The Fortezza of Rethymno from above, with the sea beyond. Photo: Giorgos Katakis.

Explore Crete · Amazing Villas in Crete

Explore Crete: Guides for Your Villa Stay near Rethymno

Practical guides to the places around our villas, written for families, couples and groups who stay in Asteri Village or Stavromenos. Start with where to base your stay, then plan your days: the city, the Old Town, the beaches and the villages nearby.

By Argyris Skordilis, owner and host · Updated October 2026

Choose your base

Use these while you decide where to stay: the Rethymno region, the village or the coast.

Plan your days in Rethymno

The city and the Old Town are about 15 minutes from the villas. Two different visits, two guides.

Villages and heritage nearby

Inland Crete: Arkadi and Eleutherna about 20 minutes from the villas, Spili about 40.

Heritage further afield

A longer day east, for guests who want the Minoan palaces.

Routes and day trips

Where to go from the villas, by drive time, interest and season.

Beaches

From a five-minute swim to a day on the south coast.

Seasons and local life

When to come, and what the island is like beyond July and August.

From the villas

How far is it?

Approximate driving distances and times from Asteri Village (Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron, Villa Myrrini) and from Stavromenos (Villa Argiris).

Place	From Asteri Village	From Stavromenos
Rethymno Old Town	approx. 12 km · about 15 min	approx. 11 km · about 15 min
Stavromenos beach	approx. 3 km · about 5 min	about 800 m from Villa Argiris
Arkadi Monastery	approx. 9 km · about 15 min	approx. 11 km · about 20 min
Museum of Ancient Eleutherna	approx. 13 km · about 20 min	approx. 13 km · about 20 min
Margarites	approx. 16 km · about 20 min	approx. 15 km · about 20 min
Melidoni Cave	approx. 19 km · about 25–30 min	approx. 18 km · about 25–30 min
Spili	approx. 39 km · about 45–55 min	approx. 38 km · about 45–55 min
Plakias and Preveli (south coast)	approx. 45 km · about 55–60 min	approx. 44 km · about 55–60 min
Knossos	approx. 72 km · about 75–90 min	approx. 70 km · about 75–90 min
Chania old harbour	approx. 72 km · about 75–90 min	approx. 72 km · about 75–90 min
Heraklion airport	approx. 73 km · about 60 min	approx. 73 km · about 60 min
Chania airport	approx. 79 km · about 75 min	approx. 78 km · about 75 min

Times are approximate, without stops; check the route on the day. Do you need a car? See our car guide.

Questions

Before you plan your days

Which guide should I read first?

If you have not chosen where to stay, start with Rethymno as a Villa Holiday Base and Asteri Village or Stavromenos. If you have, go to the Rethymno City and Old Town guides and the distance table on this page.

How far are the villas from Rethymno?

About 12 km from Asteri Village and 11 km from Stavromenos, about 15 minutes by car. Times are approximate, without stops.

Do we need a car?

For most stays, yes: a car gives the most freedom for beaches, villages and day trips. Our car guide explains when you can manage without one.

Do the guides replace local advice?

No. Opening days, road and beach conditions change. Check current conditions, and ask Argyris if something matters for your plans.

Can the guides help us choose a villa?

They explain the two locations and what a day feels like from each. For a direct suggestion, use Which Villa Fits Your Stay? or ask Argyris.

Are the guides useful for MAZI groups?

Yes. Groups staying in two or three villas in Asteri Village can plan shared outings and separate days, while each household keeps its own villa.

Our villasFour private villas: three in Asteri Village, one in Stavromenos. Which Villa Fits Your Stay?Four questions about your group, and a suggestion with the reasons. MAZITwo or three villas in Asteri Village for groups of up to 20.

Plan the stay around your group

Tell Argyris your dates, who is coming and what you would like to do. He usually replies within 12 hours.

Explore the villas Ask Argyris Check availability