Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less) Corporate bookings
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised
Notes:
Pets welcome Suitable for children Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
Villa Athena is a beautiful luxury traditional stone built three bedroom villa located on a hillside, approx.200 metres above sea level: with spectacular views of the sea and White Mountains.With its own private pool and gardens it has all the ingredients for a very relaxed holiday; but with Rethymno being only a ten minute drive away you are spoilt for choice of where to eat and drink. It is five minutes walk to the village of Prines which also has its own tavernas and shops. You can be greeted at the villa upon arrival if you so wish , if not then somebody could meet you the following day to discuss any questions that you may have.
LUXORY STONE VILLA
POOL
LOWER TERRACE
UPPER TERRACE
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/9868
The Crete region
Climate The climate of Crete is probably the mildest in Europe. The strong northwesterly wind, the meltemi, moderates even the hottest months of July and August. Rainfall is rare during the summer months. Autumn is Crete's mildest season, when temperatures are often higher than in spring. The mountains that run across the island act as a barrier to the weather, often creating different conditions in northern and southern Crete.
At the end of World War II, Crete began reconstruction while the rest of the country was embroiled in a civil war. Due to this period of peace and also due to its favourable climate, the island became one of the most prosperous areas of Greece with agricultural products becoming a mainstay of Cretan economy.
Today, tourism provides another economic boost to the island. Infrastructure built in the last twenty years accommodates this latest influx of foreigners. The superb climate and diverse beauty of the island beckon to visitors from all over Europe.
Sightseeing:
Chania Set over on the west coast, the former capital of Crete, Chania, is an idyllic Venetian town dominated by soaring mountains. You'll never tire of wandering through its back streets behind the port as there's always something interesting to see, be it a Turkish fountain, a crumbling Renaissance archway or even ancient Minoan stonework. Wherever your path leads, you’re sure to encounter local women sitting outside doing their embroidery and in the more frequented streets you’ll discover a host of shops selling jewellery, ceramics, textiles and leather goods.
Knossos Palace Situated 5km south east of Heraklion, Knossos is Crete’s most important archaeological site and the second most visited place in the whole of Greece after the Acropolis. The jewel in this ancient crown is the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Embark on a mythical journey as you learn the story of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth and unlock the secrets of the ancient Minoan civilisation. In Heraklion itself, meanwhile, you'll find the impressive Archaeological Museum, boasting the world’s greatest collection of Minoan art.
Samaria Gorge No trip to Crete is complete without a visit to the breathtaking Samaria Gorge National Park, situated in the southwest of the island. Offering majestic views of the most spectacular landscape in Crete, an abundance of rare plant species, and a glimpse of the elusive Kri-Kri (Cretan goat), you’ll be truly captivated by this 16km long gorge, often claimed to be the longest in Europe.
Rethymnon The romantic old quarter of Rethymnon draws visitors, siren-like, from all over the world with its charming assortment of winding, narrow streets, Italian facades and Ottoman architecture. The town’s central location makes it a perfect place from which to explore the rest of the island, including beautiful Amari, in the heartland of Crete, and even the more remote villages on the south coast like Plakias and Frangokastelo.
The Gulf of Mirabello The Gulf of Mirabello has the most incredible scenery along the whole northern coastline of Crete. It has everything to offer from picturesque towns to stunning harbours, and for those interested in history there is no shortage of ancient sites to visit in the hills behind the gulf. Those who just wish to relax can find a variety of small secluded coves or sandy beaches lined with tavernas.
Villages of the Apokoronas The district of the Apoloronas is one of the greenest on the island, backed by the spectacular White Mountains and dissected by numerous little springs and brooks. Traditional inland villages based in the foothills of the White Mountains ooze charm and character and will make you feel most welcome, but for those who can't resist the call of the ocean, wonderful sandy beaches can be reached within minutes by car.
Loutro This beautiful southern coastal hideaway is only accessible by boat, making it perfect for lovers of beauty, tradition and peace. There are no cars here, no nightlife and no organised tourism. Loutro is one of those rare places that visitors look for but very rarely find, a perfect peaceful haven, boasting only a few tavernas which offer some of the best cuisine on the island and the chance to discover your own hideaway amongst the delightful rocky coves.
Rethymno / Prines area
Atsipopoulo is situated just 5 km south east of Rethymnon and has, like the other neighbouring villages, a long history and is known for its magnificent architecture; this is in no small way due to the Venetians, who inhabited the area from the 14th to 17th century.
Today Atsipopoulou remains one of the most beautiful villages on Crete, not least because the inhabitants were quick to realise the value of its architectural features. These have been restored so that the village retains its appearance and grandeur of Venetian times.
Visitors are sure to be enchanted by the neighbourhood. Courtyards and entranceways, bearing dates from the 17th and 18th century, the village churches and other buildings invite you to spend some time here.
In the village one can find several shops, cafenions and tavernas
The town of Rethymno represents a place of contrasts, boasting a long and remarkable history as well as untouched places of natural beauty and living traditions. This small Mediterranean town will enchant you with its centre dating from the period of the Renaissance, its fortress and museums as well as its beaches, not to mention a visit to the wider area of the Prefecture. Where to begin is a difficult decision to make: In the picturesque villages, the areas of natural beauty, the caves, the beaches or the mountains? The inhabitants will becopme your friends. They will offer you a glass of "tsikoudia" and invite you to their home.
How to get there
Fly to either Chania 72km. or Heraklion 78km., both about an hours drive to Villa Athena. There are many charter flights available April-October but Easyjet fly from Gatwick -Heraklion and are very reasonable depending on how far in advance you book. thebestcars.gr seem to be the cheapest car hire available and they operate from Heraklion. There is a bus service available to Rethymno from both airports whereby a taxi can be used for the short journey to the villa(7 euros) max.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Chania or Heraklion: 76 km
Ferry:
Rethymno: 5 km
Activities near Rethymno
Sports: Watersports Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats A winter sun break Good nightlife
Facilities
Luxuries:
Jacuzzi / Hot tub, DVD player, Sea view
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Safe, Satellite TV
Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Villa Athena is of stone built constuction (wallsof 0.5mtr.),the inside temperature stays cool during those hot summer days, so air-con. is not necessary.The kitchen is fully fitted with everything that you would ever need. A welcome pack will be awaiting your arrival consisting of esssential groceries along with beer and wine . Satellite T.V. is also a feature of this villa. The lounge has a leather suite and the whole villa is centrally heated for those winter months. There are also a selection of D.V.D.s' and C.D.s' plus some some board games to keep you amused in the evening if you want a quiet night in rather than night clubbing. The master bedroom has en suite facilities and double doors leading to the large upper terrace where you will be mesmorised by the stunning views. In the bathroom on the lower level you will find the jacuzzi.
Further details outdoors: The pool is 8mx4m ranging from 1.2m-1.6m deep.(pool toys also) There are two terraces at this villa, outdoor furniture is of high quality (4 sunbeds, umbrellas,tables, and chairs). The outside lighting is very romantic,so enjoy that bottle of wine before bedtime. A large Weber BBQ is provided.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
AUGUST
1 Aug 08
1 Sep 08
895£ 895
0-
0-
1 Week
SEPTEMBER
1 Sep 08
1 Oct 08
750£ 750
0-
0-
1 Week
OCTOBER
1 Oct 08
31 Oct 08
680£ 680
0-
0-
1 Week
MARCH
1 Mar 09
1 Apr 09
567£ 567
0-
0-
1 Week
APRIL
1 Apr 09
1 May 09
743£ 743
0-
0-
1 Week
MAY
1 May 09
1 Jun 09
776£ 776
0-
0-
1 Week
JUNE
1 Jun 09
1 Jul 09
825£ 825
0-
0-
1 Week
JULY
1 Jul 09
1 Aug 09
985£ 985
0-
0-
1 Week
AUGUST
1 Aug 09
1 Sep 09
985£ 985
0-
0-
1 Week
SEPTEMBER
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
825£ 825
0-
0-
1 Week
OCTOBER
1 Oct 09
1 Nov 09
748£ 748
0-
0-
1 Week
101
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
25% deposit secures booking, remainder to be paid 8 weeks prior to commencement of holiday
Cancellation charges:
Less than 8 weeks 50% deposit
6 weeks 55% deposit
3 weeks 80% deposit
2 weeks 95% deposit
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/9868
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/9868
Print this page
E-mail to friend
Share / Post this
Be aware of time-zones
