Unique Fairytale Magical Places to Stay in Crete

Kapsaliana Village Hotel is very central in the Rethymnon region. A magical, charming beautiful place - live the authentic traditional village experience. Stylish and modern, convenient as a base for walking, birding or sightseeing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options. Views to the sea, lovely local breakfasts and warm friendly service.

"An exquisite renovation of a piece of history! Beautifully restored. Each team member were so endearing and clearly really enjoyed their job. We felt very special and looked after at all times. An extremely charming experience."

Kroustas Windmill - this milo or windmill has been beautifully restored and created into the perfect quiet retreat.

Sitting high up in the village of Kroustas just 8 km from Agios Nikolaos and beaches, this is a romantic, tastefully designed dream escape in the Cretan mountains.

Giorgos says "Our traditional windmill dates back to about 1900 and it is located on the highest point of the traditional village of Kroustas, surrounded by a luscious garden covered in Cretan herbs. The panoramic views are ideal for moments of absolute relaxation and peace."

Saveriako Eco Farm is a paradise for relaxed free spirits. Just 2 km from Agia Pelagia on the north coast of Crete, close to Heraklion and Knossos. Chill out in a rural setting with quirky designs and up-cycling all around you. Different styles of rooms and accommodation are on offer.

Guests can enjoy meals prepared with organic products. Cooking classes can be are offered - arranged upon request.

“Excellent location - fantastic view - with great attention to detail and very thoughtfully designed accommodation - stylish sustainable, perfect facilities - great hosts - all the best!! Saveriako is a brilliant cook!!”

"The place where we felt most at home. The house is invested down to the smallest details. The pleasant breeze welcomed us on the balcony with a sea view. Close to the promenade, the supermarket and simple and pleasant beaches. The host is Italian with a knack for cooking and joie de vivre. Must order dinner with him!"

Fileas Art Hotel - this stylish yet quirky and fabulously arty hotel is located in the old town, close to the harbour, colourful lane ways, the folklore museum and the west walls. An elegantly renovated boutique hotel with only six rooms on three floors, it is just essentially romantic.

"This charming hotel is set right in middle of everything that truly matters in Chania, within walking distance of every attraction you might want to visit. The lady owner was so welcoming and helpful with every inquire we might have. Many thanks again for waiting us at a quite late hour in order to check us in. We shall definitively return!"

Casa Benavista - situated in the small lane ways of the friendly village of Kerasia just 25 km south of Heraklion, amongst rolling hills and olive groves, vineyards and valleys, is this home away from home. Welcoming 6 guests with ease, living here will give you an authentic experience of living like the locals. This is a regular agricultural village in the countryside. Get away from it all to feel the rhythms of village life in Crete.

Sokaki House is located within the village of Kaliviani, close to Chania. This beautifully restored village home is ready to welcome 4 guests in a 1 bedroom home. This entire holiday home provides a full kitchen, terrace and sea views in the most convenient location. Live like a local in this character-filled home.

The Sitia Windmill is located 5 km from town and is a real restored windmill, the modern touches creating a wonderful, unique atmosphere in which to enjoy your stay in eastern Crete.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, patios and terraces, full kitchen and dining areas, as well as extensive gardens and olive groves, this is a private, relaxing homey place to stay.

Just 18 km from Vai Beach and Palm Forest.

Villa Candice sits in the quiet village of Maroulas just 15 km from Rethymno in the central north of the island. This is a beautifully restored olive mill with sumptuous character, space, terraces and courtyard. This high quality villa gives a wonderful experience of traditional Cretan architecture whilst wrapping you in cosmopolitan chic. This villa welcomes 12 guests, and various rooms can be rented separately. Enjoy free parking and a lovely pool.

"Beautiful villa in a quiet spot just 15 min from Rethymno Town. Views were spectacular and the villa itself stunning. The village is beautiful with a few small tavernas for evening meals."

Manoli's House in Douliana is perfect for couples, completely private and self contained, surrounded by nature yet in a small village. Just 27 km from Chania town and 2.8 km from Kalives Beach in the west of Crete. Such a charming cottage, covered in vines.

Avli Lounge Apartments combine culinary excellence with ambience, a stunning enoteca and baraki. This exquisite combination of offerings shows the style of modern Kriti and her wondrous opulence, grounded by tastes and aesthetics centuries old. Do you want to experience the real Crete as the Goddess she is? 

Avli, meaning courtyard, offers the best of Cretan and Greek hospitality and the sheer love and appreciation of life. Fresh local produce, traditional food and quality service in a breath-taking location.

The House on Organic Orgon Farm is a short 24 km drive from Avdou in the surrounding valleys, and is a peaceful retreat perfect for a relaxing holiday. The house welcomes 6 guests, with views of the countryside and the village of Apostoli very close. 15 km from Knossos Palace. Manolis is a true Cretan host.

Karavostassi Stonehouse - this traditional stone house is 30 metres from its own little cove and minutes from the long sandy beach of Karavos in an isolated spot on Mirabello Bay in Lasithi. To the west of the house is another sweet private cove. This region of Kalo Horio – Istron has magic views of the wide bay and the mountains beyond.

This is a spot for those really looking for peace and quiet, away from the busy town of Agios Nikolaos but still only 10 km by car. Dive into the sea from your doorstep, or wander to the small village of Istron amongst the olive groves, only 1 km away.

Fairytale Villa Perivolia - this charming cosy B&B near Elafonisi in Chania is set for welcoming fairies and guests in comfort. Nestled in the mountains in the small village of Perivolia, visitors will experience the natural life of Crete with authentic abundance.

"Great room, very quiet small traditional village, exceptional hospitality and amazing welcome drink and breakfast. Booked it because I wanted to visit Elafonisi (30 min drive), but the B&B was in a small non touristic village so it was very quiet and tranquil in the evening."

Muazzo Stone House - an inspiring retreat for the independently minded. Located in the historic village of Pigi, just 8 km from Rethymno town.This villa is managed by Think Villa who say "We are bold trailblazers, rule-breakers, and creative visionaries who bring our own sense of style and unique personalities to each and every villa."

This villa welcomes 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and a private pool. Enjoy quality details throughout and a peaceful ambiance.

"A beautiful Cretan stone house in an authentic village. Loving decor and very nice hosts who respond to the wishes of the guests. Pool and garden with oranges and lemon trees, an oasis. Taverns, bakery and mini market around the corner. Beach about 2km away."

Stolidi Mou Treehouse - this romantic tree cottage accommodation is located in the rural village of Atsipopoulo near Rethymno. This 2 bedroom fairytale gem is built around a live oak tree. Gardens, terraces and balconies are all yours. A unique, restorative getaway! Who said living in a treehouse needed to be rustic? Chic modern comforts all around.

Stolidi mou means - 'my gem' and this place really is precious and glitters with ingenuity.

“The Treehouse is magical - never saw something like this before. Its like on the pictures, just awesome.  Very private, since the whole area is yours. Everything is clean and with great attention to detail. The garden is really nice - great lights and planting - The Whirlpool is great - The host is friendly and helpful - we got a food basket - Great place for marriage and engagement. Near to Rethymnon (12 min by car)."

KaliVie Farm House in a Bio Orange Grove near the market town of Moires in the Messara Valley. This comfortable home makes a great base for exploring southern Heraklion beaches, ancient sites and villages.

Irida's House - a charming countryside experience, nearby to the airport, just 6 km from the airport, away from town, on the Acrotiri peninsula.

This 3 bedroom house, with a spectacular view on the edge of a quiet village, is in between the five most popular beaches of Chania city; Stavros, Loutraki, Marathi, Seitan Limani and Kalathas.

This charming house combines luxury, elegance and fairy tale touches.

This accommodation is best visited with a car, you will be 8 km from Chania Old Town and in a good position to explore the west of Crete.

Windmill Studio - near the beach at Gerani, 14 km from Chania town, experience a stay at your very own windmill.

Anemo - wind - milos - mill.

This studio is named Anemomilos which simply means windmill. It is full of local character and charm.

"One of the most cosiest places ever! The owners are amazing and they will help you with everything you need! Amazing location and quiet, a really good place to rest and enjoy Crete! The room was super clean and big, comfortable!"