Holiday Villas in Crete
Anybody who visits Crete has to agree that it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. You can travel from green and fertile plains by the coast to rugged, snow-capped mountains further in land, full of spectacular dry and arid landscapes. In the East, you can find large cities bustling with things to do. In the West, you’ll find much quieter spots where quiet, picturesque villages dot the mountains and valleys. Regardless of which parts of Crete you want to explore, our villas in Crete are perfect for doing so.
Because of the diversity you’ll find in Crete, a holiday on this beautiful island can cater to any individual. Of course, with summer temperatures creeping past 40°C at their highest, a day spent lying on the beach is a popular choice. If you’re looking for quiet, relaxed beaches then Rethimnon’s south coast can offer you exactly that. Many of the beaches are accessible only by foot, rewarding those who make the journey with uncrowded, beautiful beaches. In Vai, you’ll find a beach that is surrounded by Europe’s only native wild palm trees, making it a truly spectacular spot to visit. If you want a beach with more facilities, closer to places to eat and drink, then try the 9km long golden sands of Georgiouspolis. Regardless of where you choose to go, you can be assured of beautifully clean and clear waters around the island.
Anybody interested in exploring historic buildings or ruins will also have a wonderful time staying in our villas in Crete. The island was the centre of the Minoan civilisation, a Bronze Age culture that existed from 2600 to 1150 BC, and you can still find palaces, tombs and other sites around the island. The palace at Knossos is one of the most famous and enduring sites, and definitely worth a visit. Crete has also been inhabited by the Ancient Greeks and the Romans, who both left their marks upon it. Under Roman and Byzantine rule, the island grew wealthy, and you can still find grand monuments and mosaics preserved in museums. Even the effects of more recent history are clear: Chania and Heraklio still bear the marks of German bombs from World War II.
Sightseers are well accommodated for by our villas in Crete too. Our
villas in Rethymnon allow you to explore the beautiful southern coast of the region, and you can easily visit Samariá Gorge during a stay in our
villas in the Chania Region. There’s also Lasithi, with its ancient caves and tombs, Zakros Gorge, also known as ‘the valley of the dead’ due to the tombs set into the valley walls, and Gramvousa, an island with an old fortress and another of Crete’s wonderful beaches.
Throwing yourself into the Cretan culture during a holiday is easy. You can join in with one of the fiestas that take place in villages all over the island throughout the year, experiencing the food, drink and live music that can be found, or you can immerse yourself in the Cretan diet every mealtime, discovering a delicious and healthy combination of food that will really enhance your stay. Forget Greek feta and try some of the local cheeses instead. There are some great offerings, all with distinct flavours and textures, many made from sheep milk. You’ll also find that snails aren’t just cooked in France, as the variety of dishes that include them in Crete (where they are a traditional dish) is truly astounding. Smoked meats and mountain goat are also delicious, especially when enjoyed after a traditional soup or salad. Wash down your meal with some raki or ouzo.
With so much variety in landscape, activities and even food, Crete is an island that can, and will, cater to everyone.