Asteri Village or Stavromenos? Which Villa Location Fits Your Stay near Rethymno?
Asteri Village and Stavromenos are about 2.6 km apart, east of Rethymno, yet they feel different from the first morning: a small inland village on one side, a coastal village on the national road on the other. This guide compares the places first, then the villas in each.
By Argyris Skordilis, owner and host · Updated
The 30-Second Comparison
| If you want… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A quiet village rhythm, mornings and evenings | Asteri Village |
| Sea views from the villa | Villa Argiris in Stavromenos |
| Village tavernas close to the villa | Asteri Village |
| Supermarkets and everyday shopping closer to the villa | Stavromenos |
| Several households close but in separate houses | Asteri Village and MAZI |
| Heritage character | Villa Asteri |
| Fewer steps | Villa Argiris: indoor spaces on one level, 2 steps at the entrance |
| Unsure | Tell Argyris how you imagine your days |
The choice is less about village or coast on a map and more about how your days will feel.
How Far Apart Are They?
Not far. Asteri Village is about 2.6 km from Villa Argiris, inland and slightly higher; Stavromenos sits by the coast, with the beach about 800 m from Villa Argiris. Both are east of Rethymno, so most day trips start the same way.
| From the villas | From Asteri Village | From Stavromenos (Villa Argiris) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (see the beach section) |
| Sfakaki beach | approx. 3 km · about 5 min | approx. 2 km · about 5 min |
| Adelianos Kampos | approx. 7 km · about 10 min | approx. 6 km · about 10 min |
| Arkadi Monastery | approx. 9 km · about 15 min | approx. 11 km · about 20 min |
The same from both locations: Museum of Ancient Eleutherna approx. 13 km · about 20 min; Heraklion airport approx. 73 km · about 60 min. Chania airport is approx. 79 km from Asteri Village and approx. 78 km from Villa Argiris, about 75 min from either.
Times are approximate, without stops; check the route on the day. Distances measured by road on a routing map, September 2026.
From either airport, plan on a hire car or a private transfer (taxi or minivan). See Chania or Heraklion Airport?
What a Day Feels Like in Each Place
A day in Asteri Village
Asteri is a small, lived-in village, not a resort strip. Mornings start slowly on the terrace, or with a walk along the farm roads through the olive groves before the heat sets in.
The village square has the kafeneio and the old fountain, and there are tavernas close to the villas: Poliou House in the village and Romeo & Juliet in neighbouring Chamalevri (checked 20 September 2026), closer than the places to eat in Stavromenos. A greengrocer’s van brings fruit and vegetables to the village on set days; the days can change, so ask Argyris.
Most outings are a short drive: a north-coast beach, Rethymno Old Town, Arkadi or the foothill villages. By the afternoon everyone is back at the pool and in the shade. Evenings are quiet: dinner outside, a meal at a village taverna, or a planned drive into Rethymno. There’s no nightlife on the doorstep, and for most guests who choose Asteri, that’s the point. More in the Asteri Village Guide.
A day in Stavromenos
Stavromenos is a quiet coastal area rather than a lively resort. The national road between Rethymno and Heraklion runs between the village area and the shore (Villa Argiris is on the inland side, with an underpass to the beach), and some hotels and apartments line the coast. At Villa Argiris the day centres on the sea view, the olive grove and the pool. Supermarkets, a bakery, a pharmacy and a petrol station are in the wider area, so a forgotten ingredient is a short trip rather than a planned outing. A swim at the nearby beach fits easily into the morning or late afternoon when the sea is calm. Evenings are for the terrace and the view, a local meal or Rethymno. See the Stavromenos Guide.
Asteri Village: the Villas
| Villa | Layout | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Asteri | 4 bedrooms · 4 bathrooms · up to 8 guests | The heritage house: the original family home and carpentry workshop, with handmade furniture and a children’s pool |
| Villa Kitron | 3 en-suite bedrooms + WC · up to 6 guests | A modern layout, a pool with integrated hydromassage and a large first-floor veranda |
| Villa Myrrini | 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · up to 6 guests | Principal accommodation on the ground floor (17 steps from parking to the front door) and a children’s pool |
Each Asteri villa has an EV charger, free for guests; please mention it when you book. None of the villas is officially wheelchair accessible. The three villas are 30–90 m apart; groups can book two or three together as MAZI (up to 12, 14 or 20 guests), each household in its own house. For MAZI, Argyris checks the villas for your dates and sends one combined proposal; the minimum stay varies by villa and season, and the proposal shows it for your dates.
Stavromenos: Villa Argiris
- 4 bedrooms · 4 bathrooms · up to 8 guests
- Panoramic sea views and an overflow pool in a private olive-grove setting
- All indoor spaces on one level, with 2 steps at the entrance
- Barbecue and wood-fired oven area
- Close to the coast, but not beachfront
It is usually the stronger choice for one group that wants a single spacious house, sea views and shops a few minutes away.
The Beach from Villa Argiris: What 800 m Means
Stavromenos beach is about 800 m from Villa Argiris. That is a distance, not a promise of an easy walk. Villa Argiris is on the inland side of the national road, and the walking route to the beach passes under it through an underpass. How practical the walk is still depends on the midday heat, the walk back uphill after a swim, young children, beach gear and individual mobility. Argyris can show you the route; many guests drive the few minutes, especially with children.
The beach faces north, straight into the prevailing wind, so the sea is often wavy, especially on windy summer days. Follow the flags and any lifeguard or posted instructions; facilities and seasonal services vary. On calmer days, a swim in the morning or late afternoon fits easily around a day at the villa.
From May to September, loggerhead sea turtles nest on the long beach east of Rethymno: keep clear of marked nests and leave the beach dark at night, following ARCHELON’s guidance. For other beaches, see Best Beaches near Rethymno.
Stavromenos Has a Long History
There’s more to Stavromenos than the beach. The wider Chamalevri–Pangalochori–Stavromenos–Sfakaki area is an important archaeological zone. Since 1990, excavations on the hills of Tsikouriana and Kakavella have uncovered building complexes with houses and workshops, and finds from the area are on show at the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
At Manouses, near Chamalevri, archaeologists found a complete Roman olive press next to a pottery kiln. Olive oil was being made here two thousand years ago, as it still is in the groves around the villas. Remains of Roman baths have also been found at Tsikouriana.
In Stavromenos itself, a memorial honours the Australian and Greek soldiers who fought in the area during the Battle of Crete in May 1941. More from the Region of Crete.
Asteri Village and Stavromenos Side by Side
| Consideration | Asteri Village | Stavromenos |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Quiet, residential inland village | Coastal village on the national road |
| From the villa | Village life and olive groves | Panoramic sea view at Villa Argiris |
| Sea | Beaches by car, approx. 3 km to the nearest | Beach about 800 m; not beachfront; walking route through an underpass under the national road |
| Food and shopping | Village tavernas close to the villas; supermarkets by car | Supermarkets and bakery closer to the villa; tavernas are closer in Asteri |
| Bus | More limited | On the coastal road; check the KTEL Chania–Rethymno timetable for your dates |
| Without a car | Works only for a villa-focused stay with planned shopping and taxis | Easier for simple daily needs; still limited for beaches and day trips |
| Villas | Three, 30–90 m apart; can be combined as MAZI | One, Villa Argiris, up to 8 guests |
Walking practicality depends on the route, weather, heat, shopping bags, children and individual mobility. Do not judge it from distance alone.
Through the Seasons
In July and August, heat and traffic make short distances on the map feel longer, and the north coast is often windy and wavy. That’s when Asteri’s shaded terraces and pools come into their own; keep beach time for the morning or late afternoon.
In spring and autumn both places are quieter, walking is more pleasant, and Asteri’s village rhythm is at its best. Some coastal businesses shorten their hours or close, though, and bus timetables change with the season, so check opening days and schedules if you’re planning a stay with little driving. For the cooler months, see Rethymno Villa Holiday Base.
Which Location Suits Which Traveller?
| Traveller | Stronger starting point | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Couple wanting village atmosphere | Asteri Village | Quiet evenings and local rhythm; drive to the beach |
| Couple prioritising sea views | Villa Argiris | The view every day; a four-bedroom house for two |
| Family with a toddler | Either | Children’s pools at Villa Asteri and Villa Myrrini; at Villa Argiris, shops are closer. The beach walk is rarely practical with a toddler: plan to drive |
| Older couple avoiding stairs | Villa Argiris | One level with 2 entrance steps; Villa Myrrini has 17 steps from parking |
| First visit to Crete | Either, with a car | Both reach Rethymno in about 15 min; choose by the feel of the place |
| Daily road trips | Either | Same routes east and west; Stavromenos is closer to the national road |
| Several villa days without outings | Asteri Village | The village setting carries the stay; shopping needs a plan |
| Two families or a multigenerational group | Asteri Village (MAZI) | Separate houses 30–90 m apart; one shared villa suits groups on the same schedule |
| Wedding guests | Depends on the venue | See Best Villas near Rethymno for Wedding Guests |
Location First, or Villa First?
Choose the location first when daily rhythm and transport matter most: how quiet you want the evenings, how often you want to drive and whether you want the sea in view. Choose the villa first when something is non-negotiable: the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, steps, a children’s pool, or several households needing their own houses. If the villa that fits the people is in the other location, the villa usually wins: the two places are only about 2.6 km apart.
For groups of more than 20, MAZI and Villa Argiris together can host up to 28 guests in two locations; Villa Argiris is not part of MAZI and is booked separately. Compare layouts on Compare the villas or use Which Villa Fits Your Stay?
Before You Book
- Asteri Village: Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini; bookable alone or together as MAZI.
- Stavromenos: Villa Argiris, up to 8 guests; not part of MAZI and not beachfront.
- Walking to the beach from Villa Argiris: about 800 m, through an underpass under the national road; uphill on the way back.
- Check-in 15:30, check-out 11:00.
- Direct bookings include the Breakfast Basket.
- A car is recommended in both locations for beaches and day trips.
- Arrivals: hire car or private transfer from Heraklion or Chania airport.
We usually ask how the group imagines its days before we talk about villas. If you picture slow mornings, village evenings and time around the pool, Asteri works well; if you want the sea in view and shops a few minutes away, we start with Villa Argiris. And if you want to walk to the beach, ask me first and I will explain the route.
Argyris Skordilis · Owner and host, Amazing Villas in Crete · usually replies within 12 hours
Sources: Region of Crete: Stavromenos archaeological site; ARCHELON: Rethymno sea turtle project; KTEL Chania–Rethymno timetables; Municipality of Rethymno: Katomeria excursion (olive press, Roman baths). Figures are approximate. Distances and drive times were measured on a road-routing map in September 2026 and exclude stops. Village facts, shops and services were checked on 20 September 2026; opening days, seasonal services and conditions change, so check them for your travel dates.
Facts checked against our four villa pages · Last reviewed by Argyris Skordilis, owner of Amazing Villas in Crete.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a location
Is Asteri Village or Stavromenos better for a villa holiday?
Neither is better for every stay. Asteri Village suits a quiet, village-led rhythm with tavernas close by and three nearby villas; Stavromenos suits guests who want a more coastal base with sea views at Villa Argiris and supermarkets closer by.
Which villas are in Asteri Village, and which is in Stavromenos?
Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini are in Asteri Village and can be booked individually or combined as MAZI. Villa Argiris, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa for up to eight guests, is in Stavromenos.
How far apart are Asteri Village and Stavromenos?
About 2.6 km. Both are east of Rethymno, about 15 minutes by car from the Old Town.
Which location is quieter?
Asteri has the clearest village quiet. Villa Argiris is private in its olive grove, but Stavromenos is on the national road between Rethymno and Heraklion, with more traffic and coastal accommodation nearby.
Is there anything to see in Stavromenos itself?
Yes. The wider Chamalevri–Stavromenos–Sfakaki area is an important archaeological zone, with houses and workshops excavated since 1990 and a Roman-era olive press at Manouses, near Chamalevri. A memorial also honours the Australian and Greek soldiers who fought in the area in the Battle of Crete, May 1941.
Beaches and getting around
Is Villa Argiris beachfront?
No. The beach is about 800 m away. Villa Argiris is on the inland side of the national road, and the walking route passes under the road through an underpass; the way back is uphill, so many guests with children drive the few minutes.
Is the sea calm at Stavromenos?
Often not. The beach faces north and is open to the prevailing north winds, so waves are common on windy days. Follow the flags and any lifeguard instructions, and choose calmer times or other beaches when needed.
Can we stay without a car?
At Villa Argiris shopping is easier, because supermarkets and the coastal bus road are closer; check the KTEL timetable for your dates. In Asteri Village the tavernas are close, but shopping needs planning and taxis. In both, a car gives the freedom for beaches and day trips.
Groups
Which location suits a large group or two families?
Asteri Village is usually the stronger starting point, because MAZI keeps two or three households in separate houses 30–90 m apart, for up to 12, 14 or 20 guests. One shared villa can work when everyone follows the same schedule.
What if we are more than 20 guests?
MAZI and Villa Argiris together can host up to 28 guests in two locations. Villa Argiris is about 2.6 km away in Stavromenos, is not part of MAZI and is booked separately.
Which location is better for wedding guests?
It depends on the venue, group size and transport plan. Asteri keeps households close; Villa Argiris suits one group of up to eight. The villas are accommodation only, not wedding venues.
Choose the Stay Rhythm Before Choosing the Villa
Tell Argyris your dates, group size and how you imagine spending your days. He can help you choose the location and villa that fit the group before you book.
More Explore Crete guides
- Rethymno, Crete: Why It Works So Well as a Villa Holiday Base
- Asteri Village Guide for Private Villa Stays near Rethymno
- Stavromenos, Rethymno: A Coastal Village and Villa Base near the Beach
- Rethymno City Guide for Private Villa Guests
- Rethymno Old Town Guide from a Private Villa Base
- Spili Village Guide: The Lion Fountain and a Real Pause on the Road South
- Arkadi Monastery Guide: History, Faith and a Place of Memory
- Ancient Eleutherna and Museum Guide: Where Crete’s Story Opens Beyond the Minoans
- Knossos from Rethymno: Is the Long Cultural Day Worth It?
- Best Day Trips from Rethymno: Where to Go from Your Villa
- Arkadi, Ancient Eleutherna, Margarites and Melidoni: A Cultural Day Route
- Best Beaches near Rethymno for Villa Guests
- South Rethymno Beaches from a Private Villa Base
- Crete Beyond Peak Summer: A Villa-Stay Guide to May, June, September and October
- Rethymno Carnival in Crete: A Villa-Stay Planning Guide
- Christmas and New Year in Rethymno, Crete: A Villa-Stay Guide
- Easter in Rethymno, Crete: A Villa-Stay Guide
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: A Guide for Villa Guests near Rethymno
- Villa AsteriThe Carpenter’s House · 8 guests · children’s pool · Asteri Village
- Villa Kitron6 guests · every bedroom en-suite · Asteri Village
- Villa Myrrini6 guests · children’s pool · Asteri Village
- Villa Argiris8 guests · one level, sea views · Stavromenos
- Compare the villasAll the facts side by side
