Rethymno

Rethymno is home to a spectacular, 12km golden sandy beach lined with bars, restaurants and tavernas offering mezes, fresh seafood and other traditional Cretan cuisine. Other glorious beaches, such as Marathi beach, are easily accessible by cruise.
On the northern coast of the island the historic town of Rethymno nestles around its charming harbour and Old Town, which owes its ornate monuments and elegant houses with balconies spilling over narrow, winding streets to the influences of Venice and the Turks. Parts of the harbour date back to the 1600s and the town is dotted with Byzantine and Hellenic ruins from an even earlier age. Rethymno is dominated by the impressive Fortezza Castle, built in 1590 to protect the town from pirates and the Turks, which affords spectacular views across the town.
This coast is famous as the nesting ground of the endangered Caretta-caretta sea-turtle, and if you are lucky enough to be here in May to September you may see these prehistoric creatures clamber ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. Dolphins and seals also live in these waters, and dolphin cruises depart from the port of Rethymno for a close-up view of these fascinating creatures.
Around Rethymno the hillsides are dotted with unspoilt villages reminiscent of another age. This is the old Crete, where goats and sheep take their place on the village streets and a diverse range of wildlife and birds live undisturbed amidst stunning scenery. Further inland is Mount Ida, or Psiloritis, at 2345m the highest peak in Crete. Crete is the most mountainous island in Europe and its dramatic mountain ranges are popular with hikers, mountaineers and gorge-walkers who come to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and the rich variety of flora and fauna.
Browse our selection of Premier Holidays villas in Crete; we have the perfect holiday for you, whether you prefer beachfront living close to the nightlife of Rethymo, or a more relaxed holiday in the surrounding countryside.

Agios Dimitros

Agios Dimitros is a quiet village but is superbly located to access the beaches and amenities of a number of villages, towns and resorts nearby. The village of Pigi is a short walk away and boasts stretches of golden sands and watersports as well as providing all the necessary shops, bars and tavernas to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable. For those seeking a more vibrant, cosmpolitan day or evening out, the historic port town of Rethymno, with its Venetian port, quaint Old Town and beachfront nightlife is only 10km away. We have 1 villas in Agios Dimitros.

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Armeni

A Mecca for those seeking the delights of traditional Cretan cuisine and delicacies, the historic village of Armeni is home to ancient Minoan ruins and is steeped in Cretan culture dating back centuries. Set in beautiful countryside, Armeni has a number of traditional tavernas and bars along its shaded main street, and is a peaceful and idyllic retreat only 8km from the nightlife and shopping of the bustling port town of Rethymno. Golden beaches and azure waters and the spectacular mountain scenery of this beautiful region are all within easy driving distance of this charming village. We have 1 villas in Armeni.

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Nea Magnesia

The picturesque village of Nea Magnesia offers a delightful holiday retreat within easy access of the shops and nightlife of the historic Venetian port town of Rethymno. A taste of traditional Cretan cuisine and wine can be found in the local tavernas and restaurants, the ideal way to unwind after a day of diving, water-skiing, horse-riding, paragliding or one of the many other activities available here, or simply the perfect way to end a day bathing in the clear Mediterranean seas that lap the sandy beaches of the historical seaside resort of Skaleta, only 1km away. We have 2 villas in Nea Magnesia.

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Prines

Prines is a small village situated above the bay of Rethymnon with fabulous views of the sea and The White Mountains. There is a traditional taverna serving local dishes with tables and chairs overlooking the small village square. Prines is within easy reach by car of the region's spectacular beaches and the attractions of the historic town of Rethymno and is an ideal base from which to explore the treasures of this spectacular region. We have 2 villas in Prines.

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Roustika

The charming village of Roustika is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets framed by arches, citrus trees and the blue skies of the Mediterranean. Attractions include the Church of Panagia and the museum of traditional costumes. There is a traditional taverna serving local dishes and there are further tavernas and restaurants in the village of Agios Konstantios only 2km away. Roustika is within easy reach by car of the region's spectacular beaches and the attractions of the historic town of Rethymno and is an ideal base from which to explore the treasures of this spectacular region. We have 1 villas in Roustika.

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Sfakaki

Nestled amongst olive groves, the village of Sfakaki is ideally located only 500m from the glorious, sandy Alkionis Beach. Although a smaller, quieter resort this charming village has a selection of family tavernas and bars and a four star hotel for more sophisticated dining. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and horse-riding and exploring the "real" Crete,, and there are archeological treasures to explore at the Sfakaki Monastery. The bustling port town of Rethymno, with its golden beaches, shopping and nightlife centred around the historic Venetian port is only 12km away. We have 1 villas in Sfakaki.

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Skouloufia

The charming, traditional Cretan village of Skouloufia is located only 17km from the shops and nightlife of the historic port town of Rethymno making this an ideal retreat from which to explore the treasures this region has to offer. Skouloufia has a mini-market and several café-bars and tavernas offering local fare and a relaxing ambience in which to enjoy a glass of the excellent local wine. The larger seaside village of Stavromenos, with its beach and a range of tavernas and supermarkets, is only 7km away. We have 3 villas in Skouloufia.