Samonas Traditional Villas

If you want to step away from the tourist areas and into the real rural life of Crete, then this is the place to stay. It’s rustic luxury in a tiny village high up above the main touristic areas and with views that leave you breathless. The accommodation is a stunning converted group of houses, turned into 5-6 beautiful villas with balconies and rooftop terraces that give amazing views across the mountains and towards the coast. The villas are Cretan farmhouse traditional, extremely comfortable with everything you need. Breakfast is set up in your private courtyard and is a luxurious feast, changing every day. The village is just a scattering of houses, surrounded by olive groves with lots of hens, goats and sheep and there is a small Taverna which serves the locals. Don’t expect a big menu, it is whatever is being cooked that day! With only a few villas, it is very quiet and peaceful, no traffic, no noise other than cicadas, clucking hens and owls at night. There is a lovely pool, fitness room and a little shop. The road up and down is a bit of an adventure, virtually no other traffic so easy to take slow. We stayed in the Purple villa which has a courtyard, a covered balcony off the bedroom and the highest roof terrace. Special mention to the wonderful host who has spent 20 years building and converting this fabulous place. Very welcoming, helpful and kind. Thank you for a memorable stay.

This is the perfect place for relaxation without any stress. Amazing host that makes you feel welcome and happily answers any question you might have. Me, my wife and daughter stayed in the purple house and we had a lot of space and quickly felt at home. I highly recommend trying the breakfast, the best we ever had. You will need a vehicle since the nearest minimarket and regularly open taverna is 12 minutes downhill by car. A lot of nice walks nearby with great views. This is not the place if you prefer a lot of different restaurants, nightlife, bars and shopping. But if you are like us, and prefer stillness and relaxation this is absolute paradise! The beach is only 20 minutes away by car.

The maisonette was beautiful and very well equipped. It also included a fresh orange juicer, coffee machine, fresh oranges and a small hamper with cookies, crisps and other treats. The view on an evening from the roof top terrace was special. Konstantinos was very accommodating. We arrived later than expected but this was no issue. We asked if we could have a later checkout as we wanted to make the most of the pool and views during our stay and this was also not a problem. If you are looking for peace and quiet in the mountains to relax and enjoy the true beauty of Crete away from busy tourist hot spots. This place is worth its weight in gold!