In the mountains & inland rural countrysideFrom our selection of
special places in Crete, this is the way to enjoy the heart of Crete and
its fabulous mountainscapes with style, atmosphere and tradition. |
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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. Eight 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. |
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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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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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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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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. |
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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 feature<< |
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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. |
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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 feature<< |
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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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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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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. |
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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 feature<< |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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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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. |
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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 feature<< |
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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. |
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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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A large three-bedroom house (Pasiphae) and a one-bedroom 'honeymooner’s 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. |
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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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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. |
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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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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. |
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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 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. |
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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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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. |
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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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Houses & studios in a rural setting. Relaxation & peace...Avdou Villas Attractive, situated in quiet surroundings. Various sized studios and houses. Meals created with organic produce (vegetarian as desired) grown in the large grounds of the farm. Enjoy the great countryside views. The old house is taverna and coffee shop. Quality and tranquility. |
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AVDOU: A twenty minute drive into the hills and valleys from Hersonisos is the alternative centre of central Crete. You can paraglide, set off on guided hikes, ride at a "horse-whisperish" riding centre, stay in wonderful villas and studios and dine on organically grown vegetarian food. The surroundings are scenic valley-meets-mountains, fertile lands and serenity. |
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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 feature<< |
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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 |
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. |
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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 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. |
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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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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. |
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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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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. |
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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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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. |
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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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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. |
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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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IMPORTANT: Olokalon is in the midst of a change of ownership. Because of this, it is not known when reservations for 2008 will be possible. Sublime luxurious inn with 14 very large gorgeous modern suites. Tranquility, quality & nature combined. Just outside protected tiny village. Impressive restaurant, enormous pool & cafe, nature paths. On private south coast mountainside estate. Romantic, rejuvenating treat. Unmatched quality and sophistication. A captivating hideaway. Olokalon Mountain Inn Retreat - full details |
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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