Surrounded by age-old olive trees, the luxurious and self-catered Villa Ahlades is situated in a quiet location, just 2.5 miles from a beach. It boasts a private pool, large outdoor stone-built BBQ, free Wi-Fi, terraces and balconies. Fitted with stone walls and wooden beamed ceilings, this elegantly decorated accommodation consists of an open-plan living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. It offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, of which one includes a spa bath. Air conditioning, a fireplace and LCD TV with DVD player are also standard. The family-run Villa Ahlades is 14.3 miles from the centre of Rethymno city. It is 56 from the centre of Heraklion City.

Crete. As well as the magnificent beaches and warm seas, the size and physical variety of the island of Crete invites exploration, and Villa Ahlades, located at Ahlades Milopotamou, Crete, 74057, Greece, is the ideal staring point. Uniquely among Greek islands, Crete’s mountainous spine creates a sense of spaciousness, a life distinct from sea and sand. Fly-drive holidays to Crete – or simply the hire of a car for some days during your stay in Villa Ahlades, – will enable you to seek out the rugged formations of the interior, the fertile countryside and tiny chapels filled with frescoes, the mountain villages where time has stood still. Always, the authentic spirit of the islanders, their fierce independence and pride – as well as the best cooking and most delicious meals that constitute the famed “Cretan Diet” – will more likely be found where few others are looking. With so much to see, with dolphins to watch, shaded squares to paint, olive trees and wild orchids, Minoan remains and sweeping beaches, no wonder Crete holidays and Villa Ahlades are revisited so often.