Updated on Jul 20, 2026
|
Type
|
Villa
|
|
Bedrooms
|
2
|
|
Bathrooms
|
2
|
|
House Rules
|
-
No pets allowed
-
Children allowed: ages 13-17
-
Smoking is not permitted
-
Events allowed: birthday parties;Maximum event attendees: 10
|
|
Max Occupancy
|
5
|
|
Property Id
|
3429667
|
Charming Villa Maria features elegant interiors that blend traditional Cretan character with modern comfort. Natural stone walls, wooden beams, warm earthy tones, and spacious open-plan living areas create a cosy yet refined atmosphere. The villa offers comfortable bedrooms, a fully equipped rustic-style kitchen, stylish bathrooms, and bright interiors that open beautifully onto terraces, gardens, and the private pool, combining authentic countryside charm with relaxed Mediterranean luxury.
Villa atmosphere & features
The villa is known for its authentic Cretan setting.
• Private swimming pool and sun terrace
• Spacious outdoor dining area with barbecue and traditional bread oven
• Elegant stone-and-wood architecture
• Quiet countryside environment with only a few neighbouring houses
• Ideal base for day trips across central Crete
• Excellent sunset and vineyard views
The surrounding villages of Áyios Síllas, Dafnes, and Archanes are famous for wine production, traditional tavernas, and relaxed local life.
Nearby sightseeing
Knossos Palace
The most famous archaeological site in Crete and the legendary centre of the Minoan civilisation. Located about 20–25 minutes from the villa. Explore royal chambers, frescoes, and the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of the finest museums in Greece, housing priceless Minoan artefacts from Knossos, Phaistos, and across Crete.
Archanes
A charming mountain village famous for wine tasting, traditional architecture, cafés, and local culture. Perfect for evening walks and authentic food experiences.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
Dedicated to the famous Greek writer of Zorba the Greek. Located nearby in the village of Myrtia.
Anemospilia Shrine
A fascinating Minoan archaeological sanctuary in the hills near Archanes.
Best nearby beaches
Although the villa is inland, several excellent beaches are reachable within 25–45 minutes.
Amnissos Beach
The closest organised sandy beach near Heraklion Airport with shallow waters and beach cafés.
Karteros Beach
Long sandy coastline popular for swimming, water sports, and seaside tavernas.
Agia Pelagia Beach
A picturesque bay with turquoise water, ideal for snorkelling and family swimming.
Ligaria Beach
Small scenic beach with calm waters and excellent seafood tavernas nearby.
Matala Beach
Famous hippie-era beach with caves carved into cliffs, approximately 1 hour away and perfect for a day excursion.
Archaeological & historical places nearby
• Phaistos Palace — another major Minoan palace in southern Crete
• Venetian Walls of Heraklion — impressive Venetian fortifications around the city
• Koules Fortress — Venetian sea fortress overlooking the harbor
• Vathypetro Minoan Villa — ancient Minoan estate surrounded by vineyards
Recommended nearby tavernas
Profitis Ilias
Profitis Ilias is a traditional hilltop village in central Crete, located southwest of Heraklion at an elevation of around 600 metres. It sits between vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, offering panoramic views toward both Mount Psiloritis and the northern coast of Crete. The village is very close to Áyios Síllas and the Charming Villa Maria area, making it an excellent nearby excursion for food, local culture, and history.
Giannis Taverna: A special no-lights taverna, with Giannis and his wife being the most welcoming. You do not order. They serve 15 small plates of traditional dishes, and then you can order as many dishes as you like from the tastiest dishes. Wine is free. You can drink as much as you like. 25 euros per person.
Taverna Kritiki Avli
Excellent traditional Cretan cuisine with local wine and mountain views.
Bakaliko Crete
4.6•Restaurant
Popular for authentic meze, grilled meats, and local cheeses.
To Steki Tou Charilaou
4.4 • Greek restaurant
Classic village taverna known for homemade dishes and warm hospitality.
Koumos
4.7 •Local history museum
Rustic stone-built taverna with live music evenings and traditional atmosphere.
Peskesi
One of the best farm-to-table Cretan restaurants in Heraklion City.
Why stay here?
Charming Villa Maria is especially suited for:
• Couples seeking tranquility
• Families wanting privacy and space
• Wine lovers exploring central Crete
• Travelers interested in archaeology and authentic villages
• Guests who want both mountains and beaches within easy driving distance
The villa offers a rare combination of rural serenity, traditional Cretan charm, and quick access to the major highlights of central Crete.
Heraklion is home to this villa. Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and Manos Hatzidakis Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Natural History Museum of Crete and Watercity Waterpark. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium or Pankritio Stadium.
Get the full listing »
3 Br Villa Vacation Rental In , Crete - Vrbo Property # 4262664
Located in the center of Kissamos town, our villa is the ideal base to explore the beauty of western Creta!Situated 3.1 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port where the ferries for Ballos lagoon and...
1 Br Apartment Vacation Rental In Paros, South Aegean - Vrbo Property # 557362
welcome to Blue and Sea aparment,Set just off the beach, these studio apartments are built in the traditional style of Paros island. At the Blue & Sea Studios you can enjoy a peaceful setting just...
4 Br Villa Vacation Rental In Tersanas Kounoupidiana, Crete - Vrbo Property # 872129
In the heart of Akrotiri, in Tersanas, 13km from Chania, 5km from the airport of Chania, 30m from the sea, you will find this luxurious vintage villa of unique beauty.Villa Mare combines luxury,...
2 Br Villa Vacation Rental In Rethymno, Crete - Vrbo Property # 8016429
In Villa Sunset; you have it all! you are in rural area enjoying full privacy and tranquillity, while surrounded with neighbourhood and facing a spectacular view of old villages of Santa Trinita...
2 Br Apartment Vacation Rental In Athens, Attica - Vrbo Property # 4221942
Beautifull, clean and very well located apartment in the heart of Athens. Fully renovated and furnished. It can host 2 to 5 people. 1min walk to the metro station "Metaxourghio" and the city sights...
1 Br Villa Vacation Rental In Naxos, South Aegean - Vrbo Property # 4039700
Villa Aggeliki is in between Villa Agellos and Villa Zoi with its own entrance and a great view.The house is 60 s q m. Entering the villa is the fully furnished kitchen and living room with 2...
4 Br Private Vacation Home Vacation Rental In Nafplio, Peloponnisos Dytiki Ellada Ke Ionio - Vrbo Property # 4147611
The house is an ideal heaven for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful stay close to nature. Make your vacation special and renew yourselves while using the house as a base to enjoy the nightlife of...
3 Br Villa Vacation Rental In Magganari Ios Island, South Aegean - Vrbo Property # 4218836
Built in 2016 on the island of Ios, this unique luxury villa ,enjoys unobstructed majestic sea views of Magganari Bay and the island of Santorini. It is located only a heartbeat away from three...
2 Br Apartment Vacation Rental In Agia Pelagia, Crete - Vrbo Property # 3969202
The apartment consists of up to two bedrooms, one bathroom and a separate kitchen. It has sea view(or access to the garden), air conditioner, television, hairdryer, coffee machine and a fully...
3 Br Cottage Vacation Rental In Lefkas, Ionian Islands - Vrbo Property # 371673
The villa has two apartments.The one in the first floor is 35 m2 and the other one on the ground floor is 65m2.The one in the first floor can accommodate 4 people and the other on the ground floor...