Villa Monastiria

Villa Monasteria can be found nestled in the countryside in the quaint village of Tria Monasteria, near the town of Rethymno, on the north coast of the Greek island of Crete, in the Aegean Sea. The villa is seventy kilometres drive from Chania International Airport. Whether you are looking for a relaxing time sunbathing on sandy beaches, yearn for some culture and visit archaeological sites in the cradle of civilisation, or trek the trails through the local flora and fauna, before dancing the night away, there’s something for everyone with a holiday on the island of Crete.

The villa is near to the village of Tria Monasteria, where you will find local shops for provisions, and family-run bars and restaurants to sample some traditional Greek dishes. The best local beaches include Missiria, Pervolia, Adelianos Kampos, and Preveli Beach, with its magnificent pine forest. A six-kilometre drive will take you to the old town of Rethymno, with its Venetian harbour, winding streets full of souvenir shops, a sixteenth-century citadel, and an 1830s lighthouse. Visit the Archeological Museum and the Historical and Folklore Museum, before enjoying an ouzo and some freshly caught seafood in a seafront taverna. For those who love walking, explore the island’s three hundred caves, and hike over hillsides, streams, and rocky ravines to discover watermills and ruins. Stop along the way at a local winery and taste the fruits of the many vineyards. If you prefer the sea to land, all aboard a boat trip, where you can snorkel or scuba dive to underwater ruins, or put on your jet skis or paraglide at one of the many water sports clubs. An hour’s drive along the scenic coastal route will take you to the town and port of Heraklion. Take a tour around the ancient Palace of Knossos, visit the Archaeological Museum, and walk along the Venetian walls to the old quarter, where you can shop for souvenirs, before enjoying souvlaki and retsina, and live like a local.

Go further afield to Vai, Crete’s easternmost tip, where you will find lush forests and a unique date palm. Explore Psychro Cave, reputedly the birthplace of Zeus, and rock climb Mount Ida to find the Ideon Cave. Sitia Geopark is three hundred and fifty square kilometres of the island’s diverse eco-system, where you can trek through gorges, bathe on beaches, walk the wetlands, bird watch, and be at one with nature. Hike the Richtis Gorge, and stroll through streams to reach the twenty-metre waterfall, where you can cool off in the inviting pool. Find peace and solitude in the fifteenth-century Toplou Monastery, where you can see beautiful Byzantine icons.

Take a boat tour to visit the intriguing island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony and home to a Venetian fortress, it is now an open-air museum. No visit to Crete is complete without a trip to Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town that uniquely houses a lake in its centre, and is home to an Archaeological Museum, full of Minoan treasures. Stroll its charming streets packed with shops, cafes, bars, and tavernas, in which to sit and watch the local life go by.

Read more about Rethymno

On the northern coast of Crete, Rethymno is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Greece with such a rich heritage and exquisite Venetian mansions.

The old town is simply enchanting. Fall in love as you wander along flower-filled lanes with architecture from the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman Empire eras. Shop to your heart’s delight admiring local crafts, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs, then cool off with a drink in a café on a pretty square lined with olive trees.

Take time to explore the Venetian fortress overlooking the old town, admire the 17th century Rimondi fountain with its flowing water, walk up to the 19th century lighthouse, then stroll along the Venetian harbourfront where seafood specialities and other Cretan dishes are served in such a picturesque setting.    

The 12km long blue-flagged city beach is a hive of activity in the summer months with watersports, sun beds, parasols, beachside bars and restaurants. Discover more remote shores a short drive from Rethymno such as Petres and Kamari Beach, both much-loved by keen snorkellers, or the iconic small bay at Spilies Beach with turquoise coloured sea.  

Embrace the authenticity of Sfakaki, a charming seaside village only 10km from Rethymno with an idyllic beach that sometimes attracts loggerhead turtles in the summer. Pass eucalyptus trees, olive trees and wild herbs until you reach Monastery of Saint George (Arsaniou) for a peaceful experience overlooking the sea. Further south, the Arkadi Gorge is in an incredible area for hiking, ending at the stunning Monastery of Arkadi.

Meanwhile, appreciate more wild landscapes a short distance from Rethymno as well as ancient Cretan villages. Climb the pathways of the incredible Melidoni Cave, especially welcome in the heat of the summer, or venture to Mili Gorge with its ancient mills, little waterfalls and rare flora. The old village of Margarites is famed for its Byzantine churches, Venetian houses and, since the Ottoman empire, pottery production – it makes a lovely day out only half an hour from town life in Rethymno.