6-bedroom villa in Amari, sleeps 17

5.0 · 2 reviews Amari, Rethimno, Rethymno
Family-friendly
Hosted by Manolis5.0 · 2 reviewsVerified host · Managed with Cretico
  • 17 guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 5 baths
  • 320 m²

Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of Amari Village and a valley of unspoiled natural beauty, those Villas is a complex of 2 adjoining, interconnected houses which can accommodate 16 people. It is an ideal base to explore the undiscovered Crete for anyone who wishes to get away from the crowded touristic areas, yet being close enough to visit them. Carrying a family history of 150 years, the stone building has been fully restored offering a private pool and spectacular views.

The traditional, stone-built complex was once the owner's grandparents home. It started about 1.5 century ago, as a typical residence of Cretan farmers with just one room, storage and a small patio for a donkey and a few goats, but gradually expanded as the family was growing. It used to be the place where the owner spent every summer holiday of his childhood, with "papou" and "giagia" (grandpa and grandma). Today an engineer, he has restored the building for the sake of those sweet summers and transformed it into a holiday home.

Amari is a delightful, living, traditional village in the heart of Crete, enjoying a unique, direct environment of excellent climate. The villas are set at the top of the village, with marvellous views across the rooftops and away across the valley to the mighty Mount Idi. The elegant traditional furnishing and the family's handmade embroidery form a relaxing blend of calm and comfort. Staying here, one can feel the natural tranquillity as the scene is completed by the clear, transparent atmosphere and the sounds of nature. Watching the Mount Idi turning red during sunset and the moon rising over the valley is an unforgettable experience.

The entire property can accommodate 17 people in an area of 320sqm, with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Actually, it is 1 single building separated in 2 side by side villas. When booked together, they are ideal for large groups, as the design facilitates the communication between them, both from inside and outside. It is like staying in one big home. Free Wi-Fi and full air conditioning, in every room, is included. Each villa is very spacious and has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room with fireplace. Flat screen TV with DVD/home cinema and CD player (iPod compatible) is provided. The private swimming pool is surrounded by astonishing views and features BBQ facilities, outdoor shower and a romantic dining area, under the little oak tree. On the main terrace, there is a second comfortable dining area, for the entire group.

Regular changing of linen/towels and all cleaning services are included. Also, free beach towels, pool accessories, water toys and life jackets for kids and babies are provided.

GUEST SERVICES: The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests' needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients - all from local suppliers. Prices for meals are available on request.

A WELCOME TREAT with local and home made goods and wine will be waiting for you, upon arrival.

For kids (...and adults), you'll find toys, games, books, music and movies. For babies, we offer baby-cots and high-chairs, free of charge.

For your better information, we will provide maps and book guides for the entire area and our personal recommendations about food, daily trips, events and places of interest.

PRIVATE PICNIC AREA: Located in the nearby fields, the family owned "aloni" (threshing yard) is one of the last remaining in the area. A few minutes walk away from the villas, it is waiting for you to have a picnic under the shade of a giant oak tree.

What this place offers

  • Private Pool
  • Wireless Internet
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Safe
  • Dishwasher
  • Washer
  • BBQ
  • Fully Equipped Kitchen
  • Family, Kid Friendly
  • First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher

House rules

  • This is a non smoking villa. Smokers are kindly requested to smoke outside the house.
  • 15 euros/night (April-October)
  • 4 euros/night (November-March)

Where you’ll be

Amari, Rethimno, Rethymno

Nearby

North and south coast beaches
25 to 35 km
Tavernas in neighbouring villages
2 to 10 km
Police station (Amari)
200 m
Monastiraki Minoan palace
2 km
Amari Green Festival grounds
2 km
Agia Fotini (petrol station, pharmacy, supermarkets, medical centre, post office)
6 km
Ancient Syvritos (Thronos)
7 km
Veni Monastery
10 km
Arkadi Monastery
15 min drive
Ancient Eleftherna
23 km, 30 min drive
Rethymno
37 km, 45 min drive
Preveli monasteries
55 min drive
Phaistos and Gortyn
1 h drive
Heraklion Airport
100 km, 1 h 35 min drive
Chania Airport
100 km, 1 h 35 min drive

About the area

Amari village lies at the centre of the Amari Valley, in the heart of Crete, one of the few places on the island where the genuine spirit and way of life of Crete are still alive. Untouched by mass tourism, it is one of the most picturesque villages in Crete, with interesting architecture and deep tranquillity.

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The old bell tower, the symbol of the area, stands right beside the villa on a rock where a Venetian castle once stood. The village has two small museums, a kafeneio on the main square in the shade of pine trees, a taverna, a playground and a basketball and volleyball court, and it is safe and friendly, with very little traffic. Walks lead through the fields to seven Byzantine churches from the 13th century, and a path from the village climbs Samitos (1,050 m, about 1.5 hours, easy).

The valley lies between Psiloritis (Ida), the highest mountain in Crete at 2,456 m, and Kedros, both Natura 2000 protected areas crossed by the E4 path. Nearby are the Patsos Gorge with its waterfalls, the Platania Gorge, Potamoi Lake, a stopover for migrating birds, the Minoan palace at Monastiraki, ancient Syvritos near Thronos and the abandoned Veni monastery. The hosts keep guests informed of local activities, from cheese making with the shepherds and the olive harvest to the village festivals: Easter, the Amari Green Festival in the last week of July and the Amari Village Festival from 22 to 25 August.

The area is famous for its cooking, based on olive oil, wild herbs and local produce, with many tavernas in the neighbouring villages 2 to 10 km away. Agia Fotini, 6 km away, has a petrol station, pharmacy, supermarkets, a medical centre and a post office.

From the middle of the island the north and south coasts are both 25 to 35 km away: the sandy beaches of Rethymno in 25 to 45 minutes, and Plakias, Preveli, Damnoni, Triopetra and Matala in 45 to 60 minutes. Rethymno, the nearest city, is 37 km away, Ancient Eleftherna 23 km, and Arkadi Monastery, Phaistos and Gortyn are within an hour. Heraklion and Chania airports are both about 100 km away, and a hire car is essential.

Greek tourism registration: MHTE: 1041K91002894301

5.0· 2 reviews

  • Crete villa These remote villas were the perfect thing for our weekend in Crete! The views from the villa are outstanding and the villa itself is beautiful, a big thank you to Emmanouil and Mrs Rumy for being so helpful and welcoming! We will definitely be back :)

  • Perfect Summer Holiday We have just returned from a fantastic summer holiday at the Amari Villas. We rented Villa Idi as a stand alone villa for part of our stay and Villas Idi and Samitos together when we were joined by friends and their families during our stay. Amari village is located in a dramatic and beautiful landscape with amazing views from both villas. The setting is peaceful and allows for complete relaxation. Both villas are superbly equipped and have been designed and refurbished to an extremely high standard. Amari has a Kafenion in the square visible from the Villas, there is a Taverna 5-10 minutes away at Meronas which is extremely friendly with great food and service. We have stayed in rented villas in Turkey, Spain, Italy and France over the past twenty years. What really sets Villa Amari apart is the brilliant information and advice from Manolis (who was very flexible with our varying group sizes and arrival times) and the housekeeper, Mrs.Rumy who lives in an apartment below Villa Idi. As well as looking after all our needs (advice on where to buy bread, vegetables etc.), she cooked us some fabulous meals and supplied very drinkable red and white wine as and when required. Thank you Maniolis and Mrs.Rumy for making a fantastic stay even better - we will be back!

€480 / nightAdd dates for the total

Firm, 60 days cancellation: 100% refund 60+ days before check-in, 70% refund 45 to 59 days before check-in, no refund within the final 45 days. See the refund policy