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With a prime hilltop position close to the Cretan coastline, this villa is treated to some truly stunning views. In one direction, the Aegean Sea glistens underneath the sunlight, while the island's mountainous interior rises high behind the home.

As you would hope, there are plenty of spots where you can marvel at this gorgeous landscape. The balconies off two of the bedrooms, plus the terrace, offer great vantage points with some seating, but you can also appreciate the locale while gliding gracefully through the swimming pool. The double-height windows in the living room mean that heading indoors doesn't mean shutting yourself off from the outside world, either.

Built only in 2009, there's a luxurious feel to the interior, with chic furnishings, a large minimalist kitchen and spa-worthy bathrooms. There's an exercise bike and running machine in case you want to keep up with your workouts, as well as an outdoor tennis court shared with neighbouring villas.

Although there's plenty to keep you content at the address, Paralia Macherida is only seven minutes' walk away when you fancy a spot of sunbathing and sea-swimming. The village of Stavros in which iconic scenes from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek were filmed takes ten minutes to reach in the car, while the historic city of Chania takes half an hour.

Hasapiko Steps

Set on a remote Cretan hillside, away from the high rise hotels and built up beaches, this villa is a sanctuary for relaxation and joy. You will be floored by the breathtaking views of the coast, which you can enjoy while taking a dip in the expansive infinity pool. There are plenty of deck chairs and outdoor spots where you can relax and soak up your surroundings, and come evening there’s nothing better than a sunset barbecue for dinner beneath the pergola (perhaps followed by a little ouzo). 

Your host is on hand 24/7 to assist with anything you might need: there is the option to have a private chef, as well as boat and yacht tours, massages and transportation, so you need not lift a finger during your stay.

The villa is down the road from Kokkino Chorio, a traditional Cretan village with a smattering of beautiful churches, a handy supermarket, and local tavernas serving traditional Greek fare. You are less than a kilometre from stunning coastline, where there are many pristine beaches and cave systems to explore by boat, including the famous Elephant Cave, a diving spot for the intrepid amongst the group. This is the kind of villa you will want to return to for years. 

Ariadne's Nectar

Arriving at this hilltop sanctuary, you’ll find it hard to take your eyes off the views. Overlooking the northwest coast of Crete, this is the perfect opportunity to switch off and savour the magic of coastal living. From leisurely swims in the private pool to restorative sessions in the home spa, every detail has been considered to inspire optimum relaxation. There is also a gym, a pool bar, a children’s playground and a concierge service offering extras like a private chef and massage treatments. At full occupancy, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed, but this is a great option for families travelling with children. It’s also worth noting you will need a car to get around here, but it’s just a ten-minute drive into the heart of Chania, while the nearest beach is less than twenty minutes away. 

Out of this World

Perched upon a hill overlooking Chania Bay, this sublime villa lets you live the life of luxury on the Cretan coastline. 

As you might imagine, it's an address at which you'll be able to spend countless hours in the great outdoors, whether that's in the olive tree-filled garden or while gliding gracefully through the swimming pool surrounded by loungers. As well as that, there's also a tennis court that's shared between a few neighbouring villas, plus an exercise bike too — no excuses for not keeping up with your fitness routine, then.

Although the exterior is impressive enough, the home doesn't disappoint inside, either. Huge glass windows and doors let in bountiful amounts of natural light, which is accentuated by the cooling palette of sleek whites that dominate the design. The furnishings throughout are simple yet chic and the spa-ready bathrooms are another bonus.

When you're looking for ways to fill your time, you don't have far to go to reach the beach — Paralia Macherida is a seven-minute walk, in fact. The town of Stavros is ten minutes away in the car for when you want restaurants and a shop, while there's a wider choice in Chania, which takes half an hour behind the wheel.



Poseidon's Trident

With impressive views of Mount Ida, this villa offers a comfortable retreat between Crete’s mountains and coastline. Situated within a complex of holiday homes, you may experience some noise from other guests, but the private pool, barbecue area, and terrace will make you feel like you’re in your own oasis. It’s a practical pad with all the mod cons you’ll need for a fuss-free stay. When you’re ready to explore the region, you’ll find hiking trails, natural caves and sandy beaches within a short drive. 

The Dawn of Olympus

Set just a short walk from the beach, with various bars and restaurants nearby, this Heraklion apartment couldn't be better placed. It's ideal for couples after a relaxing getaway with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. Note that the kitchen is small, though it's perfectly suitable for preparing breakfast and lighter bites. But the real standout here is the private balcony boasting sea views, which serves as a lovely spot for evening aperitifs before heading into town for supper. 

Goddess In White

Stunning sea views, direct access to the beach and a private heated pool – this home welcomes you to enjoy it all from its privileged spot in Vathi. Located within an exclusive resort, this a great option for those seeking a relaxing getaway, whilst also enjoying access to a spa, fitness area and tennis courts alongside a range of restaurants and bars. And while you could spend your entire stay at home (hello room service), it’s just a ten-minute drive to Agios Nikolaos and a little further on to the charming fishing village of Elounda.

Blue of the Horizon

This villa showcases views of Psiloritis, a mountain considered to be the birthplace of Zeus. While the fuss-free design inside may not be fit for a Greek god, the garden is sure to impress. A private pool is perfect for sunny days, and there are balconies and sun loungers where you can sit back and take in the rural scenery. Location-wise, you're in a prime spot for discovering Crete. The famous Bali Beach is 35 kilometres away, while hotspots Heraklion and Rethymno are about a 50-kilometre drive. Closer to home, explore Sfentoni Cave or the pretty village of Anogia.

The Sun of Zeus

You’ll find this contemporary villa a mere 600 metres away from Ammoudara beach – so, sinking your feet into the golden sands is a breeze. Made for outdoor living, spend your days enjoying alfresco meals, topping up your tan on the sun-drenched terrace, or swimming lazy laps in the pool. Fancy exploring further afield? There's a selection of shops and restaurants within walking distance, or hop in the car or on the local bus (the stop's a mere three-minute walk away) and take a day trip to Heraklion. 

Cretan Bliss

This beautiful home can be found perched on the side of a cliff looking over the coast of Crete. If sweeping views and magnificent sunsets are your thing, you’ll love this villa. 

As you swim in the infinity pool, your eye is drawn to the bay below, where yachts cruise by and small fishing boats bob in the distance. From the villa’s elevated position, the views are spectacular – at sunset there’s no better place to be than on the terrace with a cocktail. The poolside terrace has plenty of comfy seating, so you’re all set whether you like to lie out in the sun all day or prefer to read in the shade. The pergola provides shade over the outdoor dining table too, making your alfresco meals an absolute delight. There’s a barbecue and an outdoor kitchen – you might like to book a private chef to prepare a celebratory dinner. 

The villa’s interior is just as stylish, and the view can be admired from the open-plan living and dining space. When you wake up in the morning, you can roll out of bed and straight onto a balcony. Perhaps you’ll enjoy an early-morning yoga session – with only the view for an audience, it’s the perfect spot for it. 

There are plenty of beaches within easy reach of the villa. Drive six minutes to Koutalas for a quiet day on the sand. For a more action-packed beach trip, Almyrida is just eight minutes away. Try your hand at windsurfing or paddleboarding before enjoying lunch at one of the seafront restaurants.  


Crete Dreams

Situated in the village of Kounoupidiana, a fifteen-minute drive from Kalathas Beach and around thirty minutes from the heart of Chania, this home is ideal for those seeking a quiet place to rest and recharge. There’s a balcony and terrace for refreshments on a warm afternoon and a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for recreating Cretan dishes. The bedrooms are comfortable and offer plenty of storage space, making an extended stay even more tempting.

Wild Chamomile

This luxurious villa offering knockout vistas of Souda Bay is a perfect family escape for those who value quality design and practicality. Outside, the lengthy swimming pool has a baby pool section for little ones to splash about safely, while a sunken sitting area is prime for evening drinks once the kids are tucked up in bed. Inside, each stylish bedroom offers direct access to the sun-kissed terraces or balconies outside, and there’s a fully equipped gym in the basement to keep on top of fitness. Location-wise, you’re just a five-minute drive from the pretty coastal village of Marathi, with two sandy bays and turquoise waters on either side of a small pier and traditional tavernas for an easy bite to eat.

The Olive View

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