In the mountains & inland rural countryside
Rural Crete hotels
This is the way to enjoy the heart of Crete and
its fabulous mountainscapes with style, atmosphere & tradition...
Cottages, bed & breakfast, farm houses, countryside hotels
Crete has many delightful hotels & inns in beautiful countryside...
Cozy, hospitable & welcoming rural hotels
Authentic atmosphere, genuine hospitality...for a memorable holiday...
Mountain Resort in Anogia...Delina Mountain Resort
Delina Mountain Resort is located 1km away from Anogia village, on the road towards Nida at an altitude of 910 m. Delina is extended in an area of 28 acres and combines the fine facilities and services of a luxurious hotel with the authenticity of Cretan tradition and the wild natural beauty of the island.
Delina Mountain Resort - full details  |
ANOGIA: Now we're getting into Crete's mountains, 740 metres up on the north face of Mount Psiloritis to be precise. It's a short hop from here to the stunning Nida Plateau and the Ideon cave (mythology: Zeus grew up here). Birthplace of the famous Greek singer Nikos Xylouris, Anogia has a history that is powerful and tragic - burned by the Turks, then by the Germans who during the war, as reprisal for kidnapping a German general called Krieppe, rounded up and shot all the men they could find in the village.
Read
our >>Anogia
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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 |
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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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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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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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Quality
traditional restored stone houses, in romantic off-the-beaten-track
village, fine views, pool...Samonas
Inn
Samonas Inn: a group of craftsmen finished and
appealingly designed maisonette-style houses with one bedroom, a living room with
fully equipped kitchen and dining area. These stone buildings - old hewn stone with flower-decorated pathways in between, suggest a village in their own right. Each one provides spacious and stylish
comfort, ideal for two people.
Samonas Inn - full details
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SAMONAS
[CHANIA]: A tiny village, a hamlet, with but a handful of houses. The village reveals the historic heart of
Crete, it has the
atmosphere of a "village in the hills" - a place to experience the
scents, sounds and warmth of Crete. History, hospitality, mountain views, cool evenings, the gentle sounds of local life. One genuine local taverna. Beaches not far away and Chania
is accessible via a choice of two scenic drives. Read our
>>Chania
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Comfortable
apartments in stone houses, with pool, small village setting...Natalia's
Houses
Charming period apartments in a group of stone
houses, in the small village of Douliana near Vamos and Chania. Self
catering or eat at the small hotel-style taverna and cafe. A mini-market
at your door makes things easy and many nearby, restaurants, beaches,
scenic villages to enjoy.
Natalia's Houses - full details
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DOULIANA
[CHANIA]: One of the pleasant small villages, with many charming
restored houses, on the Apokoronas peninsula between Chania and Georgioupoli.
Near Vamos. The village has a kafeneio (small local cafe) and a taverna.
Rolling hill views, sandy beaches, tavernas and cafes nearby. Read our
>>Chania
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Large 5 bedroom modern villa , pool, private gardens, sea view, walk to village in 10 minutes, close to Rethymno, smart...Villa Lucia
Unusually private and large, exceptional modern villa with good sizeable pool, 5 bedrooms (1 smaller with bunk bed to the delight of children), enormous living area, 3 bathrooms, full separate kitchen, fireplace, well-equipped, beautiful views over attractive village and out to sea, private parking
Villa Lucia - full details |
RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike)
and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few
clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery,
trips to Chania & south coast. Read our >>Rethymno
feature<<
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Unique rural hideaway - modern mansion house, stunning scenery and bucolic views, restful, relaxing and remote tranquil feel, yet close to coast...Villa Limeri
A one-of-a-kind large house with unique modern architecture which allows the interior to merge through wide and high vista windows with dramatic Cretan mountainscapes, a retreat and place of romance, a place for the gathering of the tribes, a unique experience for the few. When you stay here it seems like the world is somewhere else. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Villa Limeri - full details |
RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike)
and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few
clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi Monastery,
trips to Chania & south coast. Read our >>Rethymno
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
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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
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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
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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
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Luxury villa , refreshing bright hi-tech architecture, with private pool, in village...Apokoron
Villas
Atop this small, most pleasingly friendly,
traditional village sits a place with views, modern open sparkling
decor, decks, view and a large pool with ample sun-lounging terrace
surrounding it. This is near Chania (half an hour by car) and in an area
of attractive rolling hills, speckled with villages. Within a short drive
of sea and sandy beaches, attractive villages nearby. Perhaps the
direction Frank Lloyd Wright might have taken had he come to the village
today!
Apokoron Villas - full details
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GAVALOHORI
[CHANIA]: Most attractive of villages in the Apokoronas
peninsula. Quiet, local, yet near fine sandy beaches, in an area with twisting
roads forming a link-like necklace of villages. Close enough to
visit Chania and explore much of the west of Crete. History and local
feel abound. Scenic. Read our
>>Chania feature<< |
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Smart and comfortable, secluded stone villas with pool, sea views, high above Falasarna bay...Falasarna
Villas
Two private, secluded, high quality stone-built villas with pools. Every bedroom with private bathroom, dramatic views to hills, rock-scapes and especially the bay and beaches of Falasarna below. 2 minutes drive to Platanos village. Near to Kissamos and about 50 minutes' drive to Chania.
Falasarna Villas - full details
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FALASARNA
(FALASSARNA):
Falasarna's west coast of Crete location, offering a quiet, un-crowded
area to enjoy with its endless, wild sandy beaches facing an endless sea.
You can choose a patch of beach to suit, sandy, sand and craggy rock, cafe by the beach, private or with sun umbrellas and beach chairs if you prefer. Several tavernas feed you amply right by the beach. Dramatic
scenery on hikes, winding roads through unspoiled west coast villages,
passing both pebble and sandy beaches if you take the scenic and
adventurous route to Elafonisi's quasi-tropical beach and islet. Read our
>>Chania
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Secluded &
private, traditional stone house with pool...The
Old Olive Mill
Totally private and authentic. This four-bedroom
traditional villa with pool has wonderful open views to Kolymbari bay.
The setting is rural and romantic, quiet. Outside tiny village, 10
minutes from the beach by car, 35 minutes from Chania.
The Old Olive Mill house - full details  |
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KOLYMBARI [CHANIA]: This area sets
the stage for hills and mountains between the north coast and Paleochora. Has many remarkably untouched
villages, interesting beaches and uncrowded areas. The hillsides are lush and have wonderful fruit trees and
nature thrives. Kolymbari village by the sea offers a long beach, shops, many tavernas and an exceptional
cafe on the waterfront (open year round), as well as the fascinating Odigitrias Gonias Monastery with worthwhile icons. |
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Two
of the finest independent gorgeous stone-built houses with Libyan sea
views...Dorovinis Country Houses
A large three-bedroom house (Pasiphae) and a
one-bedroom 'honeymooners nest' (Kallirhoe), 100 m from each other, in
the old Anatoli village. Expertly restored, finest quality, furnished in
good taste. Antiques, warmth, comfortable, quiet, cozy and romantic.
Several inspiring terraces with countryside and sea views, all set in a
lovely village.
Dorovinis Country Houses - full
details  |
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ANATOLI: Near the south
coast, 16 km from Ierapetra town and beach. Anatoli village dates from
Venetian times, with many Byzantine monuments in the area. Most of the
houses in the village are old or restored, it is a protected settlement
(no eye-sores other than the unavoidable power cables!). Walking the
paths amongst the houses and observing some of the old relics (like the
fountain outside Kallirhoe) takes you back in time. An excellent
taverna, perched in a green, elevated area above Anatoli.
Read
our >>Agios Nikolaos
feature<< |
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Two
adjoining traditional houses in beautiful location...Abelos
Villa
Country location, 2 traditional wonderfully
restored village houses dating from 1810, with wood beams, fireplaces,
terraces & courtyards, garden, open views and a large swimming pool.
Tranquility & comfort. At edge of the historic Roustika village.
Abelos Villa - full details  |
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ROUSTIKA: 18 km from
Rethymno town, at an open, elevated location also just 25-30 minutes
from the south coast. Features narrow cobblestone streets, arches, old houses
and a traditional cafe by the square. See: the church of Panagia
(Holy Mary) dating 1100; the museum of
traditional costumes from all over Greece; the
Monastery of Profitis Elias built in 1200. The E4 walking path passes
just outside Roustika. Wonderful countryside. Read our
>>Rethymno 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
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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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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
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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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Modern
villa with pool, 360o majestic views...Villa
Kalliani
King of the hill - the villa with its own pool,
stands proudly on the top of a hill, close only to olive trees and
bathed with a view of fertile hills and the sea in the background. Three
bedrooms and a lovely living area, terraces to drink in that view, a
nearby village. Privacy and exclusive position, 5 minutes from the
village, twenty minutes from the beaches of Kissamos and Kolymbari.
Villa Kalliani - full details  |
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HERETHIANA village: The
village has two cafes and some great views. This is
just 40 minutes from Chania and with easy access to Kolymbari and Kissamos (beaches,
restaurants and shops),
Falassarna and the delights of the west and south west coast. Many fine
local
villages to explore as well. |
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Nine
bedroom quality traditional inn, sweeping views & gardens...Elia
Skillfully converted from the remains of an ancient building on a hillside between Chania
and Kissamos. Rooms have a feel of a period house with traditional decor. A pool to swim in while enjoying the
same views. Available turkish bath & sauna. Special "feel" and relaxing rural atmosphere. Quick access to Chania. Elia
- full details
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KOLYMBARI [CHANIA]: This area sets
the stage for hills and mountains between the north coast and Paleochora. Has many remarkably untouched
villages, interesting beaches and uncrowded areas. The hillsides are lush and have wonderful fruit trees and
nature thrives. Kolymbari village by the sea offers a long beach, shops, many tavernas and an exceptional
cafe on the waterfront (open year round), as well as the fascinating Odigitrias Gonias Monastery with worthwhile icons.
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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
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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. Read our >>Heraklion
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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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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Traditional
house has history, magic views & gardens...Kastellos Village
Restored house dating from 1910. Near Lake Kournas, coast & beaches. Chania and
Rethymno within easy reach. Provides two units, exposed wood, stone and delightful terraces. Surrounded by fruit
trees and gardens. Views across trees and old village to the sea. Atmosphere and comfort.
Kastellos
Village - full details
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KASTELLOS: An old village in
the Cretan tradition, has a cafe, the nearest taverna is five minutes away at Lake Kournas.
Quiet and calm, makes a convenient base that's cheery and
local-friendly. Visit the lake, Georgioupoli, beaches, Chania & Rethymno
- or gaze, write, relax. Read our >>Rethymno feature<< |
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Unique
mountain retreat (with horseback riding facility)...Lefkoritis Resort
Unique in Crete, mountain resort/hideaway. Attractive stone-built suites of one or two bedrooms with mountain views. Marble bathrooms, elegant furnishings, some fireplaces. Horseback riding, skeet shooting and range of sports activities provided on request. The warm south coast is a short mountain drive, the E4 path and Imbros gorge minutes away.
Lefkoritis Resort - full details
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ASKIFOU: In the heart of the Lefka Ori
(white mountains), before you reach Imbros from where many choose to walk the Imbros Gorge, is another village
where the Sfakian pies are good, local fresh foods can be had and the
welcome is warm and inviting. Lefkoritis is above and on the edge of the
village and has an excellent view to the Askifou plateau and mountain
peaks. Read our >>Sfakia feature<< |
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Unique
recreated old village with traditional style stone houses...Milia traditional village
Up in the mountains, with endless hiking paths, wooded hillsides and away from it all. The
alternative, ecologically sound collection of stone buildings with matching taverna and natural foods - somehow
just staying here should prove meaningful.
Milia traditional village - full details
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MILIA: In the well-forested mountains between Kissamos in the north and Elafonisi
in the south. A recreated "village" of traditional stone houses. Endless walking trails, mountain air and if anything is a "retreat" this is it. Not only are houses
traditional, most everything else is: heating by wood-burning boilers, lighting by gas/oil lamps or candles, traditional
food and a real alternative feel.
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Venetian
character, in the hills, close to sea & Rethymno...Monastiriako
Suites
Built from and with some of the walls of a
monastery, inland from Rethymno on the edge of a small attractive
village, real traditional rooms and suites. Small and personal in scale,
near the beaches and town of Rethymno. Atmospheric, full of character.
Good views. Monastiriako Suites - full details |
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RETHYMNO: Blessed with an almost endless sandy beach (home to bathers and turtles alike)
and its old town, which is marked by the ancient fortress, old harbour, historic walk-streets and waterside fish restaurants, cafes, bars and a few
clubs. One of the main towns of Crete, central coast position convenient for mountain villages, Arkadi
Monastery, trips to Chania & south coast. Read our
>>Rethymno feature<< |
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Quality traditional village hotel...Spilia
Village
Built in the middle of the village, including several Venetian buildings and an olive press within its solid stone walls. Comfortable snug rooms and larger suites, large swimming pool and bar, fine (seasonal) restaurant. In the hills with some good views, 30 minutes west of Chania.
Spilia Village - full details
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KOLYMBARI [CHANIA]: This area sets
the stage for hills and mountains between the north coast and Paleochora. Has many remarkably untouched
villages, interesting beaches and uncrowded areas. The hillsides are lush and have wonderful fruit trees and
nature thrives. Kolymbari village by the sea offers a long beach, shops, many tavernas and an exceptional
cafe on the waterfront (open year round), as well as the fascinating Odigitrias Gonias Monastery with worthwhile icons.
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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
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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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