Crete

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Within walking distance of Gouves beach and a short drive from Heraklion, this villa's location and facilities make it shine. The large garden is equipped with a barbecue area and private pool, and the downstairs game room with billiards is great for families. There are no bedrooms on the ground floor here, so guests with limited mobility may be better off looking elsewhere. But with a kitchenette as well as the main kitchen and more bed space than guest space, there's plenty of room for everyone.

Serenity on the Island

Located in Rethymno along the north coast of Crete, this sun-soaked villa is perfectly suited for an endlessly relaxing stay with large groups of friends and extended family. Whether you're a beachgoer or a poolside sunbather, this crowd-pleasing pad is a great option. 

Whitewashed walls and luscious greenery are parr for the course these days, but it's the fenced-off private pool, complete with sun loungers, pergolas, a terrace dining area, barbecue and summer kitchen, that really caught our eye. We can think of nothing better than filling your time with long alfresco lunches and early-evening sundowners out on the terrace, while the children splash about in the pool or play on the outdoor toys, kindly provided by your host. 

Stepping inside, you'll find a vibrant pink colour palette, playful wallpaper prints and high vaulted ceilings that make for a lovely, sociable space to play games and cosy up on chillier nights (a rarity here, we know). A pool table and separate games room ensure fun-filled evenings, whatever the weather. And if you can peel yourself away from this beautiful villa, Rethymno town and Stavromenos Beach (a 7-km drive away) are great trips out for all the family. 

Pink at Heart

The sweeping coastal views from this newly-built villa may be heaven-sent, but it’s the lengthy pool and stylish sun terraces which are getting us hot under the collar. An excellent choice for two couples sharing, each bedroom has direct access to the wraparound panoramic balcony and an en-suite shower room to kickstart your day. Location-wise, the centre of Elounda and its wide sandy beach and seafront restaurants are just a two-kilometre stroll downhill –⁠ and you can always hop in a taxi on your way back home later. 

The Gods Give

Soak up the brilliantly blue views from this stellar holiday home. It sits up high, overlooking the incredible Elounda Bay – but the prime position is not the only elevated thing about this home. It's been created to ensure every guest can enjoy pure relaxation – there's a multi-level outdoor area with plenty of space for each guest to soak up the sunshine, including from the stunning freeform infinity pool, as well as the covered dining terrace where you can sip cocktails at sunset. Inside the home is stylish and modern, yet still retains a ton of traditional Cretan charm, with its whitewashed walls and built-in furniture.

Apollinia

Oozing a laidback Greek Island tranquillity and a certain unmistakable charm, this gorgeous stone house on the popular holiday island of Crete, just outside the bustling resort town of Platanias, is perfect for groups of friends, families, or couples looking for a low-key escape to the almost guaranteed sunshine. 

Feel the stress simply melt away as you recline by the lovely pool, prepare delicious Cretan-inspired dishes in the contemporary kitchen to be enjoyed poolside on the shaded veranda, or make your way into Platanias itself to take advantage of the array of shops, cafes, bars, and authentic tavernas with a lively atmosphere. The choice is yours, and this place is all about options. 

In contrast to the traditional exterior of the home, the interior feels bright, modern, and open, and is brought to life by splashes of colour which really add to its character. We especially love the blend of old and new in the lovely living room, and think the striking fireplace makes a wonderful centrepiece. 

Should you want to venture further afield, then the otherworldly waters of the Balos Lagoon is less than an hour's drive away – ranked among the twenty-five best beaches in the world, it is well worth a visit – while the pretty town of Chania is just fifteen minutes away by car.

Sunflowers & Stone

A few metres from the Venetian Walls, this apartment grants you easy access to the heart of the city. Here you'll find a balcony for your downtime and an open-concept living space, great for itinerary planning. Having one shower between eight guests means waiting your turn, and there's no lift to take you upstairs. But this home is all about location. Don't feel like cooking? There are plenty of restaurants at hand. As for sightseeing, you can walk to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Odyssey in Blue

One of four brand-new villas, this luxurious home is an excellent choice of holiday home for family or friends. It’s in a beautiful spot in peaceful Pigianos Kampos, with a private fenced garden and access to a private beach just 50 metres away. 

Your days will be spent stretched out on a sun lounger beside the private pool or on the white sand beach – your only difficult decision here will be whether to swim in the pool or the sea. Children will love having their own playground to run around in, while grown-ups will adore the hot tub – it’s the place to be as the sun is setting. 

Ask the friendly gardener to help you choose some fresh veg in the vegetable garden, and prepare an alfresco feast on the barbecue. This is a calm place to stay with a relaxing atmosphere – you’ll never want to leave. 


Sea Shore Garden

Enjoy a true taste of luxury with a stay at this bright and elegant apartment situated in the heart of the lovely coastal town of Rethimno. You’ll be able to take advantage of all the comforts on offer here, as well as benefiting from the home’s prime location within walking distance of the old town and the idyllic beaches.

Come up the stairs and enter to be greeted by a light-filled and stylish open-plan lounge area, with plenty of comfy spaces for kicking back and relaxing. The well-equipped modern kitchen invites you to rustle up delicious meals – why not get inspired by Crete’s fresh ingredients and the proximity of the sea and create a true feast for your loved ones. You’ll be able to savour it indoors at the dining table or outside on your private patio, where comfy seats await. 

After a hot day in the sun, you’ll love cooling off in the private spa pool – while not big enough for swimming, we think it’s a wonderful spot to share a chilled bottle of Greek wine. 

Later, head over to the plush bedrooms for a night of restful sleep. Factor in the two sleek bathrooms, including one with a luxurious bathtub, and you’ve got everything to make your stay here a memorable one. 

Outside your home, you’ll find yourself moments away from Rethimno’s many attractions, as well as countless shops, markets and restaurants. 

Moonlight Serenade 

Settle into this coastal hillside villa, and revel in the long summer days from your perfect little terrace and private pool. Soak up the sunshine on one of the lounge chairs, before cooling off with a dip or a massage under the waterfall feature. After a refreshing swim, dry off for an alfresco lunch under the shade of the pergola – complete with a barbecue and a covered seating area, it's the ideal spot for lazy mezze platters or big Greek feasts come evening. 

With beautiful panoramas over Almyrida and its green terrain, we can think of no better place to end a lovely day than out on your private balcony with a glass of wine and a bowl of olives to tire you over. Whether you're looking for a Cretian romance or a small family break, the multi-level space promises an intimate stay without feeling on top of one another. 

While you could understandably spend all day outdoors, step inside your home to find a comfortable open-plan living area with modern furnishings and a sleek fireplace to keep things cosy on chillier nights. Through to the bedrooms, where you'll awaken to the beautiful sea and natural landscape views. Each having its own ensuite, there will be no need to queue for the shower, so you can get ready for a fun-filled day at the beach. 

Speaking of, take an eight-minute walk down to the shores of Almyrida Beach, boasting a range of popular seafront tavernas and laidback bars. The charming fishing village is also easily reachable from your villa on foot if you're looking to eat out in town. 

Phaedra's Hideaway

Fancy a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean sea each morning? Follow the short 10-metre private path, and from here, you'll have direct access to its crystal waters. Those who prefer to spend their days in a more luxurious setting stay by the sparkling swimming pool equipped with its own sunken bar and lounge area to enjoy instead.

Lounge out on the day beds to soak up the sunshine, or head up to the viewing platform for not only the best panoramic views in the house looking over the glimmering bay but – a scenic spot to work on your fitness routine (as there's gym equipment installed for prime viewing time). 

For the competitive type, why not play a game of petanque in the garden before firing up the wood-burning pizza oven for an evening spent in good company? 

As you transition into the house, natural stone floors flowing from indoor and outdoor living spaces create a social setting, whether you prefer to be out in the sun or amidst the cool and shaded interior. Get comfortable on the cosy couches and admire the art installations that inject style and sophistication into the contemporary setting.

With the quaint village of Plaka just a two-minute drive away and the nearest sandy beach reachable in five minutes – this place boasts both comfort practicality. Oh, and we can't reiterate enough those magical, swoon-worthy views. 


Lifted Spirits

Feeling blue? This sea-facing villa has unbeatable balcony views over the Gulf of Heraklion for alfresco dining. The outdoor living space sells itself by boasting a waterfall-featured infinity pool and a jacuzzi. Hidden gems await indoors too, including a home gym, a wine cellar, plus a room to accommodate a nanny or housekeeper. Down a 180-metre-long path, you'll find a private beach tucked away from the world, but guests with reduced mobility will discover the sands of Panagia a short drive from here.

Sunlight & Sapphire

Stay in this renovated home, and you’ll be in the heart of the beautiful old Venetian town of Chania. We love the 360-degree views of the old town, the iconic lighthouse and the sea from the large rooftop terrace – it’s a rarity for this type of house and a wonderful spot for a glass of wine at sunset.

Inside, the bright living room, with its stone arch and beamed ceiling, is very atmospheric. Take a seat on the sculpted wood sofa here, choose a book from the shelves, and relax.

There’s a fabulous farmers’ market every Saturday in the neighbourhood, while bars and restaurants are all within walking distance of this home. If you fancy a day on the beach, the nearest is a ten-minute stroll away.


Venetian Owl

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