Villa in Crete
14 guests · 5 bedrooms · 6 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area
About this villa rental
This house invites you to enjoy its elegance and nobility and to share with it the gifts of the beautiful garden and the sense of the tranquility. On leaving the house, you will feel emotionally and mentally richer. Arethousa proves that a house is not only a place to live in, but can also change your senses and make your spirit gentle and sweet. It is one of the noble houses of Melidoni, a village rich in architecture and history. It is construction to be preserved, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture, and was restored in the 2005 under its supervision. It was the owner’s Christina Hatzidakis’, birthplace, built 200 years ago and its decoration bears her sensitivity and taste. It is a house that gives you a feeling of love.
The nearest airport of Heraklion (HER) is located 50 km east of the villa, while the port of Rethymnon lies at a distance of 29 km.
The airport of Chania (CHQ) is another 90km to the west, that is a 1 hour 30 mins drive. A car rental can be arranged to pick you up at the airport and drive you to your villa. Perama is at a distance of 3 km and the traditional village of Panormo with the beautiful restaurants near the sea is at a distance of 9 km/10 mins drive!
There are some interesting excursions you can go in Kastri, Melidoni and the outskirts. The distances and routes are shown on the map in the webpage.
The gardens area is 2000 sq.m. Inside the garden there is a kiosk, BBQ area, beautiful plants, fruit trees and many corners to relax. There is also a 50 sq.m adult swimming pool and a 12 sq.m children’s swimming pool which can also function as a hydro massage, providing you with serenity.
The nearest beach of Bali lies at a distance of 6 km, it is sandy and offers many opportunities for water sports. There are also quiet locations for guests to enjoy the beach without being annoyed by nearby jet-skiers or water-skiers. The sandy beach of Panormo offers you a second choice for your swim near the area. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in the area also!
The nearest airport of Heraklion (HER) is located 50 km east of the villa, while the port of Rethymnon lies at a distance of 29 km.
The airport of Chania (CHQ) is another 90km to the west, that is a 1 hour 30 mins drive. A car rental can be arranged to pick you up at the airport and drive you to your villa. Perama is at a distance of 3 km and the traditional village of Panormo with the beautiful restaurants near the sea is at a distance of 9 km/10 mins drive!
There are some interesting excursions you can go in Kastri, Melidoni and the outskirts. The distances and routes are shown on the map in the webpage.
The gardens area is 2000 sq.m. Inside the garden there is a kiosk, BBQ area, beautiful plants, fruit trees and many corners to relax. There is also a 50 sq.m adult swimming pool and a 12 sq.m children’s swimming pool which can also function as a hydro massage, providing you with serenity.
The nearest beach of Bali lies at a distance of 6 km, it is sandy and offers many opportunities for water sports. There are also quiet locations for guests to enjoy the beach without being annoyed by nearby jet-skiers or water-skiers. The sandy beach of Panormo offers you a second choice for your swim near the area. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in the area also!
Amenities at Luxurious villa with private private heated pool & spectacular views
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Crete
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsThe property offers a beautifully restored villa with vintage-style furniture, modern amenities, and a gorgeous pool. Owners are friendly, responsive, and the location is ideal for large groups.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Nov 2025
Fantastic villa with wonderful views. Very responsive and nice hosts.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
What a stunning property - much bigger than we were anticipating -we had a fantastic stay. Rooms are huge, beds really comfortable. Pool and pool area is clean and well kitted out for loungers and umbrellas. Kitchen has everything you might need. Outside is a huge marble table with barbecue and pizza oven. Maid cleans twice a week - we had a couple of problems (a shower head and a light bulb) both problems where dealt with quickly by the owner. The owners are so helpful and super friendly - we had a huge welcome pack which was really appreciated after our late evening arrival - owners came to meet us an showed us around the property - nothing was too much trouble. Small shop in village great for bits. Lovely friendly restaurant with good food.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2025
We had a wonderful experience staying at this villa! The property manager met us at the house upon our arrival and helped us get settled. She even left us with food and treats to welcome us. The house had plenty of space for our party of 8 and had room for the teenagers to have their own rooms. Each room had its own bathroom and air conditioning. The pool was wonderful and we spent a lot of time in it. The villa is within close walking distance to the small village of Melidoni where we enjoyed the restaurants and stores. We visited the local olive oil farm and the Melidoni Cave monument, both of which were great. I highly recommend staying at Villa Arethousa—you won’t be disappointed!
5.0 / 10.0·Aug 2017
I have just celebrated a special birthday and wanted to be out of the country for it! I had a vision of a beautiful villa in a picturesque setting situated in a traditional Cretian village where I would celebrate with my extended family. Nothing flashy but I wanted somewhere well appointed and very comfortable. Villa Arethousa is all that and more .. we were all enchanted by it. The photos on the website dont actually do it justice - the garden is much bigger and the path leading from the villa to the pool area is a beautiful walk, with vines and flowers... Great pool and lounging area with the best views ever. Hard to leave and go sightseeing. There is a lovely courtyard at the back where we had drinks before my birthday meal. Great to sit if you want to read quietly or to just imbibe the ancientness of the villa! Well equipped kitchen, lovely bedrooms - nice lounge and snuggy alcoves! We were a family of nine, including our 20 something kids and their partners. They all loved the villa and were happy to just chill. I think the villa would suit all ages. Antonis arranged for a lovely lady to prepare my birthday meal at the villa- beautiful cretian dishes and tons of it! Highly recommended..I hope this review doesnt sound too gushing but I actually cannot reccomend the villa highly enough. If you want some quality togetherness with friends or family in a spectacular setting then you will love it. Best hols ever!
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(44 Ratings)
The property offers a beautifully restored villa with vintage-style furniture, modern amenities, and a gorgeous pool. Owners are friendly, responsive, and the location is ideal for large groups.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
