From
$167 / night
Total guests, Nights

Villa Samitos: elegance and tradition in undiscovered Crete – Home 193572 Villa

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 9 sleeps
  • 4 nights min stay

Villa Samitos: elegance and tradition in undiscovered Crete – Home 193572

  • Villa
  • 3 bedrooms
  • sleeps 9
  • 4 nights min stay

Key Info

  • Beach / lakeside relaxation
  • Nearest beach 25 mi
  • Child Friendly
  • Car essential
  • Air conditioning
  • No pets allowed
  • Private garden

Description from owner

Description

Spacious and peaceful accommodation in the delightful Amari Valley.

Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Villa Samitos can accommodate up to nine guests comfortably. The three-storey property has an interior area of 180 square meters, a large living room, kitchen and dining areas, three bedrooms (comprising double and single bed options) and three bathrooms. Capacity may be extended to ten guests.

THE VILLA

Villa Samitos 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 villa exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.

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

The property 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.

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, Villa Samitos 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 interior of the villa comprises many traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen, central heating, air-conditioning and modern appliances. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and the living room features a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.

The villa also comprises a large terrace with outdoor dining area, and separate balconies adjoining two of the bedrooms. All have superb views across the Amari Valley to Mount Ida and Mount Samitos.

Villa Samitos 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.

Villa Samitos has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From its earliest times, the house was a joyful meeting point of the local community. The decoration of the villa reflects its valuable heritage including precious heirlooms and unique pieces of embroidery made by the owner’s mother and grandmother.

Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, the villa 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 available on request.

CHILDREN

For youngsters and the young at heart, Villa Samitos has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from. 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.

LOCATION INFO

The Amari Valley lies between two mountain ranges - Mount Ida to its east and the Kedros range to the west. The Valley is one of a few regions of Crete where the traditional Cretan rural way of life is still present. It is a place of unique nature and of cultural traditions which are central to the lives of its people today.

The village of Amari is set on the eastern slope of Samitos mountain. Peaceful and with little traffic entering this tiny hamlet (average resident population 200), the only sounds likely to break the silence are the tinkling of goat bells and the ringing of the village’s church bells.

Surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards, the area is a gentle hiker’s paradise. The nearby landscape, dotted with tiny, often hidden, byzantine chapels, is a joy to explore by foot, while the Amari Valley lends itself to lazy exploration by car along its latticework of beautiful tree-shaded lanes and mountain paths.

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Families

  • Great for children of all ages
  • No pets allowed
  • 2 Cribs
  • High chair

Bed & bathroom

  • Bedroom 1: Full bed Twin bed
    Bedroom 2: Full bed Twin bed
    Bedroom 3: Full bed Twin bed
  • 2 Full baths, 1 Attached (ensuite)

Amenities

  • Wireless Internet
  • Air conditioning
  • Mountain Views
  • Private garden
  • Patio
  • Solarium or roof terrace
  • Balcony or terrace
  • Bicycles available
  • Internet access
  • Central heating
  • Fireplace
  • Safe
  • Stove
  • Fridge
  • Freezer
  • Toaster
  • Kettle
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing machine
  • Iron
  • High chair
  • TV
  • Satellite TV
  • DVD player
  • Stereo system
  • Linen provided
  • Towels provided
  • Housekeeping Included

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Access

  • Parking
  • Secure parking
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users

Getting around

The area surrounding the village of Amari is rich in history with several sites dating to Minoan and Byzantine times. Also, the beautiful Amari Valley features unique natural sites like great gorges, ancient olive groves and magnificent countryside, along with 27 little villages to explore. Though some of the places are accessible by foot, a car is strongly advised in order to get full advantage of the area and explore even further to the rest of the island. Amari, set right in the heart of undiscovered Crete, is an ideal base for anyone who wishes to get away from the crowded touristic areas, yet being close enough to visit them.

Interaction with guest

On your arrival, owner Manolis 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, and, if possible, to guide you to his favorite places around. Full information about the villa and the area will be forwarded to you, in advance. Manolis lives in Rethymnon city but visits the village every 3-4 days and is also available at anytime by phone or email for questions and tips, before or during your stay.

Policies

Payment
This rental can only be paid for online through FlipKey using your credit/debit card or PayPal (never by bank or wire transfer).
Smoking
No smoking at this property

Cancellations

Change of plans? No problem. You could receive a partial or full refund, depending on when you cancel.

Booking confirmed

100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).

24 hours after booking

50% refund of the amount paid (minus the booking fee*) if cancelled at least 4 weeks before check-in.

4 weeks before

25% refund of the amount paid (minus the booking fee*) if cancelled at least 2 weeks before check-in.

2 weeks before

No refund if cancelled less than 2 weeks before check-in.

Check-in date

* The booking fee is stated in the cancellation policy information on the payment page. This fee helps us run our secure platform and enables us to provide 24/7 customer support

House rules

The guests are simply invited to feel “at home”. Just a few things should be noted:
Usual check in / out at 4.00pm / 10.00am. Any other time is possible (no extra cost) depending on the schedule of previous / next bookings.
The villa might not be suitable for people of restricted mobility. There are stairs, no lift and no wheelchair access. Please check with the owner.
All kids are welcomed.
Smoking allowed only outside.
Guests are encouraged to recycle using the special bins provided on site

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About the owner

Manolis P.

Tourist License
MHTE:1041K91002894301

Calendar last updated:
07 May 2024
Years listed:
12
Based in:
Greece
Overall rating:

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

This property is hosted by a private host (consumer) and not a business. Bookings of their property may not be covered by EU or UK consumer protection laws. However, the Tripadvisor Rentals companies will provide you with the same customer service as with any other stay.

These are the details provided by the business owner.

Business Name

Business Address

Business Telephone

Business Email

Other Applicable Information

Map

Map

Map

Reviews

Excellent
14 reviews

Excellent
13
Very Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0

“Inspiringly wonderful”

Reviewed 16 Apr 2018

Staying in the Villa Samitos in Amari undoubtedly takes its place as one of the experiences that will remain with me all my life. It is of course beautifully comfortable, with all the mod cons you will expect, plus delicious things provided by the outstanding Mrs Rumy who is the housekeeper for this villa and the one next door. More than that, though, it is the unequalled experience of sitting on the terrace, either first thing in the morning or late at night, watching the sun rise over the shoulder of Mt Psiloriti, or even more magical, the full moon just lifting above that horizon and bathing the whole of the Amari valley in its silvery light. Sheep bells and church bells, the songs of every songbird, hawks and eagles swinging high above you, the children playing in the streets of the village: this really is one of the great places of the world. No one could ver regret coming to stay here.

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“A must place to visit in Crete - Amari Village!”

Reviewed 14 Jul 2017

Look no further if you are choosing a place to stay in Amari! Amari Villas is strategically located right in the middle of this beautiful scenic village. A must place to stay if you want to have a rel… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“Wonderful Villa in an extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful location”

Reviewed 1 Jul 2017

We stayed for three nights in Villa Samitos but wished it had been much longer. Everything about this place is just perfect. The great experience started with advance contacts with the charming owner Manolis Papadakis. He sent us a wealth of information, maps and directions by email and replied extremely promptly to all our enquiries. Then when we arrived, he was on hand to show us everything and give us extensive advice about places to visit. He also introduced us to the wonderful Mrs Rumy and we organised for her to provide our evening meals each day of our stay. As others have noted, her cooking is really excellent and her charges very reasonable. She is also on hand to help with anything else that may be required but at the same time she does not intrude at all. There is a lovely welcome pack including a generous flask of Raki and also - unlike many other self-catering villas we have been to - many small but essential items are provided such as salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, tea and coffee. The villa itself is utterly beautiful and very comfortable with terraces on three levels from which you can gaze down onto the village square and up to the hills from which goats appear each evening, their bells chiming hauntingly. The location is in an unspoiled valley surrounded by mountains, the highest of which still had a little snow in June. It is quiet and peaceful but at the same time there are many interesting sights to visit - from exquisite chapels and historic monasteries to the remains of bronze age cities and groves of almost equally old olive trees. Highly recommended and we certainly want to visit again!

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“Majestic beauty in tranquil Amari”

Reviewed 24 Jun 2017

We stayed 4 nights in Villa Samitos and could have spent a lifetime. The villa is in the rustic style, yet modern, luxurious and stylish with some of the finest views in all of Crete, from either of t… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“Spacious”

Reviewed 8 Nov 2016

A very good place to stay in, in a nice area. Amari village is quiet and an evening on the balcony is magic. If you're lucky, Miss Rumi will also cook wonderfully for you, in her private restaurant.

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“une villa de rêve”

Reviewed 20 Jun 2016

Tout est parfait, de la prise de contact avec Manolis, jusqu'à notre départ. Quel plaisir de bénéficier de telles commodités et d'espace. Quel bonheur de p… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“How to combine Luxury and village life.”

Reviewed 23 May 2016

The house is both really beautiful and extremely convenient. Manolis and Roumy are very welcoming and helpful. Roumy's cooking is great and the prices are very reasonable for in-home service. It&… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“A dream come true!”

Reviewed 17 Apr 2016

Das wunderschöne Haus Samitos liegt in einer der schönsten, noch ziemlich ursprünglichen Gegenden von Kreta mitten zwischen den Bergen. Manolis ist der Besitzer und ab Buchungsanfrage … More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“Beautiful villa in a special part of the world!”

Reviewed 2 Aug 2015

I was very pleasantly surprised on arriving at Villa Samitos..... actually stepping into this beautifully built and graciously decorated villa fulfilled all my expectations. Mrs. Rumi was there to wel… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

“LIke being a guest in someone's very comfortable home”

Reviewed 23 Jul 2014

The views of the landscape and the mountains are fabulous. The villa is inviting and comfortable. Ms Roumy, the manager, is beyond gracious.. The location is perfect for a setting of peace and quiet;… More

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.

Review 1-10 of 14

FAQs

How do I find more info about the property?

You can get in touch with MANOLIS (the owner) through the contact form on this page.

If you’ve already booked, go to Manage your booking to send the owner a message.

What if I have questions before I book?

Send MANOLIS (the owner) an email through the contact form on this page. Alternatively, if there’s a phone number on this page, you can call them.

How do I contact MANOLIS (the owner)?

Send an email through the contact form on this page. Or if there’s a phone number on this page, you can call them.

If you’ve already booked, go to Manage your booking to view MANOLIS the owner's contact details or send them a message.

What's the difference between 'Book your stay' and 'Contact the owner/manager'?

Use the Ready to book? form to pay provisionally online and send MANOLIS (the owner) a booking request. You’ll find out within 24 hours whether they’ve accepted - no money will leave your account before then

Or send MANOLIS (the owner) an inquiry through the Contact the owner/manager form if you’d like a quote or more info first.

What is a booking request?

When you pay online through the Ready to book? form, a booking request is sent to MANOLIS (the owner). You’ll find out within 24 hours whether they’ve accepted - no money will leave your account before then.

Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection.

How do I know my booking is safe?

To book this property you need to pay through the Flipkey website. Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection. This means that in the unlikely event that you’re prevented or denied access to the property when you check in, we’ll offer a full refund for the stay.

Find out more about booking safely.

How do I know what it will cost for my stay?

Simply enter your dates in the Ready to book? form to calculate the cost of your stay.
Click Book now to see a full breakdown of the price.

You can also request a quote from MANOLIS (the owner) through the contact form. The owner will email you the total cost for your dates and a link to book and pay online.

How do I know if my booking request has been accepted?

You’ll receive an email within 24 hours to let you know. Or you can check in Manage your booking. No money will leave your account unless it’s accepted.

How do I pay for my vacation?

Use the Ready to book? form to pay provisionally online. You can pay by credit/debit card or PayPal. MANOLIS (the owner) will have 24 hours to accept the booking and no money will leave your account before then.

If you’ve been sent a quote, simply accept it and pay online through the email we sent you. You can also do this in Manage your booking.

Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection.

Why can't I call MANOLIS (the owner) before booking?

You can exchange contact details with the property owner/manager once your booking is confirmed and you’ve paid in full. Paying and communicating only through our platform allows us to ensure that your booking is covered by our Payment Protection policy.

If you have any questions before booking, you can send the property owner/manager a message via the contact form on their listing. Once you’ve booked, you can discuss the rental and make arrangements for your trip by logging into Manage your booking.

How do damage deposits work?

In most cases, you don’t pay a damage deposit up front. Instead, we save your payment details securely and you’re only charged in the event of damage to the property.

Occasionally, you will pay a damage deposit up front as part of the total rental cost. In this case, the owner has 10 days after you check out to report any damage. If they don’t, we’ll return your deposit. If their claim is successful, we’ll deduct the agreed cost and return the remainder.

How can I view and manage my booking?

Go to Manage your booking to view all your booking details, pay the balance of your booking or cancel it if you need to.

How do I pay the balance of my booking?

You can pay the remaining balance of your booking at any point. Simply go to Manage your booking and click Pay now.

We’ll automatically charge the balance payment to the same payment method 10 days before it’s due. Go to Manage your booking to see when the payment will be taken.

How can I withdraw my booking request?

You’ll need to contact MANOLIS (the owner) to do this. Send them a message in Manage your booking or through the contact form on this page.

How do I cancel my booking?

Go to Manage your booking to cancel your booking. Here you can view your cancellation policy to see if you’ll be refunded.

How do I make changes to my booking?

You can request to change the dates or number of people on your booking via the Manage your booking page. To change your dates use the Edit booking button. If you need to change the number of guests staying then send MANOLIS (the owner) a message.

If MANOLIS (the owner) agrees, they’ll send you a revised quote outlining the changes. You can review and accept/decline this from the Manage your booking page. You’ll have 48 hours to take action before the revised quote expires.

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