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Villa Elli - A magical garden retreat with private pools and curated spaces

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Pool
Pool
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Outdoor dining
Combined shower/bathtub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 8120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Rethymno, Crete
  • Place, beach near Gerani
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Crete
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Rethymnon Town Hall
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Villa Elli - A magical garden retreat with private pools and curated spaces


Villa Elli is approved by Greek Tourism Organization with license number: 1041K91002924801 & managed by "etouri vacation rental management".


Villa Elli is a fully renovated private 4-bedroom retreat in the peaceful village of Prines, combining refined contemporary comfort, beautifully curated indoor and outdoor living spaces, private pools, and authentic Cretan hospitality for an unforgettable stay experience near Rethymno.


Interior Layout


Hidden in a peaceful lane within the charming village of Prines, Villa Elli is a fully renovated private retreat designed for up to 8 guests, where contemporary comfort meets authentic Cretan living.


Surrounded by lush gardens, olive trees, colorful flowers, and beautifully curated outdoor spaces, the villa offers a boutique-style hospitality experience focused on privacy, relaxation, and outdoor living.


Inside, Villa Elli features four elegant bedrooms, three of them located on the ground floor and the one on the loft, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms, premium multi-layer sleep systems, and high-quality hypoallergenic bedding designed to provide a deeply restful stay. The contemporary interiors combine designer furniture, warm lighting, and modern entertainment amenities, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere throughout the villa.


Outdoor living lies at the heart of the experience. Guests can enjoy the main swimming pool surrounded by designer sun loungers and Mediterranean gardens, as well as a private plunge pool for moments of complete privacy and relaxation.


The fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area invites guests to enjoy open-air cooking and long summer dinners beside the pool, while the outdoor lounge spaces and open-air cinema with projector create unforgettable evenings under the Cretan sky.


Adding a truly authentic touch to the stay, Mrs. Elli -- the owner who lives nearby -- occasionally shares seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and homemade treats from her organic garden.


Located just a short drive from the beaches and the vibrant town of Rethymno, Villa Elli is the perfect base for experiencing the beauty and relaxed rhythm of Crete.


**Accommodation cost excludes Climate Resilience Tax. The amount for the accommodation type is set at EUR15 per night from April to October and EUR4 per night from November to March, payable upon check-in.
During your stay at this villa, you'll be close to University of Crete. Features include a gym, a water park and concierge services. The villa includes amenities such as free WiFi and a private pool.
  • Air-conditioned villa with private pool, kitchen and washing machine
  • Free WiFi
  • Splash around at the water park
  • Services include a concierge
  • On-site recreation includes a gym
  • 7 minutes by car from Rethymnon Court House and 8 minutes from Great Gate
Villa Elli - A magical garden retreat with private pools and curated spaces offers its guests a water park and a fitness centre. The family-friendly Villa Elli - A magical garden retreat with private pools and curated spaces also features barbecue grills, a garden, and concierge services.

This Rethymno villa is smoke free.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Piano
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Charcoal grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,292 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Accommodation cost excludes Climate Resilience Tax: €15/night (Apr–Oct), €4/night (Nov–Mar), payable at check-in.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number 1041Κ91002924801
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Traditional Villa Superb Garden Total Quietness 4km Away Beach
Traditional Villa Superb Garden Total Quietness 4km Away Beach
Villa
61

Villa Elli - A magical garden retreat with private pools and curated spaces Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Very good stay in this house. Matches the description perfectly
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property in a quiet village

We booked this villa for a trip with our three teenagers. The house is lovely and very clean. We loved the pool and the lounge chairs. The air conditioning worked extremely well and we only had to run it for a few hours in the evening for it to be cool all day and night. The location is great. You are within a 10 minute drive for numerous fantastic beaches and restaurants. You can also walk to restaurants in the village if you don’t want to drive. The host was very responsive and sent a number of recommendations to us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

James W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Lovely little villa, perhaps a little too rustic

The location is okay, a little noisy with baking dogs and perhaps not the prettiest drive past the scrapyard. We had a few issues with dead flies/mosquitos across the floor of the apartment on the first few days as I believe a door or window has been left open before we arrived. That all being said the exterior of the property is gorgeous and the garden is lovely.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely relaxing holiday in Villa Elli

We enjoyed our stay in Villa Elli in Prines, the villa was lovely, the village was a short 20 minute drive from a few beaches. There were 3 very good tavernas within 10-15 minutes walk and a small supermarket that had pretty much all we needed. The villa is charming and quirky and very clean, it has 3 private verandas where you could sit in the sun or shade, 2 sitting areas indoors large dining table and a smaller one outside. Miss Elli and her family live next door and are available to help if needed but do not intrude, also Etouri customer support were a text or phonecall away if needed and they kept in touch with offers and advice.The kitchen had everything we needed whether making a cuppa to a 3 course meal.The pool was perfect size for us not too deep and plenty room for sunbeds.There are several cats who are regular visitors and very friendly and quite polite too!Overall a very nice holiday I would happily return to and recommend.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Klaus Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Einrichtung ist in die Jahre gekommen. Bad/ Toilette renovierungsbedürftig.
Stayed 18 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Farina G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wir hatten eine gute Zeit in der Villa. Wir wurden herzlich empfangen. Ca. alle 3 Tage wurde gereinigt, auch der Pool. Innerhalb von 15 min (mit dem Auto), kann man am Strand sein. Der nächste kleine Ort ist, 10-15 min zu Fuß entfernt. Es hat uns sehr gefallen, wir würden wieder buchen.
Stayed 15 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

celine F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sejour très agréable tres bon accueil.Villa tres tranquille et proche de Rethymno
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Franz-Josef S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Es war sehr schön

Ein sehr schönes Objekt. Etwas ausserhalb aber alles war sehr gut zu erreichen. Sehr freundliche und zuvorkommende Vermieter. Sehr hilfsbereit aber auch sehr zurückhaltend. Das Haus war sehr liebevoll vorbereitet. Danke dafür. Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Zeit
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely holiday

Villa was as expected, great location ( must have a car) with a great garden space and everything we needed. Elli lives nearby and was wonderful! She left us in private yet regularly left us some of her fruit and veg, as well as some great stuffed peppers :) Thanks Elli! Cleaners came every three days which was much appreciated too. Pool was small but fabulous, especially since we had a 5 year old with us. It wasn’t too deep which meant he learned to swim there too. Luckily, we love cats as there are lots of them :) It was also useful having an Etouri rep on the other end of the phone- quite useful when one of our party broke their ankle and we needed doctors. Etouri also booked us into the Baja beach club on our last day and we didn’t have to pay a penny so thank you guys! Two lovely tavernas and two small supermarkets within 10mn walk from villa too which meant we could have a nice meal without worrying about driving. Fab villa,people and holiday!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An excellent villa and fantastic garden

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Villa Elli. We were welcomed by Elli, the pleasant lady who lived next door. The house was comfortable and very well provisioned and the garden was exceptional, always a delight to relax in before and after our various trips out. We are very happy to recommend this villa.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Louise H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful holiday

We had a lovely holiday at Villa Elli. We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 11 year old, 8 year old & 3 year old) and the Villa was perfect for us. When we arrived Elli’s daughter was there to greet us and show us around the villa. The villa is just as described. It was clean (they cleaned the villa for us 3 times during our 2 week stay), and had everything we needed. There are 3 tavernas which are a 10 minute walk away (which are all excellent), and a small supermarket to get basic bits. Elli the villa owner lives behind the villa and was a lovely lady. She brought us fresh vegetables from her garden and cooked us a lovely lunch. She even bought the kids some animal toys to play with. If there was a problem with the villa then she sorted it very quickly. You do need to hire a car to get around (or get a taxi). The main town of Rethymno is a 10 minute drive away, which has the beaches and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The management company were also very good and WhatsApp’ed me most days to check if we were ok or needed anything. They booked us into the Baja Beach a club one day which was a great day out with complementary drinks. They provided us with recommended medical centres to get our Covid tests we needed to get home. We will definitely come to stay at Villa Elli again. It was a very relaxing holiday for us and provided everything we needed.
Stayed 15 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tinneke G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay in Greece

We have spent a wonderful week in Villa Eli. The house is very well maintained and looks exactly as in the pictures. we also had the feeling, they take the COVID-19 measures very serious. Everything was perfectly clean, disinfection spray, masks and gloves are provided in the house! Cleaning service once a week was really nice to have included. It is perfect to spend some time with the family or with friends. Great porch and terrace to spend your evenings on... The kitchen is fully equipped and even if something is not working correctly, it is replaced within 24 hours. We were really amazed by the level of service offered, contact with Stella was very easy going, we received a lot of good tips and things to do and for every question we always got a quick answer. The location near Prines close to Rethymno is something we really enjoyed. There are enough really nice restaurants nearby and if you want to visit the city you are there in under 15 minutes. You definitely need a car if you are staying at Villa Eli, and it is better if you like cats as there are quite a few of them around. We would 100% recommend staying here. For us it was the first time in Greece, but thanks to this wonderful stay it will not be the last.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great holiday in great villa

Villa Elli is the prettiest villa we have ever seen. The garden is full of flowers, palm trees, cacti and shrubs. The veranda is so welcoming and the villa is well equipped and comfortable. A quick walk to the village centre and there are 3 tavernas, all good, a shop and pharmacy along with a snack bar. A great base to explore Crete or just laze by the pool.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

steven S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

TERRIFIC

Very well equipped home, nice neighborhood, very attendant property manager and owner. No negatives.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

TINA S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful greek villa

The Villa is a beautiful green oasis, full of trees and pot plants with a nice pool, which make the place really special. The house has a nice Greek vibe and lots of space around the house. Great dinning area is also in the terrace outside and every room has its own little balcony if you need some privacy. You do need a car to move around, but we also do recommend the car rental because it is easier to move around the Island and visit the best beaches the Island has to offer. Cat lovers will love the company of spoiled cats that are walking around the property. The communication with the host and the manager is nice and easy. We had the best Greek lady host who has a beautiful heart and we really felt like at home in Villa Elli. So, we definitely recommend this house if you are looking for a nice Greek experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karsten W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2 Wochen auf der wunderschönen Insel

Wir verbrachten 2 erholsame Wochen in der liebevoll gestalteten Villa Elli. Alles ist sehr gepflegt und von einem wunderschönen Garten umgeben. Mit dem Auto ist man in in max. 20 min an den schönen Stränden der Nordküste, zur Südküste sind es etwa 40 min. Zu Fuß nächsten erreicht man schnell die nächsten Tavernen und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten. Die Inhaberin wohnt gleich nebenan und ist bei Fragen oder Problemen schnell zur Stelle. Auch die Betreung durch die Agentur war hervorragend. Als kleiner Hinweis: die Straße direkt am Grundstück wird gern als Abkürzung genutzt und ist daher doch etwas mehr befahren , als erwartet ! ... und man sollte Katzen mögen ;) Alles in allem aber eine klare Empfehlung !
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

adam d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and comfortable, easy drive to many beaches and nature walks

Elli and the etouri team were fantastic. Communication leading up to arrival was timely, clear, and helpful. We arrived to a delicious meal prepared by Elli for 3 adults and 6 children, with leftovers. Thank you! The villa grounds are peaceful and beautiful, well kept. There was always a comfortable breeze. We enjoyed multiple sandy beaches with 10-20 minute drive, also drive to a wonderful southern beach 45 mins, and visited some museums (60 mins). Multiple grocery stores were close by, although need a car. We also very much enjoyed the day at the “beach club” arranges by the etouri team. Again, thank you! Note for those with allergies: there were tame cats on the property, which necessitated we close some of the doors during meal time. Our hosts were very accommodating and we are grateful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Johannes S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful villaat a nice location

We stayed in Villa Elli for two weeks with our two adult sons and the girlfriend of one of them. The villa is a very spacious traditional greek house with a very beautiful garden and swimming pool. The area is quiet and the location is excellent as starting point for numerous trips. When we arrived the fridge was already filled with some drinks, fruits and feta. The owner Elli is very friendly and cooked a delicious cake for us. A very nice place to eat is Giannikos Taverna in Prines. The owner is friendly and has plenty of touristic advices.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely villa, friendly reception

An absolutely lovely villa in a quiet, picturesque location. Miss Elli gave us a very warm welcome and made us feel totally at home. Thank you for a brilliant stay!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Christiane M.

Sehr schöne Villa, sehr netter und herzlicher Empfang

Wir verbrachten eine schöne Zeit in der Villa Elli. Die Mutter der Gastgeberin hat für uns griechisch gekocht, was super lecker war und uns sehr gefreut hat. Lediglich das Bett im zweiten Schlafzimmer mit 1,40 m Breite war uns zu klein.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Rachel E.

Beautiful Villa Elli

We arrived at beautiful Villa Elli to a nice welcome by Ms Elli The Villa was well equipped with kitchen utensils etc.. and nicely furnished. Travelling with 4 children never easy but we were glad there was something for all of them, great pool, Xbox , toys for my 3 year old which she loved! Ms Elli cooked us a lovely vegeatable dish grown from her garden which was so kind of her. We enjoyed sitting by the pool and at sunset enjoying a bbq. We also had a beautiful beach 10 minutes away to watch amazing sunsets! And visited a fabulous taverna near by which was recommended by Etouri My family loved their stay here, one thing I would recommend is a shower curtain! Especially when children are staying but I do miss sitting in the beautiful garden ! I would recommend !
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jesper T.

Skønt hus i landlige omgivelser

Det er et dejligt hus med fin plads til 5 personer. Skøn have og den sødeste vært. Vi fik endda serveret en god middag af havens grøntsager, som hun tilberedte på bedste vis til os. Lidt slidt hus - men rent og pænt. Tavernaen i Prines var bestemt også flere besøg værd.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

sarah g.

Characterful villa on a beautiful island

I have booked many holiday houses in the past and have had access to a nice house and perhaps a welcome pack, but little more than that. The Villa Elli was different. The house is owned by Mrs Stella and her family who live in the house next door. We were welcomed on arrival and had a beautiful vegetarian (our preference) meal made for us in the middle of the week that lasted us for three evening meals! We arrived late at night and were able to request that some food was left in the kitchen for us to eat at breakfast the next day. The family were discrete but were there if we needed anything. The other unique thing about this holiday was the the support provided by etouri. The company provided information in the run up to the holiday about family-friendly activities that I specified we would be interested in. They were in contact during the holiday and booked a boat trip to Preveli for us and also arranged access to the fantastic Baja beach club. The holiday provided accommodation in a traditional Cretan home with the support of a welcoming family and the knowledge and efficiency of etouri which made the whole experience very easy. I travelled with my husband, three children (9, 7 and 2) and my mother. The villa had lots of toys and inflatables for the pool to keep everyone entertained. The kitchen was well appointed with plenty of utensils. The bathroom didn’t have an easy to access shower which was a bit of a challenge for my mum (who has had a double knee replacement) but otherwise the villa was fantastic and I highly recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Wonderful family vacation.

A wonderful villa. Great location to explore Crete, or stay put & enjoy the pool and amazing garden. House is very comfortable and well-equipped. Outdoor veranda is lovely spot for meals & reading. Owner is so kind & generous - brought over the most amazing food for us. I will dream of those zucchini fritters for the rest of my life. Booking & check in were so easy. Really appreciated the attention & help in booking outings. Cannot recommend this property enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

Excellent 12 day stay at Villa Elli

We were a family of 5 (including a 2 and a half year old) and we had a great time at the villa. As advertised it is a traditional villa with lots of character and superb gardens that the two year old loved investigating and going on a 'bear hunt'. We arrived to a welcome pack of food and drink and were made to feel welcome our whole stay by Elli who even cooked us a superb lunch of traditional Cretan stuffed vegetables which was the best meal we had throughout the holiday. We were able to eat out on the terrace every lunchtime and evening we were at the villa and loved BBQ-ing and preparing food. The pool was a great success with lots of learning to swim for the young one and splashing for the grown ups. The only difficulty we had was arranging the shower head from the mixer taps to not soak the bathroom so perhaps a longer hose and fixing to one of the walls will resolve that. Other than that minor inconvenience we loved the whole holiday and our trips into Rethymnon and along the coast to the superb beaches and the drive into the mountains. We would heartily recommend staying at Villa Elli for a quiet and peaceful Cretan holiday
Stayed 11 nights in May 2018