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Rural Accommodation Crete

Rural accommodation Crete...cottages where the real character of the island is hidden.

Crete is a large island 260 by 60 km with large mountain ranges, wide open plains, rocky gorges and hundreds of beaches. When you step away from the beachside resorts and head into the hills, you will discover a myriad of welcoming hamlets and villages.

Chania - West

Rethymno - Central West

In the mountain villages, rolling vineyards, olive groves and tiny seaside hamlets, you will find simple stone houses or recently built villas, constructed in the traditional style with all the comforts of the modern world.

Below are our suggestions - with options to suit the budget or mid-range traveller, our selections include:

small
atmospheric traditional cottages
villas
guesthouses
and pensions

Select your accommodation by location on the map below

Chania in the West

Elia Guesthouse in Ano Vouves - courtyard

Cottage Accommodation Chania including:

Spitaki Little House in Kaloudhiana
Stamatogiannis Traditional Apartments
Milia Mountain Retreat
Christo's Place in Anidri
Manoli's House in Douliana
Elia Guesthouse in Ano Vouves
Samonas Villas in Samonas

Rethymno in the Central West

Traditional Homes in Rethymnon including:

Meronas Eco House in Amari Valley
Dalabelos Farm in Angeliana
Casa Cantico in Margarites
Enagron Ecotourism Village in Axos

Heraklion in the Central East

Guesthouses in Heraklion including:

Villa Archanes in Archanes
Katalagari Country Suites near Archanes
Mourtzanakis Residence in Achlada
Arodamos Guesthouse on Livadi Plateau
Aretoussa Pension in Pitsidia
Nivritos Traditional Homes in Nivritos
More guesthouses here

Lasithi in the East

Where to Stay in Eastern Crete including:

Orpheus' Call Villa
Aegean Ode Villa
Eleon Villa in Elounda
Phaea Blue Palace Resort & Spa in Elounda
Sitia Windmill
Terra Minoika Boutique Resort in Kato Zakros

Colourful village street in Archanes, Crete

Rural Accommodation Crete - where the real island character can be found

Rural Accommodation Crete

Rural Accommodation Crete - you will find friendly local hospitality in the small communities of Crete, where there is a proud tradition of welcoming guests. Philotimi is the Greek word roughly translated as hospitality, but meaning so much more. Truly the Cretans are known for their generosity and warm-hearted inclusion of travellers.

Village life - experience the natural Crete, see the herbs growing, wander in the olive groves and taste the local produce, from olive oil to wine and fresh fruits.

This is also the opportunity for the village to share its history, its speciality and its wares. Be it pottery, woven cloths, honey or raki, each village has something to offer.

Take some time and you will be made to feel welcome and start to unravel the mysteries of this wonderful island. This is the true meaning of the modern word 'agrotourism'. Sharing in the agricultural riches of the island.

Some of our cottage selections are close to the beach, some are well and truly inland; high in the mountains. Some traditional houses have evolved into an ecotourism resort, which means that there are a lot of activities for you to experience the local nature and customs of Crete.

Wellness and Spa accommodation in Crete - world class retreats and resorts for you to unwind, relax and restore your health.

Take your pick, perhaps combine a country experience with visits to the beach, or choose the mountains for some great trekking experiences

See the locations on the map below

Retreats

Rural Accommodation Crete - a yoga, detox or wellness retreat in Crete will give you an opportunity to live in a green and restorative location in Crete, finding your health and bliss in its wide open spaces.

We have highlighted two retreats below in rural areas of Crete, some near the beach, some in the hinterland, which give you an opportunity to experience a local village.

6 Day Meditation, Yoga and Cacao Ceremony Retreat in South Crete - enjoy a small mountain village, views to the sea, fresh air, yoga and meditation and quiet in the rural retreat near Amiras village, located 63 km south-east of Heraklion town.

Villages

Rural Accommodation Crete - we encourage you to spend some time in the village, get to know the locals and get involved in the life of the island.

Each village is different, and you will be able to understand the culture from your neighbours and friends in the village, and learn the history of Crete in the kafenion or the 'University of Life' as we call it.

Here we are in the local kafenion. Discussing, listening and learning over a cup of coffee.

Which village will you choose? We have written about quite a few of the Cretan villages here, to help you decide. Eventually your accommodation might decide for you, so we have provided plenty of options all over the island - it is your choice.

In Chania - in the west

In Rethymnon - in the central west

In Heraklion - in central Crete

In Lasithi - in eastern Crete

Colourful village home in Archanes, Crete

The village of Archanes is very handy for visiting Heraklion and Knossos

Route Guides by We Love Crete

Route Guide - see our e-books which give alternative routes in the west and east of the island. Designed for self-driving by car or motorbike, independent travellers can, of course, amend these routes to suit their own timetable. These routes include many small villages and country roads. Get away from it all on the back roads. Plenty of tips for country accommodation, map and a step by step route to do in 5 days or as many as you like. Customise these ideas to suit your travelling style.