Villa Monasteria is set in the tranquil countryside near the traditional village of Tria Monasteria, close to the town of Rethymno on the north coast of Crete, overlooking the Aegean Sea. The villa is approximately seventy kilometres from Chania International Airport. Whether you seek peaceful days on sandy beaches, cultural visits to ancient archaeological sites, scenic hikes through diverse landscapes, or lively nights out, Crete offers something for everyone.
Nearby Tria Monasteria offers local shops and welcoming, family-run tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine. The region boasts beautiful beaches such as Missiria, Pervolia, Adelianos Kampos, and Preveli, known for its striking pine forest. Just six kilometres away, Rethymno’s historic old town features a Venetian harbour, cobbled streets, a sixteenth-century fortress, and a nineteenth-century lighthouse. Cultural highlights include the Archaeological Museum and the Historical and Folklore Museum. Enjoy freshly caught seafood and ouzo by the sea or explore the island’s network of caves, scenic walking trails, and working vineyards.
Crete’s coastline offers boat trips, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and paragliding. A one-hour drive east leads to Heraklion and the famed Palace of Knossos, with its Minoan heritage and excellent museums.
Further afield, discover the palm groves of Vai, the mythical Psychro Cave, and the Ideon Cave on Mount Ida. The Sitia Geopark spans three hundred and fifty square kilometres of diverse ecosystems, while Richtis Gorge rewards hikers with a twenty-metre waterfall and natural pools.
Don’t miss a boat trip to Spinalonga, a former leper colony turned open-air museum. End your exploration in Agios Nikolaos, where a picturesque lake sits at the town’s heart, surrounded by charming streets, local shops, and waterside tavernas.
The Region
On the northern coast of Crete, Rethymno is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Greece with such a rich heritage and exquisite Venetian mansions.
The old town is simply enchanting. Fall in love as you wander along flower-filled lanes with architecture from the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman Empire eras. Shop to your heart’s delight admiring local crafts, jewellery, clothes and souvenirs, then cool off with a drink in a café on a pretty square lined with olive trees.
Take time to explore the Venetian fortress overlooking the old town, admire the 17th century Rimondi fountain with its flowing water, walk up to the 19th century lighthouse, then stroll along the Venetian harbourfront where seafood specialities and other Cretan dishes are served in such a picturesque setting.
The 12km long blue-flagged city beach is a hive of activity in the summer months with watersports, sun beds, parasols, beachside bars and restaurants. Discover more remote shores a short drive from Rethymno such as Petres and Kamari Beach, both much-loved by keen snorkellers, or the iconic small bay at Spilies Beach with turquoise coloured sea.
Embrace the authenticity of Sfakaki, a charming seaside village only 10km from Rethymno with an idyllic beach that sometimes attracts loggerhead turtles in the summer. Pass eucalyptus trees, olive trees and wild herbs until you reach Monastery of Saint George (Arsaniou) for a peaceful experience overlooking the sea. Further south, the Arkadi Gorge is in an incredible area for hiking, ending at the stunning Monastery of Arkadi.
Meanwhile, appreciate more wild landscapes a short distance from Rethymno as well as ancient Cretan villages. Climb the pathways of the incredible Melidoni Cave, especially welcome in the heat of the summer, or venture to Mili Gorge with its ancient mills, little waterfalls and rare flora. The old village of Margarites is famed for its Byzantine churches, Venetian houses and, since the Ottoman empire, pottery production – it makes a lovely day out only half an hour from town life in Rethymno.
