourishing green countryside and your palate with delicious local food.

Vergis Epavlis - full details

AGIOS MYRONAS [HERAKLION]: A friendly local village near Heraklion. Sweeping views and rolling hills, local churches, historic villages nearby. Easy to get to from Heraklion airport - yet ages away in feel - you relax and feel energized, calmed and reconditioned the moment you arrive. Two tavernas and a Kafeneio with a great view from its outdoor seating area. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Village houses, with warm charm, in the centre of the renowned beauty,  Archanes Village...Kalimera Archanes

These three houses form a walled garden in the village, tucked in the middle of other old village houses, they have been recreated to provide all the comfort and facilities that make a simple village house bring a smile to those who dwell within. Two storey maisonette-style, with one or 3 bedrooms, living room with fireplace and well equipped kitchens.
Archanes is the best kept and one of the most attractive villages in Crete. Walk up the narrow donkey-width street that leads away from the houses and a few steps more to the small Arhanes archaeological museum. An area of Archaeology, history and wine.

Kalimera Archanes - full details

ARCHANES: Historic and best-preserved and restored village. Small and specially well presented local museum, excellent lamb served at local tavernas, pleasing town square, cafes and views to the Yuchta mountain which frames and borders one of the Arhanes horizons. Several notable local restaurants, wines to taste.
In 10 minutes you are at Knossos and another 10 minutes in the heart of Heraklion. You can continue on to the south coast and visit Keratokambos. read our >>Archanes feature<<

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Traditional house in a an old village...Agioklima Traditional House

Restored traditional stone houses converted into one and two-level units with character. Impressive views over rolling hills clad with grapevines and olive trees. Short trip to beaches and Heraklion.

Agioklima traditional house - full details

PETROKEFALO: Built on a hilltop, the village commands magnificent views to surrounding mountains, olive trees and vineyards. It is only 16 km from Heraklion and less from Amoudara beach. Sit at the two kafeneia or explore other villages from here, like Agios Mironas, Asites and Kroussonas. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Traditional stone-built house in village...Fabrica House

If you dreamed of staying awhile in a wonderfully restored traditional house in a real Cretan village - you have found it. Easily accessed from the city of Heraklion and a few minutes inland from the coast and beaches east of the city, with the joy of nearby villages to explore. That terrace, the view as you prepare a morning coffee...stroll around the village. Feel away from the crowds but close enough to the attractions of Crete.

Fabrica House - full details

ANOPOLIS: An old village where several houses have been restored by local people. A cafe in the village welcomes you to sit over a Greek coffee. The short distance to a beach, busy nightlife or the main road for trips to Agios Nikolaos, Knossos and the rest of Crete.

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Two secluded villas with private pools & panoramic views...Villa Creta Estate

Two single level villas - hidden from each other, in the rolling hills of Crete's heart. Each has a pool, spacious living areas, commanding views of well-farmed and tree-clad hills and the opposing mountains. Eat local foods and take the offers of personalized trips provided by the owners. Close to Heraklion.

Villa Creta Estate - full details

MALADES: Is one of the agricultural centres of Crete. With views and easy drives to fascinating villages such as Profitis Elias. Malades is the area that sets you in the heartland. Heraklion, Knossos and the road to so many of Crete's historic sites and attractions are near and the city or beaches are a 20 minute drive. Read our >>Heraklion feature<<

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Zaros mountainside bungalow apartments with spacious gardens, pool & restaurant, horse riding...Eleonas Inn

Zaros is just 20 minutes from the south coast, has a well-walked gorge, lake, trout farms & the old village. Start of the scenic Amari route. Eleonas offers rural simplicity just outside the village, horse riding at the Inn and a restaurant and pool. Romance & family holidays both fit in here. In the midst of the nature and beauty of rugged hillsides.

Eleonas Inn - full details

At the foot of the mountain, near the gorge, in Zaros village...Idi Hotel

Between the interesting central village and the lake of Zaros. This simple hotel is set in gardens with indoor and outdoor pools. Wonderful position for exploring numerous old villages and also a 45 minute drive to south coast resorts and beaches.

Idi Hotel - full details

In the heart of Zaros mountain village...Keramos Hotel    

Very friendly family owned and run, with neat rooms, some balconies and the treat of home baked and family-produced breakfast pastries! Middle of the village, but they'll show you the gorge and lake and you can explore old villages or be at the sea in 45 minutes.

Keramos Hotel - full details

ZAROS: Up in the mountains, with a lake, a small body of water set in interesting surroundings in a picturesque area. From the lake starts the path to the Rouvas forest - a walk worth taking. Many lovely villages around, like Gergeri and Kamares (with a cave), provide extra sightseeing. Fresh trout is available in most tavernas in Zaros!

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Small hotel in quiet location, with swimming pool...Calypso Hotel

Overlooking the valley, on the edge of the village of Matala - enjoy its pool, gardens and cafe. Family run, 20 room hotel. 300 m from Matala sandy beach.

Calypso Hotel - full details 

Collection of traditional and modern villas and houses in the areas around Matala and Sivas on Crete's south coast ...South Coast Crete Villas & Houses

A few moments inland in the area of Matala on the south coast of Crete. A selection of traditional or modern villas and houses in or close to the villages of Kamilari, Siva, Listaros and Pitsidia - all are near Matala. From cozy & romantic to large enough for multi-generation family vacations and reunions.

South Coast Villas and Houses - full details

MATALA: Wonderful, wide sandy beach, famous caves carved into the rocks. Good swimming - many waterside cafes, gift-shops & tavernas. Calm in spring and fall, busy & bustling in summer. It's close to the archaeological sites at Kommos, Gortys and Phaestos; also it's a short drive to Agia Gallini for a change of setting. Wonderful sunsets! Absence of large hotels, relaxed & very casual.  

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Traditional pensione-style inn with pool..."Villa Kynthia" Hotel

Villa Kynthia is lovingly converted from an old house into this "style of Florence inn". Centre of the village with just five different rooms or suites, decorated with antiques, rugs and murals. A pool and quiet courtyard with a delightful, coach-house style breakfast room off it. There is also a cafe-bar with spacious indoor seating or an outdoor terrace. An Italian influence is felt in the early-century marble bathrooms and the quality but homely "pensione" style.

"Villa Kynthia" Hotel - full details

PANORMOS: A very central location on the north coast - this is one of the smaller charming villages which has for the most part, tourism on a smaller scale than many. Quieter but alive and with a super location. It has two beaches, both sandy, and many restaurants and a variety of village seaside shops. Only a twenty minute drive from Rethymno and an hour from Heraklion, even the slightly longer stretch to Chania is just 90 minutes away.

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Traditional hospitality, great views, the mountains...Yakinthos Hotel     

The village of Axos feels eons away from the coastal resorts and has all the treats to offer as a result. Yakinthos is special, as are the views from it, the produce provided for your breakfast, the many historical,  archaeological or cultural interests (your hosts will tell you where) nearby. 

Yakinthos Hotel - full details

AXOS: A steeped-in-history village in the mountains. There are wondrous views of surrounding mountains and from higher viewpoints views of the north coast and sea beyond. Axos boasts numerous historic churches, important archaeological sites and caves in the immediate area. For local and inland exploration, summer and winter, this is a real change for the traditional with a local character and "atmosphere". 

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