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Rural Hotels in Heraklion

Small Rural Cottages & Studios

Rural Hotels in Heraklion

More about the region of Heraklion

We have chosen for the most part small, family-run cottages, agro-tourism villages, guesthouses, pensions and B&B's with local character, if they are 1 km from the beach they are considered 'rural' because our beach pages cover accommodation houses just walking distance to the beach.



Villa Archanes
Archanes Village

Villa Archanes

Rural Hotels in Heraklion - Villa Archanes

The village of Archanes is located just 14 km from Heraklion town and 7 km from Knossos. Surrounded by fields of low vines, there are many quality vineyards to visit, not to mention the historic sites such as Festos and Malia within Heraklion prefecture alone. The location is central to the whole island of Kriti.

“The staff was so polite…Vasills and Eleni are wonderful! The houses were so authentic. Simply perfect.”



Katalagari Country Suites

Katalagari Country Suites

Katalagari Country Suites are just a short drive from Archanes village, the only hotel close by, as the village life lends itself more to small villas and traditional homes.

These beautifully styled suites in a small cluster of just 14 rooms offer a pool and restaurant serving traditional Cretan cuisine.

"This is a wonderful and relaxing place. The structure and the room are very nice. The location is wonderful with the view on the wineries valley and 20 minutes from the Heraklion airport. From here you can easily go to everywhere in the Heraklion region (Knossos Festos, Malia, Matala etc.) by car. The breakfast was great. The people are very friendly."








Mourtzanakis Residence, Crete
Mourtzanakis Residence - breakfast table

Rural Hotels in Heraklion

Mourtzanakis Residence - is located 7 km inland from the beach, in the hills overlooking some of the most beautiful coastal bays on the north of Crete, in the small village of Achlada, which means 'place of the pear' in Greek.

Created by Marcos and Smaro to represent the traditional Cretan house, the eco tourism accommodation is perfectly set for rambles in the olive groves, for walks on the region's historical paths to ruins.

This is a relaxed setting just minutes from Heraklion town, port and airport, where you will find the Cretan hospitality alive and well.

The Mourtzanakis family have created a serene setting for travellers to soak up the wild and tranquil mountains of Crete.

With a love of tradition and Crete's wonderful heritage, they have created Mourtzanakis Residence in the traditional Cretan cupoid style perched in the wildflower-scented hills of Achlada, overlooking the bay of Agia Pelagia.

Satellite TV, air conditioning, a pool with a view and wi-fi internet are all at your fingertips, but you may find that you will resist using them and simply have a break from the fast pace of everyday life.

Soak in the deep and revitalising tranquility of these rugged Cretan hills with their sweeping views of the sea, while the gentle winds of Crete carry your worries and stresses away.

Natural stone, resplendent and clean white wash and earthy wood surround you in this modern yet traditional residence, fusing the best of Cretan beauty, simplicity and function.

Conveniently accessed via country roads off the northern National Road, Achlada is only 25 km from Heraklion.

Catering for couples and families alike, Mourtzanakis guesthouses are an ideal retreat for your Cretan holiday. Only a short drive from the beautiful beaches and cafes of Agia Pelagia.



Rural Hotels in Heraklion
Pension Aretoussa, Pitsidia

The village of Pitsidia is 65 km from Heraklion in the central south of the island, in the Messara valley.

Pension Aretoussa Pitsidia Crete
Pension Aretoussa Crete
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Pension Aretoussa - this small family-run pension in a tiny village in the south of Crete is inland from many beautiful beaches and just minutes from the famous archaeological sites of Phaistos, Gortys and Agia Triada. The pension is sweet and homely, surrounded by flowers, greenery and a garden. There is real hospitality here, at a good value price. There are simple rooms, air conditioning and home-cooked breakfasts. The Spinthakis family will look after you. This is a small place with 15 rooms, allowing for friendliness and personal service.

Nearby is the unusual and beautiful Matala Beach with tavernas, cafes, plenty of shopping and supermarkets. Also nearby is Kommos beach, Kokkinos Pirgos and many others of the southern coasts, overlooking the Libyan Sea with sunsets every evening.



Arodamos Guesthouse, Krouson, Livadi Plateau

Arodamos Traditional Guesthouse, Krouson Heraklion
Arodamos Traditional Guesthouse, Krouson Heraklion in spring

Rural Hotels in Heraklion - Arodamos Guesthouse - this family-run traditional Cretan home away from home is located 33 km from Heraklion on the fresh Livadi Plateau in the foothills of Psiloritis.

Here your whole family will be greeted by Yannis and Irini Tsikandilaki and treated to a real experience of Cretan farm life, with all modern comforts.






Nivritos Traditional Homes

Nivritos Traditional Homes
Nivritos Traditional Homes

Nivritos Traditional Homes - in the nearby village of Nivritos you will find these lovingly restored village houses. Choose from a 1 bedroom apartment or 2 bedroom apartment, both with modern amenities. Live like a local. 4 km from Zaros on mountain road.

"A very nicely reconstructed traditional house. Spacious, clean and equipped with everything needed for solo travelers who don't like all inclusive. Nivritos is a quiet and peaceful mountain village with narrow streets."



On the Map

Choose from Rural Hotels in Heraklion by location with this map:




Getting Here

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.




Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.


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