The stunning island of Crete in Greece has everything you need for a getaway in the sun. Its fine sandy beaches, ancient historical sites and gorgeous landscapes, lively cities, and sleepy villages give you a neverending range of places to explore.
The white sand beaches in Crete are a particular highlight if you know where to look. The best beaches in Crete offer glorious golden sands and clear blue waters.
In fact, one of the beaches is so good that Mars Chocolate filmed their exotic Caribbean “taste of paradise” Bounty bar advert on it. This beach is in Váï, and this iconic 1970s advert showcased its palm-encrusted shores and golden sands backed by Caribbean-style palm trees.
The best choice for a family or a group stay is undoubtedly one of the many beautiful villas available for rent on Crete. If you want a villa with glorious ocean views, a private infinity pool, space, tranquillity, luxury, and the perfect place to kick back and relax, we have picked the 10 best luxury villas on Crete.
1. Yuphoria Villa
Yuphoria Villa is one of the best villas in Crete and is located 2 km away from Kissamos, a relatively peaceful resort on the northwestern part of Crete and 39 km from the Venetian Harbor of Chania.
The region of Kissamos (or Kasteli) offers water sports, beaches, and pretty tavernas cooking up the local fish. The exotic beaches of Gramvoussa and Balos Lagoon or Falassarna are not to be missed, while the Samaria Gorge hike will exercise those calories off in a beautiful setting.
Yuphoria beachside duplex villa provides a variety of accommodations for up to 14 guests plus 6 more. Three interconnecting villas offer an open plan kitchen, living, and dining area, ideal for two families or close friends.
The 7 bedrooms are all en-suite for maximum comfort, while there is plenty of sunshine to soak up on the extremely private outdoor living and dining areas.
In front of the lawn terrace, you can enjoy a vibrant yet cool tone that has been created using lounge furniture in the al-fresco dining areas. Two infinity pools (one heated) are perfect for enjoying refreshing dives to the distant sound of the ocean and the view of the majestic shoreline of northern Crete.
2. Blue Key Villa
Agia Pelagia is a famous Cretan resort known for its beauty. During the summer, it is vibrant with numerous taverns, bars, cafes, and shops. Agia Pelagia features two wonderful beaches, Lygaria and Made. They are both sandy, with clear waters. If you like hiking, the nearby hills offer amazing views, as well as plenty of flora and fauna.
Blue Key Villa is located on a hilltop overlooking the bay of Aghia Pelagia, with unbelievable panoramic views, some of the best in Crete.
Inside, this villa is large enough to house 11 guests in five bedrooms (a master bedroom, two double bedrooms, and one twin bedroom with an extra bed). Two extra people can sleep in a room with a sofa bed that can be turned into a double bed, with a TV and a patio-style balcony.
On the ground floor, it features the kitchen (fully equipped), the living room with a satellite TV, the dining room, 1 toilet, and a double bedroom with a private patio. On the first level, there is a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, two more bathrooms, and a large balcony that leads directly to the pool through a staircase.
Then there is an apartment of 100s m² on the lower ground floor, with an additional double bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom. All areas are air-conditioned.
On the grounds of the villa, there is a 40 m² swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a children’s pool. There is also plenty of lounge space, a BBQ area, and a dining table.
You can also enjoy a pool billiard room (free of charge), a children’s playground, a Hamam-style steam room (free of charge), a TV room with 4K, 55inch smart TV, blue ray DVD player.
The ground floor and pool level are fully accessible for wheelchairs. The bedroom is PWD (people with disabilities) friendly, and the bathroom is on the ground floor.
Note: The heating of the pool is charged an extra of €350 EUR per week.
3. Epavlis Helen Villa
Epavlis Helen Villa is part of the inimitable Ravdoucha Epavlis and awarded as the leading private luxury villa in Greece for 2015 by the World Travel Awards.
The villa is wrapped around several bays in the Kissamos area in western Crete and is a unique holiday home that is both very well-designed and comfortable for families and groups of friends.
Crete’s west coast hosts some of the most famous sights of the island, such as Elafonisi, Falasarna, and Balos lagoon with Gramvousa islet. Kastelli town has a beautiful little port, lots of shops, cafes, and taverns, mainly along the beach, with great history, and is bustling during summer.
The broader area is ideal for nature lovers who want to be close to the gorges of Samaria and Agia Irini and to explore some iconic eco routes like the European E4 trail in Crete.
Helen Villa is known for its impressive upper-level views, infinity pool, and picture-perfect airy spaces. Set amongst some of the island’s most dramatic surroundings, the whole construction allows you to easily let the outside in or step out to enjoy the exceptional Greek climate.
The comfortable and luxurious internal space features high-end amenities for dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Two bedrooms feature king beds with a shared spacious bathroom properly configured for two couples.
The outdoor space provides a cool setting for lounging and dining overlooking the stunning sunset, with a poolside pergola and a private infinity swimming pool with a luxury mosaic surface and a beautiful garden with aromatic plants and trees.
4. Dreamcatcher Villa
Dreamcatcher Villa is a 5 bedroom villa located in Atsipopoulos village. The grocery shop, supermarket, and plenty of tavernas are just a short walk away.
Atsipopoulo is a well-preserved traditional village, 3 km away from the charming town of Rethymno with its Venetian citadel of Fortezza, the Venetian Harbor, Old Town, and beaches.
This is a contemporary villa of 300 m², built using indigenous materials like wood and stone. There is a spacious living room with a view of the pool and an outside area.
The pools here are particularly good, with sunbeds flanking the large swimming pool and a children’s pool. The outdoor lounge and the dining and barbecue area, along with a fully equipped kitchen with all modern amenities, will make a stay here an absolute job.
On the ground floor, there are two double bedrooms (one with an extra bed settee) with ensuite WC / showers and a shared balcony. On the first floor, there is a whole wardrobe room, an ensuite WC / shower, and a bathtub, together with a private balcony with sea views.
There are two more bedrooms with two floors, two single beds on the ground floor, both with ensuite WC / shower and a shared balcony with forest views. An office room is useful for business travelers.
Note: The minimum age to book this property is 25 years old.
5. Villa Olea Prime
The 10-guest Villa Olea Prime is just 170 m from the sandy beach of Loutraki and 1.3 km from the famous Marathi Beach with many tavernas and beach bars. Chania is only 17 km from this villa with its old town, its historic and picturesque cobbled alleyways, and its harbourside restaurants and bars.
The villa itself combines the architecture of a traditional stone house with high-quality accommodation. A major selling point of this villa is the panoramic views overlooking the sea and beyond.
The Villa boasts a great outdoor sitting and lounging area, making it the ideal choice for a group of friends or large families who want to live a luxury lifestyle under the Greek sunshine! Enjoy stunning views and blazing sunsets from the private infinity pool.
The villa’s design combines luxury upscale amenities with elegance. Pastel colors mingle with natural stones, signature furniture, and striking pieces of art. The very well-designed kitchen is fully equipped to cater to the gourmet.
6. Villa Ianira
Villa Ianira is located 5 minutes from the seaside village Kolymbari and 20 minutes drive from historic Chania and its Venetian Port. From here, you reach the natural beauties of western Crete, like Samaria Gorges, Balos Lagoon, and Elafonisi.
For a truly remarkable holiday or the perfect wedding venue in a spectacular location, this is the best villa for you! Up to 8 guests can enjoy this smart, minimalistic villa, divided into 3 levels.
Its bioclimatic/green architecture comprises functionality and aesthetics with natural construction materials, which creates a wonderful living indoor-outdoor space where you can rest, gather, and make memories.
Hang out on the private sundeck or under the covered pergola patio for mesmerizing views and sunsets. The infinity pool will give you some of the best Instagram-worthy photos in Crete.
Inside, there are plenty of cozy corners to relax in, along with a wine cellar with an exclusive Cretan wine collection.
7. White Grace
One of the very best Villas for gardens in Crete is White-Grace, with acres of gardens, lawn, and olive trees, which give you plenty of space to lounge or dine, in the sun or in the shade.
White-Grace is the perfect modern Greek villa. High-rise balcony doors with direct access to the pool area. The fully equipped kitchen has modern touches like the carbon filter hood. All the furniture has been carefully selected to make you feel comfortable. Moreover, a home cinema on the ground floor with a projector screen, surround stereo system, and massive mattress with pillows around it will give you an unforgettable movie night.
There are 5 fabulous bedrooms with air conditioning, Smart TVs, and wardrobes. 3 of them have ensuite bathrooms, and the 4th bathroom is shared. Last but not least, enjoy the fantastic view from the master bedroom with its 18m² balcony!
Note: The pool heating at this villa costs €300 EUR per week.
8. Villa Imperial
Villa Imperial is the best villa in Crete for those who want to rest quietly at a nearby beach. There is a path that leads directly from Villa Imperial out to the rocky side of the Loutraki sea.
The local area of Marathi is a lovely place to stay with many gulfs and beaches. Chania’s nearby town has many shops, bars, and restaurants and is well known for its old Venetian harbor.
The Villa itself offers unparalleled sea views combined with peace and tranquillity. It stands proudly on the top of a hill overlooking the bay and at the end of a private driveway. This is a place where you will want to lounge on the sunbeds by the pool or enjoy a relaxing dinner at the large 12-guest table under a pergola.
The villa is a two-storey building with 6 double bedrooms and with 6 stylish ensuite bathrooms with granite tiles, high-pressure jet showers, marble surfaces, and gold finishes. The living room has a large cable/satellite flat-screen TV and comfortable sofas. Wi-Fi and air conditioning are available. The kitchen is fully equipped with a minimalist design. There is also a dining area and sitting area next to the kitchen that leads to the rest of the house. Parking and safe are also available.
The villa is surrounded by wonderful and large gardens, 3000 meters of land in total, making it ideal for celebrations. The space can fit up to 300 people.
9. Yades Villa
Yades Villa with its sister property are located in a beautiful seafront private plot in Mirabello Gulf, near to Mochlos fishing village, known as an archaeological site of an ancient Minoan settlement.
The area is serene, with beautiful beaches and views, while the waterfront taverns are the best place to enjoy local fish. Join a day trip to the Gulf of Mirabello on a catamaran to enjoy the turquoise crystal waters. Agios Nikolaos (48 km east) is probably the best-known nearby tourist town that offers great entertainment and dining options.
Yades Villa is full of character and can accommodate 6 guests in 3 spacious bedrooms with individual en-suite bathrooms and great views. The beach is near the villa, as is the peaceful fishing village of Mochlos.
This beautiful vacation home has been thoughtfully decorated with an earthy palette, clear lines, and stripped-down simplicity. The wraparound deck offers 180-degree ocean views. Discreet luxury touches and a tranquil atmosphere can be enjoyed by the private infinity pool and the outdoor sitting and dining areas. Relax in your favorite spot in the beautifully landscaped gardens and relax to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach.
There is also a well-equipped fitness area and a sauna/steam room at Yades Villa. Every little corner has been designed for your well-being and relaxation.
10. Epavli Luxury Villa Estate
Epavli Luxury Villa Estate is set on a tranquil spot on a hilltop overlooking the coastline, 21 km from Heraklion International Airport and 15 km from the city center.
Don’t miss a visit to Knossos Palace and the Archeological Museum, which will bring you closer to the oldest civilization in the world, the Minoan. Around the area, you will find numerous Cretan wineries, famous for their local varieties, like Lyraraki and Douloufaki, that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
This is the best villa in Crete to actually smell the sea, feel the breeze, and enjoy ocean vistas. It offers easy access to a private beach, with the charm of an exclusive private sanctuary, only a short distance away from the idyllic fishing village of Agia Pelagia, 18km west of Heraklion.
This holiday rental offers an open plan 300 m2 interior space on 2 levels. The villa has a private gym and an additional apartment with one more bedroom, living/dining area, bathroom, and private entrance for your holiday staff. This additional accommodation will also enable you to bring an extra couple with you (at an extra charge).
This impeccably decorated villa offers wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, floating sun terraces, an infinity pool, and beautiful ocean views. Enjoy superb sunsets over the infinite skyline from every corner of this ultra-chic mansion. It is definitely one of the very best villas in the hottest destination of Greece, the island of Crete.
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