Villa i Rethymno

Cretan Cottage Villa Traditional farm estate with breathtaking view and private pool. Traditional style villa were the stone and wood elements, the arches, the exposed beamed ceilings, the Cretan relics dominate the architecture and all modern amenities are embedded to the infrastructure. During your stay at Asterion Villa you are wholeheartedly invited to take part in taking care of the farm animals, walk along the forest and the farm paths and finish your day watching a beautiful sunset that will take your breath away. A prime location, that combines the peaceful enjoyment of nature and all the benefits of being close to town Rethymno and the beach, with a magnificent view beyond any description. The villa is located near the village Atsipopoulo which is a picturesque suburb of Rethymnon Town, only 5 km from the centre. Located close to the borders of Rethymnon and Chania, the lovely village offers a unique old atmosphere from the Venetian times. Houses in Atsipopoulo were constructed in close distance so as to form a fortification wall against pirates and other enemies, architecture preserved till today.

Visitors should be prepared to be amazed by the many churches of Atsipopoulo, the picturesque arched paths and the stone houses. LOCAL SHOPS Due to the close proximity to Rethymno Town, visitors will have access to many services. Rethymno is the third largest city of Crete and one can find all kinds of restaurants, taverns, mini shops, banks, coffee and afternoon snak options, banks any many many more. BARS AND RESTAURANTS Rethymno is a city full of life and wanderous streets to explore and discover the local restaurants hymn to the Cretan traditional cuisine as well modern establishments to travel to unique taste journey. The road by the sea at the old Venetian Port is full with cafeterias and bars busy with people enjoying the sunset and their beverages. For the more adventurous the cobbled streets hide bars and cafe’s with strong attitude and styles. BEACHES The closest beach is at a distance of 4 km, while only 10 km away there is the large beach of Episkopi a long sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing and fun. Episkopi beach is situated only 2 kilometers away from the village of Episkopi. A beautiful sandy and wide beach 10km long, close to Rethymno town and with easy access from the national road, Episkopi features shallow waters near the coast but after a few steps it gets very deep. The water is crystal clear and the sand almost white but most of the time it is windy due to its position. Due to its extensive length, you will surely find not crowded spots and have a calm day on the beach. PLACES OF INTEREST The Venetian Fortezza fortress is built on the "Paleokastro" hill, located on the west side of the city. On the same hill the Acropolis of the ancient city of Rithymna was located, along with a sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Artemis. The Fortezza fortress was built between 1573-1580 by the Venetians in order to protect the citizens from the Turkish threat. It is shaped like a star, it has three gates and six ramparts. The temple of Saint Nicolo has been turned into the mosque of Sultan Ibraim Han. There was the building of the Commander, the building of the Counselor, army camps, stables, ammunition depots, a water supply reservoir and some houses that were later destroyed. The Fortress dominates the city and makes Rethymno very photogenic, its pedestrian streets below, strewn with charming old buildings. Venetian influences abound and the minarets and domed mosques remind of the Turkish influence. Numerous shops for souvenirs (with many local products now available), trendy fashion or imaginative jewellery...the old and the modern combine to make a colourful and buzzing town. Venturing outside the town, some days you will visit dramatic gorges, monasteries, time-trodden villages with ancient churches, the south coast Libyan sea, spectacular mountains of Psiloritis and the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Arkadi Monastery. Originally built in the 14th century and re-built in the 16th century, it is located in an attractive hill, 23 km south-east of Rethymno. In the center of the complex stands the Byzantine church. It is well known as one of the most important centers of the Cretan resistance against the Turkish occupation and a symbol of fight for freedom. Eleftherna some km after Arkadi monastery is the most important archaeological site in Rethymno and one of the most interesting current excavations being conducted by the Archaeological section of The university of Crete. Inhabited from the ancient years till the Byzantine era, it is the only site in Crete that can give valuable information to archaeologists in how a settlement developed during the years. There can be seen the ruins of dwelling complexes, sanctuaries, cemeteries, the ancient wall, the aqueduct, the huge cisterns and the bridges and an early Christian basilica. Georgioupolis the big village on the north coast, which grew to a tourist resort, during the last years. 24 km west of Rethymno. 4 km south from Chania, there is the picturesque village of Vrisses and 5 km west, the village of Vamos with a special interest in Cretan tradition. And last but not least Kournas Lake. The only freshwater lake in Crete. Lake Kournas was known as Lake Koressia in antiquity but later took its current name from the Arabic word for lake.The lake is in a beautiful landscape, lying in a valley among the hills, about 4 km from Georgioupolis in Chania .