Villa Knossos

Villa Knossos is part of an enclosed 50 acre estate situated on a hill amidst the rugged beauty of the island of Crete. This Lovely holiday rental in Crete offers unsurpassed views of the fertile, green plain of Ayios Sillas and the wild beauty of the nearby Mt. Zeus (Giouxtas). Within the property are vineyards, olive trees, fruit trees, aromatic trees and herbs. Because the estate is a working farm, many animals are also to be found; goats, ducks, geese, chicken, horses, cows and boar, among others. The refreshing, private pool offers relief from the summer sun and the large, furnished terrace just begs outdoor dining. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a welcoming meal and a complementary basket filled with essentials and fresh produce. Included in the rental price are twice weekly cleanings and linen changes. Extra services include airport transfers (50 euro roundtrip), pre-stocked groceries (10 euro + cost of groceries), and chef services. Although Villa Knossos' location on the north side of the island allows access to most of the major tourist spots, its existence as a working farm enables the visitor to also experience life like a local and be a part of the community. Villa Knossos is located in an area called "Malades," just south of Heraklion. It is a quiet, secluded area with beautiful views. Nearby there are some tavernas, a gas station, and a small supermarket with a butcher. This is a great location for day trips to many of Crete's archeological sites, such as the Palace of Knossos, the cities of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon and Chania, as well as the beaches on the south side of the island.

Villa Knossos is comfortably furnished with a nod towards traditional Greek style. The spacious living area offers sofas, chairs, satellite TV, CD and DVD player, and cozy fireplace. The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge/freezer, dishwasher, stove, oven, toaster, coffee maker and all essential utensils. The large, wooden dining table seats eight comfortably. There are three air conditioned bedrooms: one bedroom has a double bed, an en suite bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower), and a loft with two single beds; the second bedroom contains a single bed; the third bedroom is a loft with three single beds. There is another bathroom with sink, toilet, and tub with handheld showerhead. Upon request there is a studio apartment available next to the main house, ideal for a couple seeking privacy or independent teenagers. The studio offers two single beds, a bathroom with shower, a dining/sitting area, and a kitchenette. The outdoor area has large terraces with vine arbors, fruit trees, gardens with flowers and an exquisite view to the mountain and the sea beyond.

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the southern most of the Greek Islands. Crete straddles two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the North African, mainly falling within the former. As such, the climate in Crete is primarily temperate. The people of Crete have a reputation of being fiercely independent but don't be misled by their traditional black clothes and simplistic, farming lifestyle. Cretans are generally very friendly and hospitable; quick to offer assistance or a sincere, welcoming smile.