Belvedere Villas (Argiro)

My wife and I have been to Belvedere villas for the last 3 years, you could not wish for a more relaxing holiday, the villas are will appointed and the views are spectacular, Siny and Dimitri are superb hosts, nothing is too much for them even down to ensuring that I was able to get fuel during a tanker drivers strike (other hire cars were being turned away from the pumps)

Plenty of walks in the surrounding hills and gorges wich is one of the reasons we keep visiting

Rethymno is a typically greek town plenty of tavernas/bars, sea front/harbour tavernas can be expensive but the evening views are worth it

Plenty of relatively local supermarkets large and small nearest are about 8-10 minute drive from the villas

I have no hesitation in recommending them as a place for peace and quiet

If a relaxing holiday with the sound of goat bells ringing in your ears and vultures circling overhead is your cup of tea then Belvedere Villas in Rethmynon is perfect. Set on the side of a mountain and a 15 minute drive from Rethymnon, the villa Argiro is part of a complex of 4 villas. The villas are a good distance apart and all have their own facilities, including pool and BBQ. The view from the pool and veranda area is spectacular, with hills each side and the sea in the distance. The villa itself is clean and comfortable, and well equipped with everything you need to cook for yourself (minus a pizza cutter). There is a separate twin bedroom which leads on to the veranda, and another double bed on a mezzanine above the kitchen, which means 4 people could share quite comfortably. There is a great guest book in the villa which details a number of good local restaurants, walks and other attractions that are of interest, all recommended by previous guests.

One word of warning - there are a number of cats that live around the villas, and they have a habit of coming looking for food at meal times. If you're not a cat fan they can be quite annoying.

The villa is an excellent base in which to explore the island, and I would not hesitate in recommending it. We visited on a late deal and paid £300 per person for a week. An absolute bargain and worth every penny. Rethymnon itself is a great little town, with a lovely old town and lots of bars, shops and restaurants to choose from. Not a particularly British resort, which on the whole could be a good thing!