Local Area Overview

Villa Olivia sits within a cluster of five similar properties just outside the village of Roussospiti. A taverna and mini-market are just a few hundred metres walk downhill towards the village, with the nearest beach around a ten minute drive away. Neighbouring Villa Rosa has five bedrooms including a lower ground floor apartment and is also available to rent if you need to accommodate a large party. The city and port of Rethymnon is around 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. Boat excursions in search of dolphins can be booked at the harbour, as can an exciting trip in a ‘real’ pirate ship which leaves the harbour at 9.30 each morning for a journey to remember. 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. 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 an interesting mix of ruins and buildings that have been partially restored. There are lovely views from this vantage point, particularly at night, over the lights of the harbour town. With its wealth of ancient ruins, monasteries and unspoilt villages set amidst stunning coastal and mountain scenery, Crete is an explorers dream. The Mountaineering Association in Rethymnon can advise you if you are planning something challenging or you can enjoy a gentle stroll at one of the popular beauty spots. 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.