Local Area Overview

Villa Deleni enjoys an elevated position in tranquil rural surroundings with views across orange and olive groves to the sea. There is a neighbouring four bedroomed property, Villa Dana, also available to rent, whilst the nearest village is Prines, just 1.5km away. Here you will find a mini-market, coffee shop and a taverna with a wider selection of amenities including a bank, pizzeria and supermarket around 4km from the villa at Atsipopoulo. The coast is less than 2km away with the nearest beach within a short drive. The modern commercial city of Rethymnon is just 7km away and is the place to go for lively evening entertainment and a choice of shops, restaurants and clubs. It has a huge expanse of beach lined with tavernas and bars which stretches for 20km. The old town is a mass of narrow alleyways lined with Turkish houses and minarets reflecting the 250 years when it was ruled by the Turks, and a charming harbour where you can sample locally caught seafood in one of the excellent waterfront fish restaurants. In July/August, the city stages a Renaissance Festival and comes alive with folk music and traditional Greek dramas, or you may be able to sample locally produced wine in the public gardens during the annual Wine Festival. From the harbour you can take a leisurely cruise in search of dolphins with a picnic stop en route, or climb aboard a pirate ship for an action packed excursion via caves and coves around the coast. A nearby attraction is the Fortétza castle that sits atop Palaiokastro hill, overlooking Rethymnon town. This fortress was originally built to protect the island from pirate raids and is partially ruined. There are lovely views from this vantage point, particularly at night, over the lights of the harbour town. Walking is a very popular pastime on this beautiful island. If you are planning something adventurous, contact the Mountaineering Association in Rethymnon for advice on guided walks but there are also plenty of scenic strolls to ancient ruins and monuments. The Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe and is popular with walkers looking for a challenge. Over 200 ancient burial chambers have been discovered at nearby Armeni, a Minoan necropolis around 9km from Rethymnon. Lissos is an ancient town famous for its healing waters flowing from a natural spring, with a small Asklepios temple dedicated to the Greek-Roman God of healing. This place is fascinating to explore as it is full of ancient ruins. Further afield, is the famous archaeological site of the ancient Knossos Palace. This palatial ruin dates back to 2000-1350BC but was mainly inhabited during the Minoan civilization when local tradition states it housed King Minos, who released the Minotaur into the Labyrinth. This incredible site has been partially restored with copies of original frescoes and some stunning architecture to see.