Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, garden view and a balcony, Villa Le Reve is set in Skepastí. This villa offers free private parking and a concierge service.
The villa has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A car rental service is available at the villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Koukistres Beach is 1.7 km from Villa Le Reve, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€296
/night
Situated in the village of Skepasti, Nikos Villas offers fully equipped accommodation with a swimming pool with sun terrace and free Wi-Fi access throughout. The town of Rethymno is 25 km away.
The air-conditioned Nikos villas are very spacious with views over Psiloritis Mountain, the complex’s pool and the Cretan countryside. They feature a fully fitted kitchen with dining area and a living room with fireplace which opens out to a veranda. Other facilities include a flat-screen, satellite TV, DVD player and hairdryer.
The popular beach of Bali is 12 km away, while Panormos is at 5 km. The city of Heraklion with its airport is 55 km away. Free private parking is provided on site.
from
€189
/night
Boasting pool views, Villa Kounoupas features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 3 km from Koukistres Beach. This holiday home has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The holiday home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
A bicycle rental service is available at the holiday home.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 16 km from Villa Kounoupas, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 57 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€247
/night
Set 15 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Ayali Villa II, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla offers accommodation in Achlades with access to a hot tub. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
With direct access to a balcony with pool views, the air-conditioned villa consists of 4 bedrooms. Offering a terrace with mountain views, this villa also features a satellite flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, as well as 4 bathrooms with a hot tub and a hair dryer.
The villa offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Ayali Villa II, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla, while cycling and fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from Ayali Villa II, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€295
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Ayali Villa I, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla is located in Achlades. This property offers access to a patio, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Ayali Villa I, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla can arrange a car rental service.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 15 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 58 km from Ayali Villa I, a divine luxury homestay, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€295
/night
Surrounded by age-old olive trees, the luxurious and self-catered Villa Ahlades is situated in a quiet location, just 4 km from a beach. It boasts a private pool, large outdoor stone-built BBQ, free Wi-Fi, terraces and balconies.
Fitted with stone walls and wooden beamed ceilings, this elegantly decorated accommodation consists of an open-plan living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. It offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, of which one includes a spa bath. Air conditioning, a fireplace and LCD TV with DVD player are also standard.
The family-run Villa Ahlades is 23 km from the centre of Rethymno city. It is 56 from the centre of Heraklion City.
from
€243
/night
Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete.
Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites.
Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.
Experience the ultimate cross-country adventure with Nostos Safari. This unique cross-country real-off-road experience takes you from the coast to the mountains. Drive through off-road routes and pass through breathtaking landscapes, from traditional village alleys to stunning mountain passes. With Nostos Safari, you’ll have the freedom and adventure of a quad bike to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Crete. Discover the unforgettable experience of cross-country living and book your quad safari today with Nostos Safari.
We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island’s most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle.
You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention.
Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete.
Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP.
Get in touch with the history and the art of the Cretan pottery on this tour from Rethymno. Learn about local honey and bees at the Honey Museum. See natural stalactites at Melidoni cave. Explore the villages and feel the cretan hospitality.
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno. Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through the countryside. Arrive in Margarites and take a tour of a ceramic shop. Immerse yourself in local crafts during pottery.
Take a guided tour of the Honey Museum to discover the secrets of one of Crete’s most popular foods. Travel to Melidoni to visit the subterranean chambers and stalactites in Melidoni cave. Hear about the fascinating history of this cave.
Finally return to your accommodation in Rethymno at the end of your tour.
See Crete on a guided tour that combines history and craft for a hands-on experience. Visit the most historical spots on the island, learn their history, and enjoy a pottery lesson and olive oil tasting. Visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Melidoni Cave, and more.
Start by getting picked up from your accommodation in Rethymno, then arrive at the most important monastery of Crete: the Monastery of Arkadi. Explore the museum where many icons, monastic relics, and weapons reveal the monastery’s history. Enjoy an hour of free time.
Next, visit the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its historical findings from Homer’s era. This is the first archaeological site museum in Crete. The museum hosts the whole history of Eleftherna from 3000 B.C. to 1300 A.D.
Afterward, enjoy a tour of the pottery workshop “TSIKALARIO” in the village of Margarites to learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this villa.
Later, visit Margarites village where you will have free time for lunch or a walk.
Next, head to an olive oil manufactory. Learn how Cretan people made olive oil in the past and see the evolution up to today. Take part in an olive oil tasting before heading to the next stop, Melidoni Cave.
Lastly, arrive at Melidoni, also called “Gerodospilios,” a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was used for religious ceremonies and as a place of worship. Learn the cave’s archaeological and historical significance before heading back to Rethymno.
Our adventure begins from our base in Bali, after a security update and a little practice. We drive away from the main traffic through provincial and country roads, which only locals know and we cross one of the biggest olive groves of the island.
We explore 10 small traditional villages with narrow streets, meet local people and admire Venetian and Ottoman stone buildings of the 17th and 18th century, which will take us back in time to another era.
In one of our stops we explore one of the most important caves of Crete, Melidoni cave, which is located on top of a mountain.
We enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the beautiful valley, with dozens of villages and the highest mountain of Crete called Psiloritis – Idi.
We have much fun on the dirt roads, passing through the fields as we discover unique picturesque landscapes of the beautiful wildlife of Crete.
We’ll make enough stops during our safari, offering excellent opportunities for amazing pictures and breathtaking landscapes.
The Skepasti beaches, situated roughly 27km to the east of Rethymnon and a mere 2km eastward from the namesake village Skepasti in the Milopotamos province, are predominantly reachable via poor dirt roads that originate from the village. Among these beaches, the local population’s favourite is Koukistres. The Skepasti beaches, which are exposed to the northern winds, are characterized by their pebbly texture and deep waters. They are entirely unorganized and quite a distance from the closest hotels and eateries, which are located in Panormos. Thus, it’s essential to bring all necessities if you plan to visit. The surrounding terrain, marked by rugged Cretan landscapes and barren, rocky grounds, adds to the remote charm.
While here, it’s recommended to combine beach activities with a trip to the quaint, traditional village of Skepasti. The village derives its name from the Byzantine church of Panagia Skepasti, which has a fascinating legend associated with it that’s worth exploring.
Panormo, located approximately 20km east of the city of Rethymnon in the Milopotamos province, is a peaceful coastal village. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years while preserving its traditional charm. Its attractiveness lies in the untouched beauty of the Cretan countryside, the charming village, stunning beaches, and convenient accessibility.
Panormo boasts two primary beaches and several smaller ones. The village’s Greek name, which translates to ‘a location with a natural port’, aptly describes Panormos as it is a natural harbour with tranquil waters. The beach at the harbour, known as Limanaki, serves as the region’s port. It’s sandy, with clear waters, making it perfect for families with young children due to its shallow waters and the protection from waves provided by a cement pier. The beach is well-equipped with umbrellas, showers, water sports facilities, and plenty of accommodation and dining options nearby. Adjacent to Limanaki is a smaller, less populated sandy beach.
The second main beach, Limni, is situated just 200m west of the village. Similar to Limanaki, it is sandy and shielded by a rocky pier, essentially dividing it into two separate beaches. Further east, a small, secluded cove with a pebbly beach is perfect for undisturbed relaxation and snorkelling during calm seas. Panormo can be reached via direct bus services from Rethymnon or suburban bus services between Heraklion and Rethymnon. Excursion boats also operate from the local harbour.
A short history of the area
Panormo is historically significant and is thought to be located on the site of the ancient city of Panormus. The discovery of the impressive basilica of St. Sophia, dating back to the 6th century AD, confirms the presence of an ancient city. The basilica, situated 500m southwest of the village, is considered one of the largest Christian churches in Greece and the biggest in West Crete. The village is also known as Kastelli of Milopotamos, named after the fort built by the Genoese conquerors in 1206, which was later captured by the Venetians. Remnants of this fort can still be seen near the harbour.
In more recent history, Panormo served as a hub for transporting goods produced in the surrounding region, particularly olives and carobs. A renovated old carob mill, now used as a cultural centre, can still be visited. The village was bombed during the German Occupation. The construction of a new national road in the 1970s, adjacent to the village, and the building of a marina in 1980 has contributed to Panormo’s tourism growth. The village celebrates three festivals every year: Ascension, St. John on June 24, and St. Nicholas on December 6.
The beach of Agios Nikolaos, situated slightly west of Bali in the province of Mylopotamos, is nestled in a secluded area. The beach’s name is derived from the Byzantine two-nave church of Saint Nicholas, which is positioned within a lush green creek leading to a stunning cove. Despite the ravine drying out towards the end of spring, the presence of numerous plane trees indicates the existence of water.
The cove is encased by striking limestone rocks that create small caves, adding to the charm of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, however, has a rocky seabed and is almost semicircular in shape. Unfortunately, it is often littered with trash brought in by the north winds.
Access to Agios Nikolaos beach is via two poorly maintained dirt roads that start near the motorway, beyond Bali. One of these routes, which first ascends to the antennas at Bombadopirgos peak before descending to the beach, is closed off. The other route approaches the beach from the east, but due to its poor condition, a walk of roughly 10 minutes is required.
The coastal resort of Bali is situated in a vast bay, 30km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion. The National Road that connects Heraklion and Rethymno passes alongside the village, making Bali easily reachable from all parts of the island. It’s a perfect spot for family getaways and romantic vacations. Bali boasts four beaches nestled in sandy coves with appealing greenish waters. The beaches, shielded by the bay facing west, are typically tranquil and suitable for children, with good organization. The coolness of the water is attributed to the numerous springs around that channel fresh water into the sea from the Psiloritis Range.
As you enter the village, the first beach you encounter is Livadi, the longest in the area. It’s located in an open bay, which is more exposed to winds than the other three. Despite being well-organized and frequently bustling, it’s less picturesque than the others. Its name, Livadi (meaning meadows), is due to the nearby valley. At the eastern end of Livadi, you’ll find two separate smaller beaches, Kouskouras.
Moving ahead, at the village center, you’ll find the secluded bay of Varkotopos featuring a beautiful beach with sand and gravel, which is well-organized and popular. It’s perfect for young children due to the shallow waters and proximity to all necessary amenities.
Further north, you’ll come across the scenic port of Bali, adjacent to a clean beach. Known as Limani in Greek, it’s well-organized and surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops.
Karavostasis, the last beach you’ll encounter, is the most beautiful in the area. It’s smaller than the other bays, which often makes it appear crowded. Although it’s well-organized, it’s less so than the others.
Margarites is a renowned village in the Milopotamos province, celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional pottery. The broader region, encompassing the villages of Margarites, Orthe and Eleftherna, is characterized by a sequence of small, parallel gorges. Tiny watercourses like Margaritianos meander northwards, contributing to the Geropotamos River. These gorges are carved into the white-yellow marly limestone from the Upper Miocene era (8-10 million years ago), a result of the area’s uplift and water erosion.
The gorges’ most striking features are their abundant flora and extraordinary environment. Small groups of horizontally branched cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens var horizontal) blend with low shrubs, wildflowers, and aromatic plants. The local authorities have fashioned small trails that reveal the area’s beauty to visitors.
The Arkadi Gorge begins just north of the Arkadi Monastery and offers a picturesque journey of approximately two hours. Certain sections along the gorge’s bed are inaccessible due to waterfalls and dense vegetation, making it possible to walk only along the eastern banks. The hiking trail concludes near the Pikris village where it joins the Gypofarago gorge. Here, visitors can appreciate significant Venetian architectural landmarks. The gorge, with its extraordinary natural beauty, allows visitors to marvel at representative species of Cretan flora and fossils.
A slim area of the gorge can also be viewed by driving to the Arkadi Monastery, as the roadway runs through it. This means you can get a sense of its appearance just by visiting the monastery.
The Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It begins at a height of 950m, gathering water from several streams that flow from the Zoniana mountains, and concludes at the village at a height of 650m. The “serpentine” river Oaxis, which carries water until spring and ultimately drains into the Geropotamos river, flows through this gorge.
This gorge is not only easily accessible but also safe for hiking due to its gentle slope. The rock formations in many areas are truly remarkable, made up of numerous layers, and there are stunning geological structures and trees clinging to the steep slopes and narrow points. As it nears the village, the canyon broadens and morphs into a slender valley.
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.
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