Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views
Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat is a private, 98m² traditional stone villa built on a hillside inside a private olive grove. Because of its elevated position, it offers unobstructed, panoramic views of the city of Heraklion from above, the Aegean Sea, Dia Island, and the Psiloritis mountain range.
The property is situated 15 minutes from the Palace of Knossos, 20 minutes from Heraklion city center and the airport, and 10 minutes from Archanes village.
The Villa Experience: The high-speed Starlink satellite internet makes remote work seamless, and the authentic stone architecture keeps the indoor climate naturally balanced. The 4 distinct outdoor terraces allow everyone to find their own space, whether for outdoor dining, relaxing on the hammock, or using the telescope for clear stargazing under the night sky.
Premium Hillside Location: Its elevated hillside position inside a private olive grove grants 100% complete privacy while delivering unobstructed, panoramic views of the city of Heraklion from above, the Aegean Sea, Dia Island, and the Psiloritis mountain range.
The location bridges history, gastronomy, and nature. You are 15 minutes from the Palace of Knossos and 20 minutes from Heraklion's city and airport. Food and wine enthusiasts are just 10 minutes away from the traditional tavernas and world-class wineries of the Archanes wine region.
Walking & Cycling Access The nearby country roads lead directly into the olive groves and the protected Fourni forest, which offers excellent hiking trails and serene nature views. Two complimentary bicycles are provided at the villa specifically for exploring these local trails and scenic routes.
Layout & Bedding Configuration The villa features a traditional multi-level layout with 4 private outdoor terraces.
Bedroom 1: Queen bed, A/C, closed-door privacy.
Bedroom 2: Queen bed, A/C, closed-door privacy.
Bedroom 3 (Traditional Ontas): Open-plan mezzanine loft over the living area with 1 single bed, A/C, a dedicated desk/workspace, and a library.
Bathroom 1 : full bathroom Bathroom 2 : with a walk-in shower
Kitchen: Full cooking setup including a dishwasher, Nespresso machine, drip coffee maker, touster, jucer, microwave oven, blender .
Amenities & Utilities Internet: High-speed Starlink satellite connection (suitable for remote work and video conferencing).
Entertainment: Smart TV with active Netflix and Disney+ , board games, and a telescope for stargazing.
Outdoor Space: Fenced garden, charcoal BBQ with outdoor dining furniture, sun loungers, and a hammock, 2 complimentary bicycles provided for local road cycling.
Property Policies Privacy: Complete exclusive use of the villa, garden, and parking. The estate contains two villas, but they are fully separated by a physical boundary fence and have independent gated entrances.
House Rules: Indoor smoking, pets, parties, and unauthorized outside visitors are prohibited.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Kindly make sure all air conditioning units are turned off and all windows are closed before checking out.
You may find large waste bins either in the village of Kato Archanes or near the forest of Fourni. Blue bins are for recycling, and green bins are for general waste.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 1039Κ911K0349800
Property # 11056469
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Archanes-Asterousia
Located in Archanes-Asterousia, this villa is in a rural area and near theme parks. Geoponikos Kipos and Public Gardens of Iraklion reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Natural History Museum of Crete and Watercity Waterpark. Travelling with kids? Consider Dinosauria Park and Labyrinth Park. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
Knossos Archaeological Site - 9 min drive - 5.7 km
Lyrarakis - 10 min drive - 6.9 km
Boutari - 10 min drive - 6.9 km
Minos-Miliarikis Winery - 14 min drive - 9.5 km
Getting around
Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis) - 18 min drive
Restaurants
Μωσαϊκο Family and Friends - 12 min drive
Κρητικός Φούρνος
Κρητικός Φούρνος
Αρμενάκης (Armenakis Greek & Cretan Restaurant) - 14 min drive
Minotavros - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views?
As of 13 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views on 7 December 2026 start from NZ$652, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Fyllosia Villa by Cretan Retreat: Private Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views located?
This family-friendly Archanes-Asterousia villa is located in the mountains, 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Palace of Knossos and Manos Hatzidakis Theatre. Knossos Archaeological Site and Shrine at Anemospilia are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was the best experience we could ever have imagined. Property manager was wonderful. Such a nice man who was so welcoming and helpful. The property was just beautiful, better than the pictures represented. Couldn’t have had a better 50th anniversary.
Imagine a beautiful gated private family home on an elevated site full of olive and fruit trees where you can look out over all of Heraklion and the Mediterranean from the upper patio. If you prefer to stay outside Heraklion, just a few minutes from Knossos, this is the perfect place to stay. The house is beautifully and fully furnished with all that anyone could ask for. It is clean and looks like it was built 2 years ago, although in fact it was built in 1996. The owner is a friendly and warm person and the refrigerator was full of items we needed. If you are fortunate to find this property available for your dates, look no further and grab it. Just arrive using the driving instructions from the manager, drop your stuff and head into Heraklion for lunch at Peskesis, just a block from the easy Central Parking lot. The Heraklion Archaeoleogical Museum is a short walk away even though we missed it after a long lunch, as it closes at 3:30pm. Everything about our stay was perfect and I don't think we have ever been more comfortable. If I could think of anything critical to say, I would. There is simply no room for improvement...what an unexpected and greatly appreciated pleasure! If I were staying for a month and touring Crete by car, this house would be the perfect base as it is so comfortable. Thank you, Minas, for having us as guests and treating us so well! Also, thank you for all of the excellent restaurant suggestions!
Nous avons adoré notre sejour à la villa, elle est magnifique, exactement comme sur les photos. L'exterieur et la vue en vallent aussi la peine. Que dire de l'hôte , il offre une superbe accueil, il nous a fait de bonne suggestion d'activité a faire durant notre sejour.
Nancy S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 September 2024
Dear Ms. Nancy,
I were so pleased to read your wonderful review of Villa Fyllosia! Your kind words about our villa, its amenities, and the surrounding area mean a lot to me.
It's our mission to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience, and your positive feedback confirms that we're on the right track.
Thank you for choosing Villa Fyllosia for your stay.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.
Sincerely,
Minas Filippakis
About the host
Hosted by Minas Filippakis
My name is Minas Filippakis and I was born and raised in the city of Heraklion in Crete, Greece. As a chef for 20+ years, I have always enjoyed meeting new people, hearing their stories, and offering my guests soul-filling delicious experiences . I am passionate about hospitality and I am looking forward to meeting with you.
Why they chose this property
This house is magical, you lose track of time living here. It was my house for 10 years until now and I can tell you I had great experiences living here. It's cozy and quiet, and you have all the modern amenities in the countryside environment. Every day you wake up unstressed and relaxed you hear the singing of birds that makes you think positively about your day's decisions. And let's not forget the sunset, it's something from a Hollywood movie. Also, relaxing with a good glass of wine and a nice bbq dinner is bliss. Also if you need a small adventure you can visit the forest Fourni 2 km away for a hike. You can also find many things to do like visiting taverns, restaurants, open cinema, museums, wineries and many other things near buy at the village Archanes that is 1,5km away.
What makes this property unique
Living in Villa Fyllosia you have the benefit of living in a friendly, comfortable quiet place with all the amenities that you have back home and having almost everything close to you but at a more convenient distance. Everything is a short drive away. Just 5 minutes away is the Archanes village, one of Crete's most beautiful and colorful villages, and also within a 10 minutes distance from the Knossos Palace. Heraklion city is also 20 minutes away. You get the benefit of having everything close by while enjoying tranquil moments immersed in nature.