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Where to Stay on Crete Traditional Homes

Where to stay on Crete Traditional Homes - here we share some of the most beautiful places to stay on the island, taking in the cosy architecture of blue and white and stone and wood.

Many of these doors are blue, reflecting the shimmering, bright and simultaneously deep blue of the Mediterranean.

These traditional homes are homely and welcoming, you just know when you enter you will receive great hospitality and a cup of coffee. Some are stunningly located, some are romantic; all of these images capture the imagination.

This Greek architecture is all about human scale homes.

Where to stay on Crete Traditional Homes

Where to stay on Crete Traditional Homes - A spray of bougainvillea dresses the doorway, or a plant pot, an archway of stone or ironwork.

Houses of stone, white-washed or natural, doors of old wood or freshly painted new wood, doors quietly beckoning us. Some doors which have seen better days, they may have stories to tell.

These special moments in time invite us to walk through the doorways and experience the lives which are lived behind these doors...as you wander exploring the lane ways of Greece, you will find such doorways, ideally proportioned, beautiful homes showing the spirit and character of Greece.

Chania

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. Use airport CHQ.

"A little paradise in a forgotten Cretan village. The house is very quiet and offers plenty of space. The pool is definitely a plus. The owners are extremely helpful and friendly and do everything to give their guests a top holiday. They're superhosts!"

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Rethymno

Meronas Eco House is located 32 km from the Rethymno on the outskirts of Meronas in Central Crete. Manolis and his family have restored this old village home with loving care and invite guests with the same love and care to share their way of life and village seasons. With beamed ceilings, large open fireplaces and rustic courtyard, you will be relaxing and drinking the local wine in no time. Central western Crete - use airport CHQ.

"Amazing wonderland, with fabulously generous host. Fabulous place, charming enchanting property with scented private courtyard, great mountain views from the roof terrace, and a labyrinth of rooms beautifully filled with authentic vintage pieces of village life from the Amari valley's past. Fabulous in every way, Free parking nearby, situated right next to the village spring/fountain. Exceptionally generous hosts, who has restored this property, and who brings fruit, tomatoes, eggs, fresh village bread or pies, olive oil and home made wine. Surpassed our expectation."

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Heraklio

Kritikies Cretan Houses - in Pitsidia - in a small village in the south of the Heraklion region. Come here to write your next novel, your first novel or beautiful love letters. Come here to experience village life, take a quiet coffee in the cafe, and enjoy the rhythm of life in Crete. Welcomes 4 guests in cosy comfort. Central Crete - use airport HER.

"Excellent, well-built, traditional accommodation with very beautiful Cretan traditional decorations. Very good spot. Beautiful private courtyard with vines and bougainvilleas and outdoor shower. Very well equipped kitchen and bathroom."

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Lasithi

The Sitia Windmill, an authentic stone mill now remodelled into a cosy holiday home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a private garden accommodating 4 guests. Enjoy Sitia, Vai Beach, Palaikastro, Kato Zakros and many other beaches easily from this location. Best to rent this accommodation with a vehicle. Eastern Crete. Use airport HER.

"A peaceful stay in a lovely location. It had a lovely view and was very peaceful. It was furnished beautifully and the beds were comfortable."

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In the Old Towns

Fagotto Art Residences - within the walls of the old town of Chania

The Fagotto Art Residences are in a traditional home that has been tastefully restored, each of the stone walls tells a story. Tucked away at the western edge of the old zone of Chania, near Fort Finca, this pension is just a stroll from your morning cafe on the harbour. Use Chania airport CHQ.

"Great small hotel. Beautiful historic building in excellent location. Kind and attentive staff."

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This is a lovely little pension with only four rooms and a relaxing rooftop lounge, in a beautifully renovated characteristic building. Pension Eva represents very good value for the popular old quarter of Xania. In walking distance from the limani, the maritime museum and located right on Zambeliou Street. This is a very clean and character-filled pension in an ideal location, on one of the best pedestrian shopping streets in the old zone. Use Chania airport CHQ.

"Exceptional. It is located in the most charming part of the city. The terrace on the top floor is perfect for a morning coffee. Staff was very friendly and always willing to help."

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Veneto Boutique Hotel - we love the old town of Rethymnon with its winding narrow streets and stone archways. The ochres and browns leave soft colours on the eye and warmth in the heart. So it is with the Veneto. A beautifully restored, characteristic historic building, with only 10 rooms and family-run, the four-star Veneto with its atmospheric restaurant is a true Cretan experience right in the heart of old Rethymon town. Use Chania airport CHQ.

"Luxury in an historic building at prime central location. You cannot wish for more character: situated in a 600 year old monastery, you enjoy spacious and beautifully designed luxury suites at a prime location connecting you to the best area of the old town."

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Casa dei Delfini in the old town of Rethymnon

For a mid-range price, enjoy the narrow old lane ways of the Old Town of Rethymno whilst staying at the Casa dei Delfini. In the very centre of the old zone, surrounded by great shopping, boutiques, jewellers, this stylish accommodation is close to the Rimondi Fountain, Nerantze Mosque and the Archaeological Museum. Use Chania airport CHQ.

"Would recommend. Warm welcome with useful advance information on parking. Lovely spacious mezzanine style room with private outside terrace, comfortable bed and very good shower. Good breakfast. Loved the sympathetic conversion to modern living whilst keeping the feeling of open spaces."

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More about Greece

More about the Greek islands - most of the beautiful doorways above are found on different Greek islands, where the architectural style of the houses differs from island to island...here you will find the Greek houses of your dreams.

More about Athens, the capital of Greece - as you may need to stopover in Athens, we provide tips to get you enjoying this capital of chaos, amid the hustle and bustle you will find Plaka, a village like area at the base of the Acropolis, with historic houses and archaeological sites sitting atop one another.

Where to stay on Crete Traditional Homes

Rethymnon in Crete has many beautiful doorways complete with ironwork and ornate architectural features such as arched or straight lintels, and examples of Italian renaissance columns such as the Corinthian, Ionic, Doric, Compound and Tuscan.

In Arkadiou Street of the Rethymnon Old Town, you will find many fine examples of this architecture, some beautifully restored and fully functional, some like the one at 25 Radamanthyos Street, falling down in decay.