Villa Zevra

Villa Zevra is in traditional Atsipopoulo village on the popular Greek island of Crete. It oozes laid-back charm with its old buildings and friendly atmosphere. From the villa, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to local shops, supermarkets and tavernas. Atsipopoulo is also 5km from the charming north-coast town of Rethymno with its Venetian citadel of Fortezza, Venetian Harbour and Old Town. The harbour is filled with coloured fishing boats and lined with tavernas, bars and restaurants. Look out for freshly-caught seafood or classic Greek dishes like souvlaki (tender cuts of meat) and moussaka.

Culture lover? Get your fix at Rethymno Lighthouse (built in 1830) or get an insight into traditional life at the Historical and Folklore Museum with local crafts like textiles and ceramics. Visit the beautiful Venetian mansions in Arkadiou Street or relax with a coffee at one of the cafés.

You won’t have to walk far to get to the beach either – it’s right in the middle of town. Rethymno beach boasts a long 12km stretch of soft sand and shallow swimming waters. Bordering it is a promenade, and it’s just across the road from shops, cafés and restaurants for when you get peckish during the day. There’s also brilliant turquoise waters at the nearby beaches of Skinaria, Ammoudi and Damnoni, all located near Plakias village (about 30km south of Rethymno).

For adventuring further afield, the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi is about a 30-minute drive from Rethymno. The holy spot is a peaceful oasis of golden stone buildings and flower-filled courtyards. From here, you can walk through fields and meadows to the village of Pikris and stop for lunch.

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.