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Rural Accommodation Crete
Rural accommodation Crete...where the real character of the island is hidden. In the mountain villages, rolling vineyards, olive groves and tiny seaside hamlets, you will find simple stone houses or recently built villas, constructed in the traditional style with all the comforts of the modern world.
Village life presents the opportunity for the visitor to experience the natural Crete, see the herbs growing, wander in the olive groves and taste the local produce, from olive oil to wine and fresh fruits.
This is also the opportunity for the village to share its history, its speciality and its wares. Be it pottery, woven cloths, honey or raki, each village has something exquisite to offer.
Below are detailed rural accommodation Crete options to suit the budget or luxury traveller, and some suggestions in between.
We generally lean towards selected, small, atmospheric traditional houses and pensions – known in Greece as domatia.
This is a special place with a guesthouse, therapeutic spa and a separate villa to offer the weary traveller. A wonderful choice from Rural Accommodation Crete.
Located just inland from the town of Kissamos in the prefecture of Chania, the Elia Guesthouse is 25 kms from Chania Town.
Sitting in rolling olive groves just outside of the village of Ano Vouves, the 200 year old restored farmhouse and estate offers a view to the Mediterranean, beautiful gardens, paths and courtyards and relaxing country walks.
To quote the website: A walk around Elia is itself an experience. Wander around the ruins of a Venetian house; sit on the stone benches with their panoramic views or simply wandering through the olive groves and orchards which encircle the main building. Upon your return you may have booked one of the many themed holistic treatments offered here, including use of the Turkish bath, an aromatherapy massage or a Jacuzzi with rose petals and jasmine oil.
A short walk from Elia is also the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old. The guests of Elia are advised on a series of walks which can be taken from here, some guided, which can lead to waterfalls, hilltop Byzantine churches- or simply to enjoy rural Crete at its finest.
The nine apartments have names such as Almond-Tree, Chamomile, Pomegranate-Tree and Grapevine, so you know you are in for a cosy stay.
Wholesome traditional food is served and adds to the therapies on offer such as massage, reiki, yoga, beauty treatments and revitalising baths.
Rural Accommodation Crete congratulates the team at Elia Guesthouse.
Feel the rough stones on your fingertips as you run them along the walls, touching the beautifully made archways, fireplace, mantle and alcoves …
Relax watching the view over olive trees, leaves shimmering green grey in the summer sun, the sound of crickets rythmically calling in the groves…
The Dalabelos Estate of the Petrodaskalakis Brothers is a village farm estate reconstructed on the outskirts of Aggeliana village in Rethymnon, on the island of Crete in Greece.
Starting life as a model eco-tourism project, the village is now complete and has created a beautifully tactile and sensory experience for visitors, a haven to experience the real Crete, with a family that is passionate about their Cretan lifestyle, agriculture and hospitality.
The farm is located 4 kms from the village of Perama in the hinterland of the coastal village Panormo, which is 10 kms drive. The nearest beach is Gerapotamos which is 5 kms from the estate.
Located close to the national road, lying 20 kms east of Rethymnon town and 56 kms from Iraklion town, this farm is central to the whole island of Crete.
Below is a video of the village farm estate:
In the fully working pottery studio, guests can experience first hand the art of pottery, taught by locals.
Picking the grapes is hard work in the late summer sun, yet thoroughly satisfying. Watching the grape pressing and the wine making process, carefully explained by the wine-maker himself…and even following the left over crushed grapeskins, the must, into the making of the sweet treat mustalevria, one of our favourites.
The distillation of Cretan raki from wine grapes follows the wine harvest. Guests are again invited to participate. Look out! How well do you hold your liquor? Better have some nibbles and snacks to wash it down with…
Late in the evening, local musicians provide endless rhythms of Cretan music. Kids run around, playing till late in the night. This is the dream of the Petrodaskalakis family, to welcome you to their land and for you to feel a part of their village.
Rural Accommodation Crete is proud to present the Dalabelos Estate.
Rural Accommodation Crete Enagron Traditional House
Looking for a true rural accommodation Crete experience? The Psilioritis range dominates the centre of the island and is the source for inspiration, strength and hardiness of the Cretan character. The mountains are the backbone of Crete and a visit will open your heart to the real Crete. Giannis and Fani have created Enagron in the village of Axós, in Rethymnon prefecture near Mt Ida, also known as Psiloritis. The essence of nature surrounds them, in their own words:
“We are fortunate since we can experience the light of the day and the silence of the night again. We discover again all the elements that compose nature, as well as their purpose; the rain falls to nourish us, rather than drown us, the wind to caress us, rather than drift us away, filling us with nature’s most extraordinary scents and aromas.”
Located 44 kms from Iraklion, the village has played a part in the history of the island and there are many sights to visit, either on foot or by car, in the local area. The Enagron Traditional House has been built of rock and rough washed as in the local style, with large wooden beam features. Terracotta and stone interiors with natural textures playing softly on your eye, these maisonettes and studios have been built in the traditional style complete with modern facilities.
On the property is a full Cretan taverna with meals prepared from fresh local produce, and an atmospheric kafenion, just like a village, where you can sit and discuss and talk and philosophise with friends.
Congratulations to Giannis and Fani on their most beautiful creation.
Rural Accommodation Crete
Anastasia Kouriton House To Spiti ton Kouriton
This beautiful rural accommodation Crete is chosen for its authentic architecture and nice small size, making it a peaceful rustic getaway for a real experience of Kriti.
Located 25 kms from Rethymnon town in the central north of the island, Kouriton House makes a perfect base for an extended stay in Crete, as it is located centrally on the island, allowing easy driving access to each capital town and to each of the diverse prefectures of Crete.
Located in the picturesque village of Tzanakiana Margarites, very close to the famous Arkardi Monastery, this cluster of traditional stone houses is a delight. It is a lazy 15 km drive to the beaches at Panormo with fresh seafood tavernas on the water.
Myth has it that the Kourites were the inventors of the agriculture and healers with herbs and dance. They also were the protectors of the young god Zeus, who hid from his father Chronos in a cave in the Psiloritis mountains (close by).
The Kourites guarded the cave and also danced and clashed their spears against their shields to mask the sound of the baby Zeus crying. The Kourites have a special place in Cretan mythology.
With accommodation for 23 people, the rooms and maisonettes have been warmly decorated in a simple traditional Cretan style, accenting the rough stone walls and thick timber beams. There is much more than meets the eye here, as there is an active ecomuseum teaching visitors and locals alike about history, ecology, sustainable agriculture, and ‘quieter tourism’.
If you want your visit to Crete to contribute to the island, we encourage you to learn about Kriti and participate in an integrated cultural experience just like this one at Kouriton House.
Rural Accommodation Crete
Αρχοντικό Arhontiko Studios, Arhanes Village
The village of Arhanes is located just 14 kms from Iraklion town and 7 kms from Knossos. Surrounded by fields of low vines, there are many quality vineyards to visit, not to mention the historic sites such as Festos and Malia within Iraklion prefecture alone. The location is central to the whole island of Kriti.
The traditional 19th century mansion in the centre of the village of Archanes, dating from 1893, has been lovingly restored and created into the Arhontiko studios for guests, with every detail of the restoration attended to, from the stone work to the furniture and decoration. The result is spectacular, comfortable, authentic and cosy.
To quote the website: "All of Arhontiko interiors are fitted with antiques, old embroideries and handmade furniture. The beautiful enclosed yard is decorated with stones that are hand-carved by the very stone-builders that raised the house. Amidst an abundance of flowers and a multitude of colors and scents, the visitors can enjoy their coffee, tsikoudia and many more beverages made from the unique wild herbs gathered from the sacred mountain of Jiouktas or taste a thousand and one treats prepared with care by the house owners."
There are just two studios housing up to 4 guests each, in this building that was a former house, and home to rebel armies and now a declared "Protected Traditional Building". This village and this studio really are treasures that make us proud to be Cretan, and we are delighted to present Arhontiko here at Rural Accommodation Crete.
Rural Accommodation Crete
Ελαιώνας Eleonas Traditional Resort
The village of Zaros sits at the foothills of Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete. This lovely green mountain village nestles into the hillside, creating a peaceful haven and surrounded by great scenery, history and nature, makes a wonderful rural retreat only 44 kms from Heraklion town.
Eleonas Traditional Resort offers a set of cabins dotted about on a large leafy property located 2 kms from Zaros in the Cretan mountains. Eleonas has been developed as a true rural retreat and is simple, country and wholesome at every turn.
Manolis Saridakis and his family will welcome you with true Cretan hospitality…
The Cretan hospitality, especially around the kitchen hearth, is important, to quote from the Saridakis family on their website "Mrs. Koula, our mother, is the cook at our restaurant. She cooks with a mixture of love, good nature and a lot of imagination and guarantees the deliciousness of all the recipes. We offer a large variety of traditional, local dishes. Amongst these are lamb with artichokes, rabbit with peppers and basil and chicken with sage. At our restaurant you will also find a large selection of Cretan wine.
For dessert, you can enjoy Cretan raki, a traditional drink, along with homemade traditional pies with honey. There are also traditional, homemade desserts to choose from, some of which are made by sage or rose, grape, bergamot or quince. The secret to our success are our pure products, most of which we produce ourselves, and which are always fresh. We cook our food in the most healthy way since we use olive oil of our own production."
This is a family friendly resort, with loads of activities for the family, from trekking and horse riding to archery, caving and canyoning.
Nearby are some lovely trout and salmon farms serving fresh fish in their traditional tavernas. One of our favourites!
The Mourtzanakis Residence is located 7 kms inland from the beach, in the hills overlooking some of the most beautiful coastal bays on the north of Crete.
Created by Marcos and Smaro to represent the traditional Cretan house, the eco tourism accommodation is perfectly set for rambles in the olive groves, for walks on the region's historical paths to ruins.
This is a relaxed setting just minutes from Heraklion town, port and airport, where you will find the Cretan hospitality alive and well.
The Mourtzanakis family have created a serene setting for travellers to soak up the wild and tranquil mountains of Crete.
With a love of tradition and Crete's wonderful heritage, they have created Mourtzanakis Residence in the traditional Cretan cupoid style perched in the wildflower-scented hills of Achlada, overlooking the bay of Agia Pelagia.
Tastefully decorated in a combination of modern and traditional furniture and fixtures, these villas offer a haven on your travels through Kriti with all the mod cons of our modern lives.
Satellite TV, air conditioning, a pool with a view and wifi internet are all at your fingertips, but you may find that you will resist using them and simply have a break from the fast pace of everyday life.
Soak in the deep and revitalising tranquility of these rugged Cretan hills with their sweeping views of the sea, while the gentle winds of Crete carry your worries and stresses away.
Natural stone, resplendant and clean white wash and earthy wood surround you in this modern yet traditional residence, fusing the best of Cretan beauty, simplicity and function.
Conveniently accessed via country roads off the northern National Road, Achlades is only 25 kms from Heraklion.
Catering for couples and families alike, Mourtzanakis guesthouses are an ideal retreat for your Cretan holiday. Only a short drive from the beautiful beaches and cafes of Agia Pelagia.
Rural Accommodation Crete is proud to present the Metochi Village at Vai.
Located in far eastern Crete, near the exotic palm beach of Vai, this little village of 7 shepherd huts has been restored and presented to show the traditional Cretan lifestyle.
Owned and run by the nearby monatery of Toplou, Metochi literally means ‘dependant of the Monastery’ and refers to the fact that the shepherds, the sheep and the huts were owned and protected by the monastery for hundreds of years.
These stone huts have been converted into comfortable studios and maisonettes. The huts still keep their traditional design for cheese making, and are surrounded by an organic garden and provided with all the abundant fruits and vegetables of the region.
Visitors can learn about organic farming, enjoy cooking in the large kitchen, visit the beautiful Vai Palm Forest and Vai Beach, explore the gorges, nature and caves of the region and try their hand at windsurfing. Some of the best windsurfing in Crete is found here.
Closeby are the beaches of Chionia and Kouremenos and the village of Palekastro. Staying at Metochi will open up the beautiful east of the island, the prefecture of Lasithi and the nearby capitals of Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. We are proud to present this lovely house on Rural Accommodation Crete.
Rates and more information for Metochi can be found at www.palaikastro.com/metohivai
Rural Accommodation Crete The Eco Village Miliá ~ Μηλιά
This beautiful rural accommodation in Crete is chosen for its authentic architecture and small size, it is a peaceful rustic getaway for a real experience of Kríti. This community is also dedicated to sharing a real grass-roots environmental retreat, using organic farming and solar energy.
Located 60 kms from Chania town in the west of the island, the Eco Village Miliá is a fully restored village built into the rocks of the beautiful Cretan mountains. The closest village is Vlatos 4kms away.
Central to the scenic area of western Crete, the retreat itself persuades visitors to relax, breathe deeply and be at one with nature. Close by are the beautiful beaches of Elafonisi and Paleohora to the south and Falasarna and Gramvousa to the north.
13 rooms or guest houses are offered, each one is unique. All are lovingly restored and simple. Candles are used at night. Time slows down.
The 120 hectares of Miliá offer plenty of walks and nature to explore. There are chestnut trees, plane trees, acorn trees and cone-bearing trees, and aromatic herbs, various flower-bearing bushes, olive trees, pear and wild pear, and carob trees. The rare vulture Gypaetus barbatus, the Bearded Vulture known for eating bones, lives in the area.
The organic gardens and many village buildings offer farm activities to those guests who choose to get really involved with the local produce, which is then served at the warm, family-like kitchen for guests of Miliá.
Traditional wholesome fare is served according to the rhythms of nature. Dishes offered could be rabbit with mizithra cheese baked in the oven; potato, chestnut and onion stew; pork with orange cooked in the woodstove; boureki zucchini and potato with mizithra cheese; or kalitsounia small cheese pies.
Contact Tassos at Miliá if you have any questions before booking your peaceful retreat rural accommodation Crete: www.milia.gr
Rural Accommodation Crete Kalithea Villa - Pemonia, Chania
Pemonia is a village in the Apokoronas region of Chania, an area well-known for its natural beauty and the diversity of the genuine Cretan countryside. Chania offers its visitors many opportunities for ecotourism and alternative tourism in the rugged, unspoiled Cretan countryside, in the mountains or on the beaches.
This small but picturesque mountain village has remained unspoiled through the ages, far away from any form of tourist exploitation.
The village is 26 kms from the city of Chania, at the foot of Lefka Ori. It sits exactly between Chania and Rethymnon, and a mere 1.5 kms from the main road axis of Crete, which runs from Chania to Heraklion.
The warmth of the mountainous scenery and the mild Cretan winters make Pemonia an ideal destination for winter getaways; at the same time, its proximity to the picturesque beaches of Kalyves and Almyrida, only 9 km away, and the endless beaches of Georgioupolis, 8 km, provides an alternative solution for wonderful summer visits.
At the end of the village, a private road leads to the panoramic location of the Villa Kallithea. Rural Accommodation Crete is proud to present Kalithea Villa.
Καμάρες - Kamares Houses
Rural Accommodation Crete presents Kamares Houses. Located in the hills and sweeping valley in the village of Machairoi, the Kamares Houses are 23 km from Chania and 40 km from Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece.
Kamares Houses are in a beautifully restored Venetian monastery in the traditional village of Mahairoi, full of Cretan history and character, in an area of natural beauty. The restoration has combined traditional architecture and modern quality facilities.
Such a small and beautiful retreat is perfect for sanctuary in the hills of Kriti. To quote from the website:
This is the place where you will be reconciled with your dreams. The inner courtyard of Kamares. Overwhelmed by the harmonious combination of simple things.
The sweet smell of jasmine and lemon blossoms. Friendly shadows cast upon the whites slabs of the courtyard by the perennial arches leaning against the mountain.
The soft melody of the murmur of the mulberry, locust and fig leaves. Uncountable stars in the night. A brilliant sun. The joyful flutter of the swallows. The calm sleep of the roving cat on the front doormat. The invigorating sea breeze blowing on the plain and cooling the courtyard.
The furniture in Kamares was designed by your host Roula, following patterns from the local museum of folklore. Each piece has been hand made by local craftsmen of cypress wood, marble and iron. Your host Kostas has hand-forged the iron work and grown the cypress in his family’s woodland.
Congratulations to Roula and Kostas for their wonderful creation. Rural Accommodation Crete is proud to include the Kamares retreat in our selection.
More information at www.kamares-houses.gr
Rural Accommodation Crete House Margot, Palekastro
Located in the charming village of Palekastro are the apartments House Margot. Perfectly positioned in far eastern Crete to explore numerous historic sites and beaches, this is a simple family-run pension with good Cretan hospitality.
Palekastro is a traditional Cretan village located just 2 kms from the lovely beaches of Kouremenos and Chiona, 20 kms from Sitia and 90 kms from the capital Agios Nikolaos.
6 kms from the village is the beautiful and famous Vai Palm Forest and Beach, a paradise on the tip of Crete’s eastern coast.
Close by is the spectacular Zakros Gorge and one of the prettiest beaches in Crete; Kato Zakros.
The Papadakis family have kept their apartments small, there are two only, with capacity for 6 and 8, surrounded by lovely gardens. The family provide personal care and beautiful tasty local food, made from their own produce. Rural Accommodation Crete is proud to present this lovely pension in Palekastro.
Rural Accommodation Crete
Villa Amalia, Palekastro, Lasithi
The east of Crete is often forgotten by travellers and tourists alike. It remains essentially Cretan…the Greek way of life runs smoothly on each day, with minimal disturbance by hire cars and tour buses.
This is wonderful for those wanting to get away from it all, lovers of open space looking for calm on the beach, solitary trekking or shorter queues at the historical sites.
Rural Accommodation Crete presents Villa Amalia, which is 2 kms from Palekastro Village, perfectly positioned to take advantage of the views over olive groves to the sea.
The beaches nearby are sandy with excellent water quality; exploring Kouremenos, Karoumes, Vai, Itanos, Makrigialos and Xerokampos beaches will fill those summer days…
The villa, designed by the owners with individual flair and an eye for detail is a collection of small buildings with a modern yet traditional feel. Archways perfectly frame the view or the entrance to the courtyard, creating small personal spaces for relaxing.
Lush gardens with tropical flowering trees surround the villa, as do working olive groves with rough tracks down to the beach.
Amalia and Giorgos built the villas and offer the very best of local knowledge and guidance to all their guests, chatting and filling visitors in on the secrets of eastern Crete.
Apartments fully equipped for families and self-catering, as well as double rooms, are offered, and excellent hospitality and cleanliness standards always.
For those looking for active holidays, there is great trekking nearby in the fascinating gorges of Zakros and Chochlakies, and the Pelekita Cave for exploration.
Windsurfing is very popular here; a professional team runs the show at Kouremenos beach.
We congratulate Amalia and Giorgos on their beautiful villa and are proud to present Villa Amalia here at Rural Accommodation Crete.
There is plenty more to come about rural accommodation Crete...if you have any suggestions or questions please let us know on our Contact Us safe form...
On the property is a full Cretan taverna with meals prepared from fresh local produce, and an atmospheric kafenion, just like a village, where you can sit and discuss and talk and philosophise with friends.
The Mourtzanakis Residence is located 7 kms inland from the beach, in the hills overlooking some of the most beautiful coastal bays on the north of Crete.
13 rooms or guest houses are offered, each one is unique. All are lovingly restored and simple. Candles are used at night. Time slows down.
