This luxurious villa complex is located in Mikra Anogia, just 3.5 km from Rethymnon and its port and beautiful sandy beaches. All villas have a private pool with furnished sun terrace.
Each villa has a large balcony with panoramic view of the sea. Interiors are traditionally furnished and inlcude 3 bedrooms, kitchen and living room with fireplace. The luxurious bathrooms have a bathtub or shower cabin.
Guests may benefit from free internet access in all areas. Each villa enjoys free BBQ facilities and free parking.
The nearest beach is 3.5 km away and the nearest super market and tavern are 2 km from the villas. Heraklion and Chania airports are reached after a 45-minute drive.
from
€181
/night
Set in Roussospítion in the Crete region, Haris white apartment features a terrace and inner courtyard views. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned 1-bedroom apartment comes with a kitchen, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.9 km from Haris white apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from the accommodation.
from
€54
/night
Boasting garden views, Not a Villa offers accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 6.9 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 27 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from Not a Villa.
from
€68
/night
Set in Mikra Anogia, 2.3 km from Rethymno Beach and 4.4 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Akira Villa offers air conditioning. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 25 km from Akira Villa, while Psiloritis National Park is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 73 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Roussospítion and only 7 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Villa Maria features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, the villa also offers a a children’s playground.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 28 km from Villa Maria, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 75 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Mikro Metochi and only 2.2 km from Rethymno Beach, Villa Esperanza provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 1984 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home is equipped with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Esperanza, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 2.5 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 71 km from Villa Esperanza, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€225
/night
Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you head uphill through picturesque olive groves and make the first stop at Halevi Monastery. See the church of Panagia with its flame-shaped windows and the ruin of the monastery building, which was recently renovated.
Continue to the village of Chromonastiri and visit Villa Clodio where the Military Museum is housed. As you reach the Myli Gorge, a small oasis close to the city, set out on a short hike through a gorge with diverse flora and fauna and visit the abandoned village of Myli.
Stop and relax in the Cretan village of Roussospiti and be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes from a family run taverna. Due to the elevated location you will have a breathtaking panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast. After lunch, ride to the monastery of Aghia Irini to talk to the nuns there and learn more about the history of this place before slowly starting your way back.
Journey back in time and visit the Minoan palace at Knossos on a day trip from Rethymnon. Learn more about the ancient civilization at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Depart from Rethymnon, head eastwards along the north coast. Pass the city of Heraklion and continue towards the inland of Crete until you reach the tour’s highlight – your visit to the Palace of Knossos.
Later, continue towards the inland of Crete until you reach the tour’s highlight – your visit to the Palace of Knossos. This is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, a cradle of European culture and the center of the Minoan civilization.
Journey through the incredible history of King Minos and the Minoan civilization, and hear about some of the legends of Crete at what was once the island’s largest palace.
Hop off the bus and start your guided tour if you choose the guided tour option, or enjoy about two hours of free time through the detailed story of the Minoan period and hear about both the Minotaur and Ariadne.
Afterward, the bus brings you to the heart of the capital city of Crete, Heraklion. There you have the chance to visit the archaeological museum, where you can see and learn about the Minoan period while accompanied by your guide (if choosing the Heraklion tour option). Have two hours of free time in Heraklion.
Board the bus again at 6:00 PM the bus will depart on its return journey to Rethymnon.
Ride on a high-speed catamaran “Elite Jet’ from Crete to Santorini on this day trip. Board an airconditioned coach and take a guided sightseeing tour of the island. Visit the white-washed villages of Oia and Fira.
Hop aboard a catamaran at the Port of Rethymno and glide across the water to Thiras port. Transfer to a comfortable and spacious bus and listen as your guide provides you with information about the island and its history.
Stop in the unique village of Oia which is built on the northern part of the Caldera rim, Oia offers magnificent views of houses studded along the volcanic rock hillside overlooking both the Mediterranean and Aegean sea.
Head to the island’s capital Fira, where you will have plenty of free time to explore the picturesque alleys, admire the incomparable Aegean architecture, shop, or simply enjoy a drink.
Finally, eturn to the port for the trip back to the Port of Rethymno in Crete.
Explore the beautiful island of Santorini on a guided day trip by boat and bus from Rethymno. Visit the charming towns of Oira and Fira and take some free time to wander through the winding streets, and admire the scenic views and stunning architecture.
Start with pickup from your hotel or meet directly at the port in Rethymno. Board the open-deck boat and relax during the journey across the Aegean Sea to Santorini.
Arrive at Santorini port and board a bus for a transfer north to Oia. During the transfer, hear interesting facts about the Santorini, its history, features, and secrets from your guide.
Upon arrival in Oia, enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the charming narrow streets. Visit some of the stunning viewpoints and admire the fantastic panoramic vistas. Admire fine examples of Cycladic architecture in the form of white houses and churches with their iconic blue domes.
Next, continue south to the town of Fira, the capital of Santorini. Take 90 minutes to explore its bustling streets and admire the fantastic views of the Santorini caldera. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral located in the main square, or make your way to one of the scenic viewpoints.
Finally, hop back onboard the bus and travel back to Santorini port. Board the boat and relax on the return journey to Rethymno port.
Choose from a morning or afternoon Quad Bike safari, and benefit from a hotel pick-up from Rethymno, Bali, or Georgiopoulis. Journey to the base in Rethymno town and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Listen to a detailed briefing before you set off for some serious off-road fun.
Journey up into the mountains of Maroulas, and head for the summit for a 10-minute break to take in the panoramic views. Then, continue on your bike for another 20 minutes to reach a spot where you can relax over coffee at a traditional kafeneion (Greek coffee house).
Soak up the peace and quiet of Café Gidospito overlooking beautiful Lake Potami before making your way to the picturesque village of Prassies for a quick snack to refuel after your Quad Bike experience.
Return to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel to relax and freshen up after your dusty adventure.
Hop in a Land Rover 4×4 vehicle for a full-day safari adventure and learn about Cretan traditions while indulging in delicious food. Tour the paradisical countryside and swim in the clear water of the South Cretan Sea.
Climb to an altitude of 1,100 meters and experience the quietness of the White Mountains and Cretan dances in a fascinating landscape. Keep an eye out for vultures that will take your breath away with their imposing appearance.
Visit an old village with a Byzantine Church and a café stocked with Cretan products, including herbs, raki, and honey. See a castle and swim in the pristine waters of the South Cretan Sea before heading to a tavern to try traditional dishes.
Discover the secrets of Creten olive oil at an old factory and learn how to identify various grades of olive oil.
The golden sands and crystal clear shallow waters of Rethymno city’s beach, located a mere 500m east of the city’s core and adjacent to the Venetian port, are truly captivating. The well-organized beach is conveniently located near the city’s amenities and is the westernmost edge of Rethymno Bay’s 13km beachfront that extends eastwards to Skaleta. Despite being constantly bustling with activity, the expansive beach never feels excessively crowded. The city’s seafront road, Eleftheriou Venizelou Str., which runs parallel to the beach, provides an idyllic setting for evening strolls.
The beach offers numerous services including umbrellas, lifeguards, beach bars, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. A noteworthy fact about this beach is the presence of the loggerhead sea turtle (Carretta carretta) that nests here. Therefore, don’t be surprised to encounter roped-off areas; these are spots where eggs have been discovered and are safeguarded from swimmers. With over 400 nests annually, Rethymno Gulf ranks among Greece’s three most significant loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites.
Koumbes, situated 2km west of Rethymnon’s center, is the only beach on the city’s western side. The beach offers stunning vistas of the impressive Fortezza fortress, located several hundred meters to the east. Koumbes derives its name from the Turkish word ‘Kubbe,’ which translates to ‘dome.’ This expansive beach, adorned with sand and fine pebbles, has seen significant growth in recent years, and its development has become a top priority for the Rethymno Municipality. This growth has led to numerous improvements, including the addition of walkways and similar enhancements along the coast.
At Koumbes, visitors can avail themselves of all necessary tourist amenities, such as lifeguard services, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and water sports. The area also boasts numerous hotels, accommodations, restaurants, taverns, snack bars, and cafes. Access to Koumbes from the city center is convenient, either by bus or on foot. Walking takes no more than 20 minutes.
Three neighbouring suburbs of Rethymnon, Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias (also known as Platanes) are situated 3-5km west of the city. Initially independent settlements, they have been subsumed into Rethymnon’s urban region due to expansion in residential development.
A lengthy sandy beach, part of Rethymnon bay’s expansive beachfront, extends in front of these suburbs. The beach begins near Rethymnon’s harbour and continues eastwards for 13km until reaching Skaleta. The beach is well-maintained and offers a wide selection of food, drink, and lodging options.
A notable feature of this beach, like the entirety of the vast beachfront, is the nesting activity of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. These turtles, protected by international law, lay their eggs in the sand. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three critical habitats for Caretta caretta, with over 400 nests documented annually.
Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the city of Rethymnon, and are situated 3-5km west of the city. Previously individual settlements, they have now merged into Rethymnon’s urban district due to the growth of residential areas.
A sprawling sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of a 13km long coastal strip that begins near Rethymno’s harbour and reaches as far as Skaleta beach. This well-maintained beach offers a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, and lodging. Along this extensive stretch of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to nest. These turtles are at risk of becoming extinct, but the Rethymno Gulf stands as one of the three most crucial habitats for the species in Greece, hosting an average of over 400 nests each year.
The name Misiria originates from the Arabic term ‘Misr’, referring to a suburb of Cairo known for its fertile soil. In a similar vein, Misiria is so named due to its productive land, which continues to yield a bounty of vegetables.
Located near the town of Rethymno, Mili Gorge is an enchanting green oasis. It’s essentially a ravine that houses a vast array of plants and trees, forming a genuine botanical garden. The gorge gathers water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, beginning north of the Chromonastiri village and south of the Xero Chorio settlement. In recent times, it has become a popular spot for hikers who enjoy the pleasant trail that spans the entire valley.
Within the heart of the canyon lies the abandoned village of Mili, named after the water mills that were once situated in the gorge. The village is split into two areas, Ano Mili (Upper mills) and Kato Mili (Lower mills). The majority of villagers were millers, with nearly all the cereals from the region and surrounding villages being milled at Mili.
Nowadays, only one renovated watermill remains in good condition for visitors to understand its operation. Besides the numerous mills, the area is home to gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetables. Water continuously flows from the springs scattered throughout the canyon, with the largest springs being Saint Anthony and Five Virgins. The water along its course forms small waterfalls and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip under the shade of towering plane trees.
The village of Mili was deserted in 1972 due to fear of landslides, with some mills being renovated into residences and a cafe-restaurant for guests. The villagers moved and built the village Nei Mili (new mills) high above the gorge on the west. The gorge also boasts a significant number of striking churches, including the cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), as well as the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes).
Further along Kato Mili, you’ll encounter the cavernous chapels of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.
Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.
The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.
The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.
The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.
In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.
The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.
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