Amari Villas: calm and comfort in the real Crete

Overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the village of Amari, Amari Villas comprises two interconnected properties - Villa Idi and Villa Samitos - which date back to the mid 19th century. The property includes a swimming pool.

Amari Villas is a traditional stone-built dwelling and was the former home of the owner’s grandparents. A typical rural residence built in the mid-1800s, today the property exudes a unique charm, with its sensitive renovation carefully blending original features with contemporary comfort.

Amari village ('Nefs Amari') is a small traditional village in the heart of Rethymno province in central Crete. A 40-minute drive south of Rethymno town, Amari Villas is set on high ground just below village’s Venetian church, with marvelous views across the Amari Valley to the highest mountain in Crete - Mount Ida (Psiloritis).

The interiors of the Villas comprise a combination of traditional furnishings and historical artefacts - including wood-burning fireplaces - with contemporary kitchens, central heating, air-conditioning, and modern appliances.

The two villas - ‘Idi’ and ‘Samitos’ (named after the mountains which cradle the village of Amari) comprise a total area of 320 square metres. Each has its own well-appointed kitchen and large living room with fireplace, and together provide six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Up to 16 guests can be housed comfortably in the villas, though additional capacity with extra beds is possible. Wi-Fi is available throughout the properties and each villa is supplied with a flat-screen TV and a device-compatible DVD/CD player/home cinema system.

Amari Villas’ swimming pool is part of Villa Idi’s terrace. With superb views to Mount Ida and across the valley, the terrace includes a BBQ and dining area. A second terrace, part of Villa Samitos, provides another larger dining area.

Amari Villas is a unique property in the region, combining luxury and comfort unparalleled in the Amari Valley. The village of Amari, located centrally in the Valley, is ideal for hikers and visitors wishing to explore the landscape and surrounding communities.

Equidistant from Crete's north and south coasts, Amari Villas is perfectly placed, allowing guests easy access to the south coast's beautiful (and less-used) beaches, as well as the more developed north coast. The Old Town of Rethymno is less than an hour's drive away, so visiting this popular location - one of the most intact medieval towns in Greece - is easy.

Guest services

The villa is looked after by "Mrs Rumy" (pronounced "roomy") who lives nearby and she is available to take care of any guests’ needs, including changing of linen and cleaning services. As a highly skilled cook, Mrs Rumy also offers guests an exclusive range of authentic Cretan and Mediterranean dishes. All the meals provided are homemade, using fresh seasonal ingredients - all from local suppliers. Prices for meals are available on request.

Children

For youngsters and the young at heart, Amari Villas has a range of toys, games, books and movies to choose from in each villa. Baby cots and highchairs are available. The village has a basketball and volleyball court plus open spaces for games, and the lack of traffic in the village offers a safe and friendly environment for children to explore.

Your stay

On your arrival, owner Manolis Papadakis will be there to welcome you. Highly knowledgeable of the property and the area’s rich history, Manolis will be delighted to share with you the story of the house, his family and the Amari.

The Amari Villas property has belonged to the owner's family for more than 150 years. From the building’s earliest times it was a place where neighbours and the community met for joyful gatherings. Wanting to reflect this valuable heritage, the owner has decorated the villas with unique pieces of embroidery made by his mother and grandmother, and has kept many of the antique objects and furniture of the original house.

These delicate pieces keep alive the traditional character of the house - precious heirlooms that take us back in time, and remind us of Amari Villa’s rich history.
The garden around the villas contains many flowers, aromatic herbs and trees. Guests can feel free to pick the garden’s produce which includes herbs, almonds, lemons and pomegranates.

Your journey to the Amari

Heraklion and Chania airports are approximately 100km from the village of Amari, and a journey by car from either will take not much more than 90 minutes. While the Amari valley is serviced by public transport car hire is strongly advised. The owner can provide recommendations for car hire providers at Chania, Heraklion or Rethymno. Pick-ups from either airport can be arranged.