Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach

Photo gallery for Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Flat-screen TV, fireplace, books
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Outdoor dining
Miscellaneous

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Apart-hotel

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7200 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Breakfast available
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

About this property

Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach

*The Private Unique Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla.

An Overview of the Coastal Vista Home
Tucked in the charming village of Sfakaki, just steps from the crystal-clear waters of Crete, Christina Villa I is part of an exclusive holiday complex featuring three independent villas. This villa is a serene retreat, nestled amidst lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere. Whether lounging by the private pool, relaxing on the shaded terraces, or enjoying the green lawns, this villa is the perfect haven for sun-filled relaxation. Nestled within walking distance of sandy beaches, charming shops, and traditional tavernas, and just a short drive from Rethymno Town, Christina Villa I offers the perfect blend of convenience and seclusion—an ideal base for exploring Crete or retreating to your own private haven.

*Christina Villa I is part of the “Christina Villas” complex, and as such, some outdoor areas may be overlooked.

External Living | 32m² Pool, charcoal BBQ & Outdoor Bliss
The outdoor area of Christina Villa I invites guests to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine. The villa features a private 32m² swimming pool (1,50m depth, non-heated), surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, perfect for leisurely afternoons. A shaded terrace featuring a charcoal BBQ and outdoor sink creates a charming spot for al fresco dining, while the expansive lawn, dotted with vibrant flowers and trees, offers a perfect playground for children. As an added bonus, the villa shares a dedicated playground with two other villas, featuring a slide, swing, and playhouse—perfect for family-friendly fun. For added convenience, the villa provides on-site parking for one car, making it easy to explore the surrounding area at your leisure. Just outside the villa, guests will discover a wealth of nearby attractions, including sandy beaches, inviting restaurants, cozy tavernas, and well-stocked supermarkets—all within easy walking distance. The lively neighborhood provides everything you need for a relaxed and convenient stay, making a car unnecessary for enjoying the best of the area.

Internal Living | Beds & Baths
Christina Villa I features a spacious 200m² indoor area, thoughtfully designed to blend modern comfort with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Inside the villa, guests will find a welcoming living room with comfortable sofas and a 55” Smart TV, a nearby dining area complete with an open fireplace, and a fully equipped open-plan kitchen. The living room opens onto a veranda with a seating area, while just a few steps down lead to the pool terrace, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Spanning two floors, the villa features three beautifully styled bedrooms and two modern bathrooms with hydromassage shower columns, comfortably accommodating up to 7 guests – 6 guests sleep in real beds, while 1 additional guest can be accommodated on a folding bed, which can be placed in one of the bedrooms. With its carefully designed layout and luxurious touches, Christina Villa I provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway, effortlessly blending practicality and style for an unforgettable stay.

Ground Floor | Inviting Living Room Area with a 55" Smart TV, featuring an adjacent Dining Area with a welcoming fireplace • Open-plan Fully Equipped Kitchen • Twin Bedroom with two single beds (0,90x2,00) - can be joined to form a king size bed upon request, offering 43” Smart TV & large windows for natural sunlight • Shared Bathroom enhanced with a Shower Column featuring Hydromassage functions.


First Floor | Bedroom with King Size bed (1,80x2,00) featuring a 43” Smart TV & direct access to a balcony with a comfortable seating area • Twin Bedroom with two single beds (0,90x2,00) - can be joined to form a king size bed upon request offering 43” Smart TV & direct access to a balcony with a comfortable seating area • Shared Bathroom enhanced with a Shower Column featuring Hydromassage functions.

Your Home Stay Includes
Welcome basket included, courtesy of the owner • Housekeeping, towels, and linen changes every four days • Pool and garden cleaning twice per week • Baby Cot & High Chair are available upon request.

Practicalities
There is secure parking space at the Villa’s premises for 1 car • The property is well-equipped with: Fridge with freezer, Electric stove with oven, Nespresso Machine (capsules), Filter Coffee Machine, Kettle, Toaster, Juice Maker, Food Processor (Multi), Microwave, Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Iron & Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, First Aid Kit, Smoke Detector, Fire Extinguisher.

Mod Cons
High-quality bath towels and pool towels are available • Bathroom Amenities are available • Air-conditioning in all areas is included & serves for heating purposes also • Indoor area 200m² • Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the villa • Outdoor BBQ facilities (charcoal) • Outside shaded dining area & outdoor sink • Private Swimming Pool 32m² (1,50m depth, non-heated) • Outdoor shared (between the villas of the complex) Playground featuring a playhouse, swing, slide and toys • Pets are not allowed • Events are not allowed • Smoking is allowed only outdoors • Pre stock service available upon request (additional service fee applies) • Pool operates seasonally (end of March - middle of November) • 24h/7days ThinkVilla concierge service included.

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Location Overview - Meet Sfakaki area in Rethymno

TO SEE: Christina Villas are located in the charming village of Sfakaki, a popular seaside resort near Rethymno. Just a 5-minute walk from the villas, the long, sandy beach is known for being a nesting site of the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles - an endangered species - and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports nearby. Within reach, Panormo offers a quaint harbour, seaside tavernas, and quiet beaches, while Perama provides shops and dining. Melidoni Cave, a fascinating historic site, is only 20 minutes away. A 15-minute drive leads to Rethymno's Old Town with its Venetian architecture and lively atmosphere. Highway access makes day trips to Chania, Heraklion, and Lasithi effortless for travellers to experience Crete to its core and visit magical spots.

TO DINE: Sfakaki village & nearby areas offer a wonderful selection of tavernas and beach bars, where guests can savour traditional Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Just a short walk from the villas, there are several restaurants serving freshly prepared local dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner. Additionally, a variety of cafes and bars along the coast provide relaxed settings for coffee or evening drinks. For more dining options, Stavromenos and Skaleta (a 5-minute drive) offer even more choices, including butcher shops, pharmacies and more. Rethymno’s Old Town, a short 15-minute drive, is home to a range of high-quality restaurants and cafes that offer both local and international cuisine.

TO EXPLORE: Beyond the beaches, the Sfakaki area is a gateway to Crete's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the rustic villages and breathtaking landscapes around the nearby Stavromenos and Skaleta areas. Visit Margarites village and its pottery shops, allowing travellers a fresh taste of Crete and warmth. Rethymno, with its Venetian architecture, ancient fortresses, and charming streets, is just a short drive away, offering endless opportunities for exploration, while for a deeper dive into Cretan history, visit the ancient ruins of Eleutherna, about a 20-minute drive from the villa. The nearby prefectures of Chania, Heraklion, and Lasithi are perfect for day trips, where you can discover stunning beaches, historical sites, and traditional villages. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking in the Samaria Gorge or visiting the Palace of Knossos, Crete's diverse regions are easily accessible by car from Christina Villas.

Out & About
Sfakaki Beach: 600 meters | 5 minutes walking distance
Supermarket, Restaurants & Bars: 800 meters | 8 minutes walking distance
Rethymno Port & Old Town: 10 km | 15 minutes driving distance
Heraklion International Airport: 73 km | 1 hour & 5 minutes driving distance
Chania International Airport: 78 km | 1 hour & 15 minutes driving distance

*Car Rental is recommended to fully explore Crete’s hidden gems, authentic villages, and secluded beaches. We’re happy to assist with your arrangements to make your journey unforgettable.

Property manager

Valia Kokkinou

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Massages

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Onsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Espresso maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Blender
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower/tub combination
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite service
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Terrace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking only allowed outdoors

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Cave exploring nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2153 sq ft (200 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 23

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Supervision of children is your responsibility.

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Property Registration Number 1041Κ91003191101

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Rethymno, Crete

What's nearby

  • Rethimno Kart - 2 min drive
  • Platanes Beach - 3 min drive
  • Spilies Beach - 10 min drive
  • Rethymnon Venetian Port - 11 min drive
  • Fortezza Castle - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport (CHQ) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Coffee Stop - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Paprica - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Paraplous - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Taverna Kechagias - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Cafe Greco - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach located?

This family-friendly Rethymno aparthotel is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Rethimno Kart and Platanes Beach. Blue Beach and Spilies Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Christina Villa I, Steps to Sandy Beach Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Neena R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Crete holiday
The villa was immaculate, very clean, excellent amenities. Staff friendly and helpful
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B., Philadelphia, PA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Gorgeous
We had a wonderful stay. The villa looks brand new. Beautifully decorated, it has everything you need. Full kitchen. Amazing, spacious bathrooms. Comfortable beds. Super clean. The pool is quite large, about 1.5m deep throughout and you could swim short laps maybe 10m. It's about 15-20 minutes from Rethymno which is a great town to explore... hundreds of restaurants. Even more shops and bars. That said, there's not much near the villa. You could walk to the beach but we didn't. Demetres is a good taverna nearby and Top Market was an excellent supermarket with everything we needed from dishwasher soap to fresh veggies. A few good sites to visit nearby by car. AC works great although you really didn't need it after sundown. Wifi was good on the first floor but didn't reach to the upstairs bedrooms. Communication was okay. The host uses a service which is quite responsive and multilingual to answer all kinds of general questions. But we had a harder time communicating with the host directly for check-in/out. Location for trash and payment of the ECO tax (why they can't wrap that 10.50EUR (for the week) into the rate, I'll never understand--it's true throughout Greece, not an issue with the villa.)
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diego N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful villa
Very nice villa. Good location even without a car Clean, nice pool. I would recommend, and I would definitely go back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

stuart g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Overall the property and location of the villa was very nice. When we eventually got in to the villa ( we had trouble with mobile signal and wasn’t sure who to contact) we was greeted by the owners who were very nice and always at hand if we needed anything. There was a lack of communication between Vrbo, think villa and the owners as we were told that a meal would be waiting for us that didn’t arrive but the owners did leave fruit and water which was nice. The shop, restaurants and beach were close by and local bus service every half hour into Rethymno was good although busy at times. If I was to leave feedback I would say it would be good to leave a folder at the villa with map and local information and phone numbers for taxis and various things as other villas we have stayed in do. Also may be a parasol to cover some of the pool would be nice in the midday sun. Very nice stay overall and we would stay again.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Andy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great villa, lovely pool and gardens
The villa itself is very spacious inside, several balconies, two bathrooms, three bedrooms, large kitchen/lounge/diner. The pool is well kept (there's an oudoor kitchen too) - only downside is that there's not as much space around the pool for loungers as we might have liked so feels a little squashed in. Location is on a quiet road, which itself is a few hundred hards back from the main east-west highway. This is useful for getting out and about in the car easily, but does mean you have to cross under the subway if you want to walk anywhere.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Really impressed with the villa, lovely time, definitely need a car though! Thoroughly enjoyed Crete!

8/10 Good

Geoff T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great villa
Lovely villa in a quiet location. The villa is big, clean and has been well looked after, with a helpful property manager within the complex. The pool is private and a decent size. Sfakaki is quieter than we would have liked, but we found everyone very friendly. There are only a handful of restaurants, but all were of a decent standard. We only found one supermarket, which was pretty expensive. A car isn't essential, as you can walk to the beach and restaurants, but might be useful for a change of scene. The bus service is pretty regular, but very busy at times, especially coming back from Rethymno. Overall, very happy with our holiday. We wouldn't rebook due to the quiet location, but if you're looking for a bit of peace and quiet, or are happy to drive, this would be perfect.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

4/10 Poor

Phillip C.

2 star & not good value for the money.
I was disappointed with the quality of beds, cutlery,crockery,glassware and kitchenware. The location , set in a semi-industrial/agricultural are,was not what I expected off a 5 star rated villa rental. Neighbours barking dogs and traffic noise from nearby Highway was invasive. The villa offers a lovely swimming pool and garden. Guests with children and less athletic adults should be aware of very slippery steps when wet. Parking for 2 cars is not ideal. Overall I did not rate the property as ' good value for the money '.
Stayed 15 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Week of peace
Super villa, super location, super place Villa spacious and well appointed, outside facilities first class. Local village has good choice of restaurants and bars with great entertainment. Easy bus link to other attractions so no car needed. Only criticism is the beds - very uncomfortable get them changed and you have a 10/10 holiday villa. That aside would i stay again ? YES !!

10/10 Excellent

george m.

Great experience
The house is great! I loved staying in a small village community with easy access to a larger town 15 minutes away. The property is easily accessible to public transportation, tavernas , and the beach .

8/10 Good

Amarjit K.

Good
We enjoyed our stay at villa Chrisi Mr kostas was there waiting for us when we arrived and made us feel very welcome. The villa was very nice and spacious, pool was great the only thing is the beds weren't very comfortable. Beach was nearby and it is only 30 minute bus ride to retthymon town. Adriana restaurant do great food and reasonable priced.

8/10 Good

Katrina N.

Lovely property plenty of space
We have just returned from a lovely stay in this apartment. It was spacious for our large group and lovely garden and great outside seating are for meals and BBQ. Owner was really helpful when we needed anything and come to find us when our gps took us slightly wrong way. Only criticism is the pool, very cold and very deep for young children. To be able to use the pool you need to be a good swimmer, we had 3 children, 3,5 And 8. Unfortunately the youngest never ventured in as too scared of the depth, which kind of put a dampener on the villa as I felt he missed out. Also the other kids couldn't relax too much as they were not very strong swimmers so needed lots of assistance, we spent a lot of time out as we found a great beach with pool and bar Goldbeach, the owner was lovely and the pool was amazing for the kids. You didn't have to be staying to use it just have drinks or food etc. Would return to this villa if the pool was a lot less deep. Wonderful island, with friendly people.

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

Great Crete home
This is a great home for a stay in Crete. It was pretty much as advertised. I will tell you that the beach walk is a wee bit further than we expected, but it is within a :10 walk from the house. It is a sandy beach, but on both sides it is rocky and great for snorkeling. The house is spacious, well appointed, yard is great, pool has plenty of room. We spent a ton of time on the back deck. We were 4 adults and 2 children, and we had plenty of room. Local shopping and restaurants were wonderful. I will warn that the beds are IKEA beds and maybe not the most comfortable for a long stay :) Otherwise, great property, great owners, highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2015

10/10 Excellent

Daniela P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tolle Villa
Tolle Villa, sehr gute Ausstattung. Etwas abgelegen, allerdings sehr nahe an Hauptstraße, weshalb man mit einem Mietwagen kaum Probleme hat.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Volker V.

Prima Unterkunft, alles perfekt
nur das Örtchen ist ein Durchfahrdorf.

8/10 Good

Mohamed Z., Algérie

Séjour très agréable à Sfakaki village très paisible et non envahi parien les touristes.
La villa Christi était confortable et spacieuse et Kostas très aimable toujours souriant et disponible. M.Zidane
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Die Villa war insgesamt in einem sehr guten Zustand. Küchenausstattung könnte umfangreicher sein.
Die Villa liegt in der Nähe der viel befahrenen Küstenstraße. Den Verkehrslärm hört man in der oberen Etage vor allem dann, wenn der Wind entsprechend steht. Der Strand ist eher einfach und ein Kiesstrand mit Felsen im Wasser, Sand kommt eher wenig vor. Wer zu einem "richtigen Sandstrand" auch mit einigen touristischen Angeboten will, muss ca. 3-5 km fahren, entweder mit dem häufig fahrenden Bus oder PKW. Wer einen einsamen Strand zum geniessen der Sicht will, wird diesen in Villa-Nähe finden.

10/10 Excellent

Francois B.

Très belles résidences dans quartier privé proche de la mer et à 2 pas de Rethymnon
Nous avons été très bien accueilli lors de notre arrivée. Nous avons eu droit à une corbeille de fruits, des roses et du jus de fruit à notre arrivée. L'entretien était au delà de nos attentes : la maison était lavée de fond en comble et le linge remplacé 2 fois par semaine, le jardin et la piscine entretenus tous les jours. Le tout par des gens souriants, forts sympathiques et très serviables. La maison est très bien située : 2 pas de la mer à pied et à mi chemin de tous les sites interressarts : Rethymnon, ouest , est et sud de la Crête. La maison ne manque de rien au niveau du confort. Vacances parfaites quoi... Merci à monsieur Kostas pour sa gentillesse et pour tous les gens qui étaient dans la propriété. Cette adresse est à retenir !!
Stayed 15 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Arno W.

Hervorragend sauber und gepflegte Villen, wie wir es zuvor bei vielen Anmietungen noch nie erlebten!
We found that you have chosen the most beautiful villa for us. Many thanks. The villas, pools and gardens are incredibly clean and well maintained. Kostas and his family are extremely courteous and helpful. We felt very comfortable here and we are very sorry that our holiday ends soon. Pity.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2016