House

Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

Photo gallery for Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

Natural tranquility
Pure relaxation in the calm of Amari Valley
Face to face with Mount Psiloritis
The southern entrance
Overlooking the village and the valley

Overview of Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

10 out of 10 Exceptional
6 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 17320 sq m

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi

Check out the area

Rethymno, Crete
  • Popular LocationArkadi Monastery18 min drive
  • Popular LocationSpili Monastery19 min drive
  • Popular LocationPreveli Beach64 min drive
  • AirportHeraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)99 min drive

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 17)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon, 1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Amari Villas comprises two interconnected properties - Villa Idi and Villa Samitos - which date back to the mid 19th century. The property includes a swimming pool.

Amari Villas is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the property exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.

Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40-minute drive south of Rethymno town, Amari Villas is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church, with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).

The interiors of the Villas comprise a combination of traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with contemporary kitchens, central heating, air-conditioning, and modern appliances.

The two villas - ‘Idi’ and ‘Samitos’ (named after the mountains which cradle the village of Amari) comprise a total area of 320 square metres. Each has its own well-appointed kitchen and large living room with fireplace, and together provide six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Up to 16 guests can be housed comfortably in the villas, though additional capacity with extra beds is possible. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and each villa is supplied with a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.

Amari Villas’ swimming pool is part of Villa Idi’s terrace. With superb views to Mount Ida and across the valley, the terrace includes a BBQ and dining area. A second terrace, part of Villa Samitos, provides another larger dining area.

Amari Villas is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.

Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Amari Villas is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.

Guest services

The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests’ needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients - all from local suppliers. Prices for meals are available on request.

Children

For youngsters and the young at heart, Amari Villas has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from in each villa. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.

Your stay

On your arrival, owner Manolis Papadakis will be there to welcome you. Highly knowledgeable of the property and the area’s rich history, Manolis will be delighted to share with you the story of the house, his family and the Amari.

The Amari Villas property has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From the building’s earliest times it was a place where neighbours and the community met for joyful gatherings. Wanting to reflect this valuable heritage, the owner has decorated the villas with unique pieces of embroidery made by his mother and grandmother, and has kept many of the antique objects and furniture of the original house.

These delicate pieces keep alive the traditional character of the house - precious heirlooms that take us back in time, and remind us of Amari Villa’s rich history.
The garden around the villas contains many flowers, aromatic herbs and trees. Guests can feel free to pick the garden’s produce which includes herbs, almonds, lemons and pomegranates.

Your journey to the Amari

Heraklion and Chania airports are approximately 100km from the village of Amari, and a journey by car from either will take not much more than 90 minutes. While the Amari valley is serviced by public transport car hire is strongly advised. The owner can provide recommendations for car hire providers at Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Pick-ups from either airport can be arranged.

Property manager

Manolis Papadakis
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, Greek, Spanish
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Suitable for children of all ages.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests are kindly requested to smoke only outside.
Usual check in/out hours at 4.00pm/10.00am Any other hours possible (no extra cost), depending on current schedule of previous or following bookings
This villa might not be suitable for people of restricted mobility. There are stairs, no lift and no wheelchair access. Please, check with the owner.
The guests are encouraged to put all recyclable materials in the special bins provided at the property. The owner carries them to the collection point

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 24
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 1041Κ91002894301

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Amari

Located in Amari, this villa is in a rural area and on a lake. Arkadi Monastery and Eleutherna are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Psiloritis Trail and Horse Park Rethymno. Travelling with kids? Consider Rethimno Kart and Reptisland. Snorkelling and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cave exploring and mountain biking nearby.

What's nearby

  • Arkadi Monastery - 18 min drive
  • Spili Monastery - 19 min drive
  • Old Quarter - 20 min drive
  • Eleutherna - 30 min drive
  • Preveli Beach - 64 min drive

Getting around

  • Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis) - 99 min drive

Restaurants

  • Kissos Traditional Cafe - 21 min drive
  • Cafe ΓΙΔΟΣΠΙΤΟ - 21 min drive
  • Apsida Gerakakri - 8 min drive
  • Μοσχοβολιές - 5 min drive
  • Arkadi Café - 18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Platania Gorge, Old Quarter and Sacred Monastery of Arkadi. St. Anthony Patsou Gorge and Amari Dam Reservoir are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and quiet in a typical rural Cretan village
My husband and I, along with our adult children and their partners, rented both villas. Manolis, the owner, could not have been more helpful, arranging transfers, offering advice as to outings, restaurants etc and leaving us a wonderful supply of local produce on arrival. Whilst recently completely modernised, the villas have been in his family for four generations so old family photographs adorn the walls and his grandmother's embroidered cloths the tables adding a warm historical presence to the lovely architecture. The villas' position in the quiet and picturesque village of Amari allows for beautiful views and pleasant breezes with several different balconies for sun or shade as required, a small pool and BBQ area. Mrs Rumy is an unobtrusive and helpful care-taker plus an excellent cook. Three of the bedrooms have a mezzanine floor with additional beds which we didn't need but would be great for families with young children. Renting a car is a must as this is an out-of-the-way, unspoilt area. We highly recommend Amari Villas for a simple, relaxing holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful accommodation in a beautiful setting.
We have just enjoyed 2 wonderful weeks at Amari villas with our daughters and grandchildren. We had plenty of space and privacy - there were 9 of us--and the villas are well equipped and comfortable and beautifully traditional. We were welcomed warmly by our host Manolis who could not have done any more to make our stay better with excellent information on the locality and surrounding area. Mrs Rumy cooked delicious cretan food for us on request and looked after our every need- our granchildren loved her.We highly recommend this holiday property.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam N.

One of the great places to stay in Crete
Amari Villas has been converted into two very comfortable and very well equipped places to stay in one of the most beautiful valleys in the whole of Crete, Greece, Europe or the world. One of them has a swimming pool, the other has the most wonderful terrace looking over the olive groves, oakwoods and high mountain slopes of the Amari valley. Sit there for a few hours reading a book, listening to the songbirds, nibbling on some of Mrs Rumy's delicious spinach pies—she is the housekeeper of both villas—and I can guarantee you that you will never have felt quite so good about life and the world.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cliff D., Amityville

Fabulous Amari Villas
Amari Villas is the perfect place to spend a few days or a few months! The villas are perfectly located so as to visit the cities of Chania and Rethymnon on the north coast as well as seaside villages on the south coast. In addition there are several smaller mountain villages near the villas that are worthy of exploration. Manolis, the owner, is the perfect host. He is attentive in every way- from responding to emails and providing all kinds of information about the surrounding area. He provides a welcome package upon arrival- fruit, jams, coffee, tea, cheeses, bread, eggs and wine. His housekeeper, Rumy, is a gem. She will cook delicious meals for the group and is always on hand to answer questions and make sure your vacation is perfect. The villas themselves are very clean and comfortable with plenty of room for a large group (we were a group of 11 adults). The pool is a delight and kept sparkling clean by Rumy. There is a large balcony to accommodate everyone or smaller ones if privacy is desired. There are plenty of family-owned tavernas in the nearby villages with excellent food at reasonable prices. Banks, petro stations, ATMs, food markets, pharmacies - all available within a few minutes drive. We've stayed here twice and are looking forward to returning in the near future. It's the perfect vacation spot to explore beautiful Crete.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jack S.

Fantastikós
Wir waren 10 Tage zu 10nt in dieser tollen Villa. Sehr schön gelegen ,nah an schönen Wanderwegen. Besonders zu empfehlen sind die Kochkunste von Frau Roumi, unserer Haushälterin, die uns bei Bedarf mit grichischen Spezialitäten verwöhnt hat. Nochmals Danke an den Hausbesitzer, Herrn Manolis.

About the host

Hosted by Manolis Papadakis

Host profile image
Manolis is a construction engineer and lives in Rethymno with his wife Roula and two daughters. Fluent in English and Spanish, along with his native Greek, Manolis is delighted to offer his guests the opportunity to contact him at anytime by phone or email for questions and tips, before or during their stay.

Why they chose this property

Amari Villas has been in the owner’s family for generations. In his childhood, Manolis spent his summer holidays here with his “papou” and “yiayia” (grandfather and grandmother). Decades later, Manolis restored the building for the sake of those sweet summers and transformed it into one of Crete’s most delightful and sought-after holiday homes.

What makes this property unique

With spectacular views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida, and a location that guarantees peace and tranquility, Amari Villas offers guests that most elusive of experiences - a beautiful refuge in which to unwind and recharge, enriched by the traditions of "the real Crete".

Languages:

English, Spanish, Greek

Premier Host

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for