Villa in Crete
9 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
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About this villa rental
Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Villa Samitos can accommodate up to nine guests comfortably. The three-storey property has an interior area of 180 square meters, a large living room, kitchen and dining areas, three bedrooms (comprising double and single bed options) and three bathrooms. Capacity may be extended to ten guests.
Villa Samitos is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the villa exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.
Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40 minute drive south of Rethymno town, Villa Samitos is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).
The interior of the villa comprises many traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen, central heating, air-conditioning and modern appliances. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and the living room features a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.
The villa comprises a large terrace with outdoor dining area, and separate balconies adjoining two of the bedrooms. All have superb views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida and Mount Samitos.
Villa Samitos is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.
Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Villa Samitos is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.
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.
Children
For youngsters and the young at heart, Villa Samitos has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.
Your stay
On your arrival, owner Manolis Papadakis will be there to welcome you. Highly knowledgeable of the property and the area’s rich history, Manolis will be delighted to share with you the story of the house, his family and the Amari.
Villa Samitos has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From the building’s earliest times it was a place where neighbours and the community met for joyful gatherings. Wanting to reflect this valuable heritage, the owner has decorated the villa with unique pieces of embroidery made by his mother and grandmother, and has kept many of the antique objects and furniture of the original house.
These delicate pieces keep alive the traditional character of the house - precious heirlooms that take us back in time, and remind us of the villa’s rich history.
The garden around villa contains many flowers, aromatic herbs and trees. Guests can feel free to pick the garden’s produce which includes almonds, lemons and pomegranates.
Your journey to the Amari
Heraklion and Chania airports are approximately 100km from the village of Amari, and a journey by car from either will take not much more than 90 minutes. While the Amari valley is serviced by public transport car hire is strongly advised. The owner can provide recommendations for car hire providers at Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Pick-ups from either airport can also be arranged.
Villa Samitos is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the villa exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.
Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40 minute drive south of Rethymno town, Villa Samitos is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).
The interior of the villa comprises many traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen, central heating, air-conditioning and modern appliances. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and the living room features a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.
The villa comprises a large terrace with outdoor dining area, and separate balconies adjoining two of the bedrooms. All have superb views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida and Mount Samitos.
Villa Samitos is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.
Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Villa Samitos is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.
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.
Children
For youngsters and the young at heart, Villa Samitos has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.
Your stay
On your arrival, owner Manolis Papadakis will be there to welcome you. Highly knowledgeable of the property and the area’s rich history, Manolis will be delighted to share with you the story of the house, his family and the Amari.
Villa Samitos has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From the building’s earliest times it was a place where neighbours and the community met for joyful gatherings. Wanting to reflect this valuable heritage, the owner has decorated the villa with unique pieces of embroidery made by his mother and grandmother, and has kept many of the antique objects and furniture of the original house.
These delicate pieces keep alive the traditional character of the house - precious heirlooms that take us back in time, and remind us of the villa’s rich history.
The garden around villa contains many flowers, aromatic herbs and trees. Guests can feel free to pick the garden’s produce which includes almonds, lemons and pomegranates.
Your journey to the Amari
Heraklion and Chania airports are approximately 100km from the village of Amari, and a journey by car from either will take not much more than 90 minutes. While the Amari valley is serviced by public transport car hire is strongly advised. The owner can provide recommendations for car hire providers at Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Pick-ups from either airport can also be arranged.
Amenities at Villa Samitos: elegance and tradition in undiscovered Crete
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of Crete
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsGuests had an amazing time at Villa Samitos, praising the helpful hosts, delicious food, beautiful views, and peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended for a relaxing and fulfilling stay.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jun 2024
We spent a week at the villa and it was truly wonderful and everything we had dreamed of for a “week of relaxation in a beautiful, authentic Greek village in a very quiet area.” A few things made it wonderful:
-Manolis and Mrs Rumy could not be more helpful and ready to help. Manolis waited for us late into the evening our first night so we could meet and he could show us his amazing villa. Mrs Rumy brought the delicious food we had pre ordered. Manolis was helpful and available throughout our stay, providing taverna and day trip recommendations.
-the villa is spacious and incredibly relaxing. Our favorite “activity “ was hanging out on the terrace, which is accessed through French doors in the living room, looking at the gorgeous view of the valley and listening to the goats.
-beautiful walks around the village and in the nearby woods.
Our time in Amari and Crete was the highlight of our trip which included some other amazing places; Santorini, Thessaloniki and Athens. One last thing about Amari-very few tourists!! We liked that :-). I can’t recommend Villa Samitos enough and we hope to return.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Oct 2023
A five star hotel pampering and treatment by the host Manolis. He left us with many regional delicacies, gave useful tips and precious information helping us make beautiful discoveries. The exceptional services of Mrs Rumy who cooked and delivered all our suppers. Delicious Cretan dishes from her elaborate and refined menu. If we could give Manolis 6 stars, we would. We will always remember Amari valley with astonishing mountains, pure air, natural spring water and sheep bells tinkling. The view from the terraces were just perfect and the historic property renovated with absolute taste. We came from Québec, Canada looking for Cretan taste of life and we found it here. Thank you Manolis and Mrs Rumy for your wonderful hospitality.
Andrée and family
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2023
This was our second stay at Samitos though we have stayed at the sister villa Idi several times.
Refurbished by the family whose parents and grandparents originally owned and lived there the layout and decor retains all the rustic charm but
provides every possible modern comfort and convenience.
The villa is spotless and is maintained by the housekeeper who lives on site.
Mrs Rumy ( the housekeeper ) provides a personal cooking service if required and her dishes reflect all the local produce and are delicious.
Amari itself is a very quiet village but amenities can be found a few miles away at Agia Fotini and many local merchants visit Amari offering fresh bread fish and other local products.
Communication with the host Manolis is both regular and informative-he goes out of his way to provide information and advice regarding both the local area and further afield.
We cannot recommend this property highly enough and thank Manolis and Rumi for their care and attention during our most recent stay.
5.0 / 10.0·May 2016
This house has a soul. It is both really beautiful and extremely convenient.Manolis and Roumy are very welcoming and helpful. Roumys cooking is great and the prices are very reasonable for in-home service.Its the perfect place to stay in Crete with your partner, family or friends either you want to relax in a quiet village or you want to explore Crete (Since it is right in the middle of Crete).
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(10 Ratings)
Guests had an amazing time at Villa Samitos, praising the helpful hosts, delicious food, beautiful views, and peaceful atmosphere. Highly recommended for a relaxing and fulfilling stay.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
