Rent a villa in Crete or Not?
 

Hey all!

I am planning a trip in Crete on June with some friends. We are now searching for accommodation and we didn't really know what to do. We are 6-7 people and we though that, may we could rent an apartment/ villa. I think it's the same or less expensive as booking a hotel.
Any tip from anyone? Any good site with villas you recommend?

I would go with villa..instead of staying in a hotel

Yea! That's the spirit! I think villa is more like smooth for holidays..

Try OwnersDirect or VRBO.

The only thing to consider is, do you want a place that's right on the water, or a short 10 minute or so walk to the sea? Often the villas in Crete are farther inland, not in a village, and you might have to rent a car as well (with that many people, 2 cars). And often -- because they're far from the sea, they have pools (and granite counter-tops, and posh amenities)... and that ups the price. For the other option, to get something on/near a beach, walkable to village(s), you might look around for a place that has adjoining apartment units in a smallish moderate price place .. ... not a biggie hotel. Just some aspects to consider. Sometimes people come to Greece with villa expectations based on Spain, or Tuscany, where there are many large villas with 4-5 br. Not nearly so common in Greece.

We rented a cottage from a tourist agency in Chania, Diktynna Travel and were very pleased with our rental. Many choices. They are a full service agency. www.diktynna-travel.gr

As an indication have a look at :
http://www.crete-holidayvillas.com/index.html

Diktynna Travel that was recommended by HappyTrvlr is a very well established travel agency in Chania.

I agree with the guys above, renting a villa is the best. There are a few villas close to the sea front, but not in the main city of Hania or Retimnon as I know. I dont know of any well establlised greek villa renters, but in Scandinavia www.alargo.no and www.novasol.no are the best and most secure. I have booked with both :-)

Maria at Diktynna Travel also made other travel arrangements for us on Crete, rental car and driving suggestions, hotel in other area of the island, etc..

you should rent a villa in Crete but you have to search a lot. check here - http://bookvillasgreece.com/. They have a lot!

travelgreece
i wouldn't book any website that doesn't give an address and phone numbers. Where are they based? do they have a GNTO license?

Looking at the booking conditions i noticed that their cancellation policy is not in compliance with the Greek law.
In Greece you can cancel every accommodation reservation up to 21 days before arrival without cancellation charges. !!!

Hmmm... But TravelingSeeker, Crete is a very large place. Do you have a specific area on mind?

I checked out all the website and there are many options! @mariha2912 I think we like Chania the most! After a little research on google I found some Greek site (I think) http://www.villasincrete.com and http://www.villastostay.com

I contacted with both sites and they are based on Crete! So I prefer to make a reservation in a site which is based on the same island. It is more reliable.

Hello TravelingSeeker,

an amazing place to stay is: http://www.oleavillas.com.
Amazing villa and the most important is that the beach is within walking distance.

Regardless of where you will stay, if you decide to visit Chania you should visit Marathi and Loutraki beaches.
They are very nice and always protected from the winds, shallow water and crystal clear.

In Marathi there is a small place("Metaksi mas") where Mrs Maria cooks 2-3 traditional greek food per day. Amazing food and also very good prices.

And do not miss Elafonnisi and Balos beach. Must see excursions if you visit crete!!!

Have a nice holiday!!

If there are not booked, I wrote this piece for the Visit Greece Blog.

http://blog.visitgreece.gr/metochi-v...n-hospitality/

Room service or quiet solitude and warm villagers? Tough question. The villa experience was right for our group, and for a romantic getaway, smaller ones are available. Hope I helped.

Phillipalstonbulter (huge nickname m8..) i had already read your article! Nice job by the way. I have booked a Villa via Villastostay website in a sensible price. They were very polite. The region I booked for is Rethymnon. Thanks all for your replies!