Best Villas near Rethymno for Wedding Guests
The best villa for wedding guests is not the one with the most beds. It is the one that fits the real group: the households travelling together, the route to the venue, the number of nights and how much privacy everyone wants before and after the celebration.
By Argyris Skordilis, owner and host · Updated
Compare the Villas at a Glance
| Villa | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Guests | Location | Useful wedding-guest fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Asteri | 4 | 4 bathrooms | Up to 8 | Asteri | The largest individual MAZI villa; useful for a family or two households that want four bedrooms and four bathrooms. |
| Villa Kitron | 3 | 3 bathrooms + 1 WC | Up to 6 | Asteri | Three couples or households that value an en-suite bathroom for every bedroom. |
| Villa Myrrini | 3 | 2 bathrooms | Up to 6 | Asteri | A family group that values a private pool, separate children’s pool and a garden with orange trees. |
| Villa Argiris | 4 | 4 bathrooms | Up to 8 | Stavromenos | A separate sea-view villa with all indoor spaces on one level, about 2.6 km from Asteri Village; its own booking, not part of MAZI. |
| MAZI | 10 across 3 villas | 9 bathrooms + 1 WC | Up to 20 | Asteri | Several households that want to stay close while retaining separate homes, kitchens, living spaces and pools. |
Numbers are maximum guests. The right match depends on how the guests divide into households.
Two Villas in Asteri Village
When one villa is not enough but three are more than the group needs:
| Possible pairing | Guests | What each home contributes | May suit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Asteri + Villa Kitron | Up to 14 | Asteri: 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms · Kitron: 3 bedrooms, 3 en-suite bathrooms and 1 WC | A larger household in one home and three couples or another bathroom-focused household in the other |
| Villa Asteri + Villa Myrrini | Up to 14 | Asteri: 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms · Myrrini: 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms | A larger household alongside a family or group of friends comfortable sharing two bathrooms |
| Villa Kitron + Villa Myrrini | Up to 12 | Kitron: 3 en-suite bedrooms and 1 WC · Myrrini: 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms | Two households of up to six guests each, with different bathroom priorities |
A second villa adds another arrival and another set of keys. If everyone is happy in one home and the rooms fit, one villa is simpler.
MAZI: Close Together, Still Private
- Two or three of Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini in Asteri Village: up to 12, 14 or 20 guests, 30–90 m apart.
- Each villa stays private, with its own kitchen, living space and pool.
- Meals together at one villa, agreed with Argyris before arrival; a private chef or catering on request.
- Pools: the other villas’ pools only with a written agreement; children always supervised, with their parents present.
- Price: the same as the villas booked separately (see One Villa or Multiple Villas?).
- Together, and apart: guests enjoy the group, and by the third day many also want their own space. With MAZI each household can close its own door, just 30–90 m from the others.
Villa or hotel?
| What matters | Private villa | Hotel room block |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | A whole home for each household | A room in a shared building |
| Time together | Own pool, garden, living room and kitchen for shared meals | Shared lobby, bars and restaurants |
| Getting ready | Space for hair, make-up and photos at the villa | Usually in one room or a booked suite |
| Meals and service | Self-catering; chef or catering on request | Restaurants, breakfast and daily service on site |
| Nightlife | Quiet village evenings | A hotel in Rethymno is closer to bars and the old town |
Many weddings use both: families in villas, and guests who want nightlife in a Rethymno hotel. More in Villa or Hotel for Wedding Guests.
Villa Argiris: A Separate Option in Stavromenos
Villa Argiris sleeps up to 8 in 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with all indoor spaces on one level and sea views, about 2.6 km from Asteri Village. It suits a household that wants its own base, or grandparents who prefer no stairs inside (there are 2 steps at the entrance). It is not part of MAZI: it has its own availability, booking, payment and travel plan. Together with MAZI, a group can stay up to 28 guests in two locations.
Steps at each villa
| Villa | Steps |
|---|---|
| Villa Asteri | Small step at the entrance and to the pool terrace; 20 steps to the two first-floor bedrooms (2 bedrooms on the ground floor) |
| Villa Kitron | 1 at the entrance, 4 down to the pool, 15 to the first floor (twin en-suite bedroom on the ground floor) |
| Villa Myrrini | 17 from the parking to the front door; all rooms on one level inside |
| Villa Argiris | 2 at the entrance, 6 up to the pergola; all indoor spaces on one level |
None of the villas is wheelchair accessible. “One level inside” does not mean step-free; tell Argyris who needs fewer steps and he can suggest where each household fits.
Start with the Venue and the Households
“Near Rethymno” is not precise enough: two venues in the same area can mean very different journeys. Start from the confirmed venue, ceremony time and likely finish time, then write a short brief for Argyris:
| Record | What Argyris needs |
|---|---|
| Wedding | Venue, date, ceremony time, expected finish |
| Guests | Total, and the households that stay together |
| Stay | Arrival and departure dates, including who stays longer |
| Rooms | Bedroom, bathroom, children and step needs |
| Arrivals | Airport and arrival time for each household |
| Wedding day | Getting ready, the transfer there and back |
Wedding venues near the villas
| Venue | From Asteri Village |
|---|---|
| Agreco Farm, Adele | Approx. 6.5 km, about 10 minutes (see Stay near Agreco Farm) |
| Rethymno Old Town and the Fortezza | Approx. 12 km, about 15 minutes |
| Beach hotels east of Rethymno | Between Rethymno and the villas, a short drive; check the exact hotel |
Who pays? Usually the couple pays for the villas of the parents or the wedding party, and other guests pay for their own stay. Say it clearly when you share the accommodation, and use the ready-made text for your wedding website.
Comparing cost: villas are priced for the whole home, not per room. Compare them with hotel rooms only after you split the price between the households staying there, and check the minimum stay for your dates, what is included (Wi-Fi, cleaning, linen) and what is not (transport, meals). Current price ranges per person are in One Villa or Multiple Villas?
Who Confirms What
| Item | Who confirms it |
|---|---|
| Availability of each villa | Argyris, Amazing Villas in Crete |
| Which household stays in which villa | The couple or the group lead, with Argyris’s advice |
| Booking and payment | Each villa has its own booking reference and payment |
| Date changes and cancellation | According to the terms of each booking; ask before you pay |
| Transfers and car hire | The independent provider you book with |
| The wedding itself | The couple and the venue |
Choose one group lead to collect names, arrival times and room needs, and to be the single contact with Argyris.
Arriving from Abroad
- Airports: Heraklion is approx. 73 km (around 60 min) and Chania approx. 79 km (around 75 min). The villas are almost the same distance from both, so choose the flight that suits you best.
- Arrivals at different times: households rarely land together; plan check-ins and transfers per household.
- A buffer night: from the US, Australia or with a connection, arrive at least a day before the wedding.
- Luggage and wedding clothes: carry the wedding outfit in hand luggage and tell the transfer provider how many cases you have.
- Children: ask the car-hire or transfer provider for child seats when you book.
From the airport, hire a car or book a private transfer. More in Arriving via Chania or Heraklion Airport.
Staying longer? The villas are a good base for exploring Crete: Rethymno is about 15 minutes away, Heraklion about 60–70 minutes and Chania about 75 minutes, so guests can see all three cities and come back to the same villa every evening. More in How to Organise a Wedding Guest Stay.
A Worked Example: 18 Guests in Five Groups
| Villa | Who | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Asteri | Two families of four | 8 |
| Villa Kitron | Grandparents and one adult couple | 4 |
| Villa Myrrini | Six adult friends | 6 |
Everyone stays in Asteri Village, in three villas side by side. The point is not reaching 20; it is matching people to rooms.
The Wedding Day
- Before the wedding: dinner all together at the village taverna, or a Cretan night nearby every Thursday and Friday from late April to mid-October, with dinner, live Cretan music and dancing. More ideas in How to Organise a Wedding Guest Stay.
- Getting ready: guests can get ready at the villas; tell Argyris in advance if a photographer, hairdresser or make-up artist will visit.
- Getting there and back: we recommend a private transfer to the ceremony and reception and back, so nobody drives after the celebration. Agree the pick-up point and return time before the day.
- Different return times: families with young children or older guests may want to leave earlier; plan a second pickup.
- The morning after: keep it free; separate villas let some people sleep while others have breakfast by the pool.
Transport is not included in the villa stay. Argyris can introduce you to independent local providers; the provider confirms the vehicle, price, payment and cancellation terms directly with you.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing by total beds before dividing guests into households.
- Treating “near Rethymno” as a transport plan.
- Planning the journey to the wedding but not the late return.
- Assuming everyone arrives, leaves and returns at the same time.
Before You Book
- MAZI is Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini in Asteri Village, for up to 20 guests.
- Villa Argiris is a separate villa in Stavromenos, not part of MAZI, with its own availability, booking and payment.
- Booking: for MAZI, one enquiry and one combined proposal; each villa keeps its own booking reference and payment.
- Book early: as early as possible, especially for two or three villas on the same dates in high season.
- Minimum stay: follows the villas and dates you choose; for a wedding weekend, ask Argyris.
- Date changes and cancellation: follow the terms of each villa booking; confirm them before you pay.
- Transport is not included and is arranged with independent providers.
- Accommodation only: the villas are not a wedding or event venue; ceremonies, receptions and parties take place at the venue.
For the full process step by step, see How to Organise a Wedding Guest Stay in Crete.
Tell us where the wedding is and how the guests divide into families or households before asking which villa is best. The venue matters, but so do the mornings and evenings around it. A setup that gives each household some privacy is usually easier than one chosen only by total capacity.
Argyris Skordilis · Owner and host, Amazing Villas in Crete · usually replies within 12 hours
Facts checked against our four villa pages · Last reviewed by Argyris Skordilis, owner of Amazing Villas in Crete.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a villa
What are the best villas near Rethymno for wedding guests?
There is no single best villa. The right choice depends on the confirmed venue, household groups, bedroom and bathroom needs, arrival plan and preferred location. An individual villa can suit a smaller group; MAZI, with two or three villas, can suit several households who want nearby private homes.
What is the best two-villa combination for wedding guests?
For up to 14 guests, Villa Asteri with Villa Kitron may suit a larger household alongside three couples, while Villa Asteri with Villa Myrrini may suit a larger household alongside a family or friends. For up to 12, Villa Kitron with Villa Myrrini may suit two smaller households. These are MAZI combinations, and the choice depends on availability and the real bedroom and bathroom plan.
Should all wedding guests stay in the same villa?
Not necessarily. Staying close can simplify shared departures and communication, but separate private homes may fit different households, bedtimes and return times better. Compare the verified layout and transport plan rather than forcing everyone into one property.
Does the maximum guest number guarantee the right bedroom arrangement?
No. The figures show the maximum number of guests, but the right choice still depends on couples, children, household groups, bathroom expectations and access needs. Match the people to the verified rooms before choosing a villa arrangement.
Which villa suits guests who want more privacy?
Villa Argiris may suit a household that wants more distance from the main group. Its separate Stavromenos location, about 2.6 km from Asteri Village, sea view, single-level interior and olive-grove setting give a household more distance from the main group while remaining part of the same wedding stay. It is not part of MAZI and is booked separately.
MAZI and Villa Argiris
Is MAZI suitable for wedding guests?
It can be suitable when several households want to stay close in Asteri while retaining separate private spaces. MAZI combines two or three of Villa Asteri, Villa Kitron and Villa Myrrini, for up to 12, 14 or 20 guests. It is accommodation, not a wedding venue.
Is Villa Argiris part of MAZI?
No. Villa Argiris is in Stavromenos, about 2.6 km from Asteri Village, and remains part of the wider Amazing Villas in Crete collection, but it is not part of MAZI and is booked separately.
Can a group of more than 20 stay with Villa Argiris?
Yes. Villa Argiris is a separate villa in Stavromenos, about 2.6 km from Asteri Village. It is not part of MAZI or an extension of it: it has its own availability, booking, payment and travel plan. Together, MAZI and Villa Argiris can accommodate up to 28 guests in two locations.
The wedding days
When should wedding guests book?
As early as possible. The villas are private homes with limited dates, so the earlier guests book, the more choice they have, especially in high season. Availability is confirmed for the actual dates.
Is there a minimum stay?
Yes. The minimum stay varies by villa and season, and the booking engine confirms it for your dates. For a wedding weekend or another short stay, ask Argyris what is possible.
Can wedding guests get ready at the villas?
Yes. Guests can get ready for the wedding at the villas. If a photographer, hairdresser or make-up artist will visit, tell Argyris before arrival.
Can Amazing Villas in Crete help with wedding guest transport?
Transport is not included in the villa stay. Argyris can introduce guests to independent local providers for car hire, private transfers or larger vehicles; the provider confirms the vehicle, price, payment and cancellation terms. On the wedding day we recommend a private transfer to the ceremony and reception and back to the villas, so nobody needs to drive after the celebration.
Choose the Right Wedding-Guest Setup
Share the confirmed venue, wedding date, guest households, bedroom priorities and arrival times with Argyris, and he can compare the individual villas, the two-villa pairings and MAZI for your guests.
More MAZI guides
- One Villa or Multiple Villas? Group Accommodation in Crete
- Multigenerational Family Trip to Crete
- How to Organise a Wedding Guest Stay in Crete
- Stay near Agreco Farm: Private Villas for Wedding Guests
- Group Villas in Crete: How to Choose the Right Setup
- MAZI2 or 3 villas in Asteri Village · up to 20 guests
- 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
