F.A.Q

Is there a local contact person or property manager I can call in case of problems?

Cretevillas4u is your local team in Crete. If you need anything regarding the holiday villa or want to book extra services such as car rental, a chef, or other services, our team is here to help make your holidays in Crete an unforgettable experience.

How do I make a booking?

A deposit of 30% is required to secure the booking. There are three possible ways to confirm the booking, both online and offline. Visa/Mastercard: Once you choose to pay by credit card, you will be redirected to Alfa Bank’s secure website to complete the transaction. The accepted credit cards are Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners. Revolut: We can send you a link to pay via Revolut. You will then need to pay 30% of the total amount as a deposit to confirm your reservation. Bank Transfer: Once we receive your booking inquiry, we will email you the rental agreement right away, containing all the details needed to confirm the booking and make the deposit payment by bank transfer. Google Pay/Apple Pay: Once you choose to pay by credit card, you will be able to select Google Pay or Apple Pay, as long as your device supports these payment methods. In all of the above scenarios, the remaining balance must be paid approximately 4 weeks before your arrival date.

What is a villa?

A villa is a standalone vacation home that offers much more space and privacy than a hotel room. Think of it as your own private retreat with multiple bedrooms, living areas, and usually a pool. This makes it perfect for families or larger groups visiting Crete.

What is the function of a villa?

A villa gives you a home away from home during your Crete holiday. You'll have your own private space to relax, cook meals when you want, and spend quality time with your family and friends, without the constraints of hotel schedules. It’s also ideal for large groups, where people can enjoy their privacy while still being part of the group.

What is included in a villa?

Our vacation villas come fully equipped with kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and outdoor areas with pools. You'll also enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and often extras such as BBQ facilities, sun loungers, and stunning views of the Cretan landscape.

What is the cheapest day to book a holiday?

Booking mid-week, especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays, often gets you better rates. For the best value on holiday villas, book several months ahead to get the best prices. Also, consider visiting in spring or autumn, when prices are lower, but the weather is still beautiful. You will find fewer crowds but the same warm welcome from the people.

Why choose a villa holiday?

Villa holidays give you freedom and flexibility that hotels simply can't match. You can enjoy breakfast on your terrace overlooking the Cretan hills, any time you want, without rigid schedules. You can let the kids splash in your private pool without concerns about annoying other people. You can also explore the island at your own pace. Villa holidays are a much more relaxed way to experience Crete. It is the most rewarding holiday accommodation.

Are villa holidays expensive?

When you split the cost among your group, rental villas often work out to be similar to or even less than hotel rooms, and you get an entire property with a kitchen to save on dining out. The value and experience you get make it well worth it for an unforgettable Crete holiday. Also, remember that many hotel services, like breakfast, come at an extra cost, which can add up quickly.

Are hotels cheaper if you stay longer?

Both hotels and holiday rentals usually offer discounts for longer stays. With our Crete villas, extended bookings often come with better weekly rates, and you'll appreciate having your own space even more when staying for a week or two.

What is the best villa holiday?

The best villa holiday is the one that matches your travel style and the perfect place to spend it is Crete! Imagine waking up to sea views and olive groves, spending lazy days by your private pool, and then exploring beautiful villages, pristine beaches, and ancient sites. Crete is so large and diverse that you can easily find a villa near the main attractions that fits your holiday expectations. From cultural landmarks and mountain villages to wine and food experiences, there’s always something to discover. In the evening, return to your villa, take a swim, or prepare a BBQ under the stars, soaking in the very best of Crete. If anything, you’ll find yourself wishing you had more time to explore this incredible island!

What if I have complaints about my stay?

Your complaints only make us better. You are most welcome to communicate any complaints regarding your stay either directly to us.

How do villa holidays work?

It's simple! Browse our selection, book your favorite Crete villa, and we'll send you all the details you need. When you arrive, we'll welcome you, and your Crete holiday villa will be ready for you to enjoy. Our team is always available if you need anything during your stay.

What makes a villa a villa and not a house?

Villas in Crete are designed explicitly for holidaymakers. They are focused on features like pools, outdoor entertaining spaces, and gorgeous locations in Crete. They're finished to a higher standard, with more amenities than regular homes, and include everything you need for a perfect getaway.

What are villa fans called?

Villa enthusiasts or villa travelers! Once people experience the privacy and freedom of a rental villa holiday in Crete, they often become devoted fans who wouldn't vacation any other way.

What is a villa vs a townhouse?

A villa is a standalone property with its own private grounds, pool, and no shared walls. As such, it offers more privacy than a townhouse, which shares walls with neighbors and usually has less outdoor space.

Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Greece?

For most travelers, a villa offers a far richer experience in Greece. You get your own private pool, full kitchen, multiple rooms, and the freedom to live like a local. Hotels can feel restrictive, whereas a Crete villa gives you space, privacy, and the chance to create your own authentic Greek holiday. Our Crete villa rentals combine hotel-style comfort with the privacy of a holiday home. They combine the best of both worlds!

What are the best villa holidays in Greece?

Crete offers some of Greece's finest villa holidays. The island combines stunning beaches, rich history, and authentic culture with luxurious accommodations. Given Crete’s size, you can hop between Chania and its cosmopolitan charm, tranquil Rethymno, and the endless beaches of Elounda. Crete's villas offer an unbeatable Greek island experience.

What are the top real estate sites in Greece?

If you're looking to rent a villa for your holiday rather than buy property, it's best to work with specialized villa rental companies like Cretevillas4u.com, which know Crete intimately. We personally manage each property and can match you with the perfect villa for your needs, something general real estate sites can't offer.

Are villa holidays cheaper than hotels?

When traveling as a family or group, villas offer better value than booking multiple hotel rooms. As a bonus, you get a full kitchen to save on meals and much more space to spread out. The privacy, amenities, and overall experience make our villas an excellent choice for a high-quality holiday in Crete.

What are the disadvantages of a villa?

The main consideration is that you'll need to arrange your own meals unless you add catering services. Of course, many guests love the flexibility of a full kitchen. Some villas are also in quieter, more secluded locations. This is ideal if you want peace and quiet, but you may need a rental car to explore Crete's towns and attractions.

What is the best villa holiday?

The best villa holiday is the one that matches your travel style and the perfect place to spend it is Crete! Imagine waking up to sea views and olive groves, spending lazy days by your private pool, and then exploring beautiful villages, pristine beaches, and ancient sites. Crete is so large and diverse that you can easily find a villa near the main attractions that fits your holiday expectations. From cultural landmarks and mountain villages to wine and food experiences, there’s always something to discover. In the evening, return to your villa, take a swim, or prepare a BBQ under the stars, soaking in the very best of Crete. If anything, you’ll find yourself wishing you had more time to explore this incredible island!

Where do most foreigners live in Greece?

Many expats settle in Athens, Thessaloniki, or on islands such as Crete and Corfu. For your holiday, though, Crete's villas let you experience authentic local life in beautiful settings. You will find villas in both seaside villages and traditional mountain communities. We also have villas in lively towns and cities if you are looking for fun and fine dining.

Which is the cheapest Greek island to stay on?

Smaller, less-touristy islands can be budget-friendly, but Crete offers excellent value because it’s so large. You can find a wide range of accommodation options, affordable local tavernas, and reasonable car rental rates. You also get amazing experiences without the premium prices of more expensive Aegean islands, so that your villa holiday budget stretches further.

Do all villas have an official rental license?

All our managed Crete villas are properly licensed and meet Greek tourism regulations. We make sure that every property is fully legal, insured, and maintained to high standards. Cretevillas4u gives you peace of mind that you are booking through a reputable villa management company.

What are the normal changeover days and lengths of stay?

Most Crete villas have Saturday changeovers during peak summer season, with minimum stays typically of one week, but you should also ask property owners for a different arrangement. Outside the high season, we're often more flexible with mid-week arrivals and shorter stays. Just let us know your preferred dates, and we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Is the availability on your site real-time?

We keep our availability calendar as up to date as possible, though there may be a slight lag between bookings. For the most accurate, up-to-date information on your preferred dates and villas, contact us directly. We’ll confirm availability immediately.

Who manages the villa rentals?

We professionally manage each villa in our collection, acting as the bridge between property owners and guests. Our local team handles everything from bookings and maintenance to guest services and 24/7 support. Our goal is to make your Crete villa holiday a fantastic memory.

Are all the villas legal, with the proper licenses?

Yes, all our villas have a legal tourist license (EOT or AMA) to make your stay 100% legal and safe.

How can I book a villa on your site?

You can send a message through our website with the dates and number of guests, or email us. We will send you an offer with the total cost and a booking form. As we offer direct booking for your villa, we offer the most competitive prices for your holiday accommodation.

How much is the prepayment, and when do I pay the rest?

We require a 30% prepayment of your total stay cost to confirm your booking. The rest is usually paid 4 to 6 weeks before your arrival.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each listing has a cancellation policy, so that you know your options before you book your villa. Generally, you can cancel your booking 4 to 8 weeks before your arrival, and we will return 100% of your money. There is also the option of the ‘non-cancellation price’, which offers a discount on the normal villa rent.

What is your check-in / check-out policy?

Check-in is after 15:00 and check-out before 11:00 am, unless you have agreed otherwise with the property owner. We will give you clear instructions and maps 2 weeks before you arrive at the villa.

How do we find the villa when we arrive?

We send you a map with instructions (including Google Maps screenshots) approximately 14 days before your arrival. If there is a key safe, we will tell you where to find it.

How can I arrange for transfer to and from the airport?

We can help you with your airport transfer by taxi or private means. We can include this transfer in your villa booking.

What happens if something breaks down in the villa during my stay?

In case of damage, contact either the property owner or us (we give you their contact details). We will assess the damage and fix it as quickly as possible. 

How far is the nearest supermarket, restaurant, or pharmacy?

This depends on the villa's location. Sometimes guests need a car to access the nearest supermarket or pharmacy easily. While Crete is an island, it is fully equipped with all services and amenities, and you are always relatively near all necessities.

Are there popular attractions/sites near the villas (archaeological sites, beaches)?

Crete is packed with attractions, including picturesque towns, bustling towns, stunning archaeological sites, water sports facilities, and beaches. In fact, it’s practically impossible to visit the whole of Crete in one stay, so you will likely want to come back again.

Is it safe to rent a villa?

Renting through our managed service is absolutely safe. All our short-term rentals are licensed, insured, and vetted for quality and security. We provide secure booking processes, clear contracts, and local support throughout your stay, so you can relax knowing everything is properly handled and legitimate.

Do villas have a barbecue / outdoor dining area?

Our private pool villas in Crete are designed for guests looking for comfort, privacy, and easy indoor-outdoor living. Almost all villas have BBQ areas and outdoor dining areas, including outdoor kitchens and meal-prep areas. You can enjoy your meals under a pergola or at night, under the stars. We suggest you visit a farmers’ market to get fresh produce from the land and prepare amazing BBQs: that’s the quintessential Cretan experience!

Are the villas accessible by regular roads (or is a 4×4 needed)?

Even our most secluded villas are normally accessible by regular roads, so no need for a 4x4. We strongly suggest you rent a car to explore the island (which is very large) and discover all the beauty Crete has to offer.

What is the best time to visit Crete?

Crete shines year-round, but May through October offers the best beach weather with warm, sunny days. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal if you prefer smaller crowds and lower villa rates. You can hike, explore, walk, and ride a bike while still enjoying swimming. No matter the time of year, Crete is always beautiful!

When is the best time to rent a villa?

Book as early as possible for summer stays, ideally 6-12 months ahead, as the best Crete villas fill up quickly. For shoulder-season visits, 3-6 months' advance booking usually works well, and you may even find last-minute availability if you're flexible with dates.

How much does it cost to build a villa in Greece?

Building costs vary widely depending on size, location, and finishes, but that's not something most visitors need to worry about! When you rent one of our managed Crete villas, you get to enjoy all the luxury without any of the ownership responsibilities or costs. Our luxury villas in Crete offer private pools, sea views, and full amenities. They are ideal for guests looking for holiday rentals without the hassle of owning.

Does the villa’s roof/terrace get very hot in summer?

Our villas are modern and designed with the latest technologies, including roof insulation. In any case, all villas have air conditioning, so this shouldn’t be a concern during your stay.

Do the villas have air conditioning and heating?

All villas have air conditioning and heating, and some even have fireplaces for cozy, cool nights.

Are utilities (electricity, water) included in the price?

Yes, all utilities are included in the rental price.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do the villas have?

The villa descriptions on our Cretevillas4u website list the number of bedrooms and bathrooms available for each villa, along with the maximum number of guests allowed. This gives you a clear idea about how many people a villa can accommodate.

What is the maximum number of guests allowed in a villa?

Each villa has a maximum number of guests allowed, determined by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and other areas. We strongly recommend that you don’t exceed this limit without prior arrangement. 

How can I choose the right villa for me?

Assess your group size, budget, and what matters most: do you want to be close to the beach or are you looking for sea views? Do you prefer quiet countryside or busy town life? Once you know these basics, we have the right villas to match your Crete holidays. Remember that Crete is a very large island, so you have plenty of villa options!

Are the villas equipped with Wi-Fi / Internet?

Yes, all our villas are equipped with Wi-Fi and Internet. Many also have Netflix and other amenities to make your stay even more enjoyable. Our private villas are designed to make your holidays as relaxing and fun as possible.

What should I check before I book a villa in Crete?

Look at the villa's location and distance to beaches or towns, check what amenities are included, confirm the number of bedrooms and bathrooms fit your needs, and read previous guest reviews. Also, verify cancellation policies, what's provided (like linens and towels), and whether you'll need a car to get around.

Do I need a car to move around Crete?

We strongly suggest you rent a car, especially if the villa is secluded or in a quiet area. We can help you rent a car through reputable car rental companies.

Do the villas have a private pool?

Most villas at Cretevilla4u have private pools. You can enjoy your swim at any time of day, lounge in the sun, and relax in absolute seclusion and privacy. All our Crete villas for rent include modern comfort, private outdoor areas, and complete privacy. They are ideal for long-stays, short-term rentals, and luxury holidays. 

Is parking available on-site?

Most villas offer on-site parking, often for more than one car.

Do the villas have views (sea view, mountain view)?

Most of the villas are located in astonishing surroundings. Some are by the shore, others are on clifftops, overlooking the Aegean or the Libyan sea. Quite a few are nestled around endless olive groves and lush valleys. Many are near villages and traditional communities, and many are close to the main towns, namely Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion. Crete is a beautiful island, and you will easily discover a villa with breathtaking views.

Is the villa suitable for remote work (workspace, strong Wi-Fi)?

All villas have Wi-Fi, and most of them have a desk or dedicated workspace for guests to work during their stay. Check the villa description before you book to confirm the available space, especially if you need a dedicated, quiet workspace. For digital nomads and long-stay guests, we offer villas with high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and peace. You can negotiate with the owner for a long-term rental. 

Is there a backup generator or alternative power supply?

Some villas have backup generators, but the electricity supply is reliable in Crete.

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